Certification Process

Become a member of a CPSP chapter

• Complete the form with your data on the “Joining CPSP” page.

• Make the initial dues payment online.

• Establish your login and password to access the “Members Only” area of the website.

Establish your readiness for certification.

• Request that your chapter convener assist in identifying a mentor to support your progress toward certification.

• Meet with your mentor regularly to ensure an understanding of the certification process.

• Review the Certification Rubric that pertains to the certification you seek.

• Discuss the competencies pertaining to the certification you seek with your mentor and other certified members.

• Proactively use chapter meetings to present case materials and drafts of the autobiography and theory paper and seek feedback.

• When you and your mentor agree that your materials demonstrate your proficiency in the competencies for the certification you seek, contact your convener to schedule a Chapter Certification Consultation.

Chapter Certification Consultation – Preparation 

• Return to your Certification Application and update your data and academic and clinical training experience; confirm the chapter name and convener’s contact information for the chapter that will conduct your certification consultation.

• Email your application and supporting documents (one PDF) to the Certification Chair, Dr. Pothin Ngyele (pngyele@gmail.com).

Chapter Certification Consultation

• Participate in the scheduling of your Chapter Certification Consultation.

• If meeting virtually, arrange a time and space in which you can be free from interruptions and distractions and have reliable internet service.

• Review your documents the night before as if preparing for an important interview – for this is.

• Use the consultation process with the chapter like a dress rehearsal for the certification review panel to follow (in two months or more).

• Take notes on the questions proposed and feedback offered by chapter members.

• Following the conclusion of the consultation, review the feedback form in detail; consider how to revise your written work, if needed, to communicate your competence more effectively.

• Register for your certification review panel on the Events page. 

If the Chapter Declines to Recommend You for Certification

• Reengage with your mentor and chapter to remediate areas of perceived weakness.

• Meet with your mentor regularly to ensure an understanding of the certification process.

• Review the Certification Rubric that pertains to the certification you seek.

• Discuss the competencies pertaining to the certification you seek with your mentor and other certified members.

• Proactively use chapter meetings to present case materials and drafts of the autobiography and theory paper and seek feedback.

• When you and your mentor agree that your materials demonstrate your proficiency in the competencies for the certification you seek, contact your convener to schedule a Chapter Certification Consultation.

Certification Review Panel

• Complete payment of the required certification fee.

• Review your documents in their final form and the chapter’s feedback from their certification consultation. Be prepared to demonstrate continuing proficiency growth.

• Continue to monitor your e-mail following the application deadline for the review panel for which you have registered; you should receive notice of your scheduled meeting about two weeks after the application deadline.

• When you receive your appointment to meet with the review panel, reply to confirm the appointment. 

• If meeting virtually, arrange a time and space in which you can be free from interruptions and distractions and have reliable internet service. Practice using the conferencing application for your certification review.

Recognition

• Allow two months for the Executive Chapter to approve recommendations for certification; check your listing in the Directory to confirm its posting.

• Review the Events page to plan your attendance at the Plenary.

• Register for the Plenary on the Events page. 

• Request your certificate; pay the certificate fee.

• Certificates are awarded at the Plenary, usually on the event's last night. (See event schedule for details.)