How to Pass the NCTRC Test and Become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) 2025
The NCTRC Test 2025 is an important step in becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). Passing this exam proves that you have the education, experience, and professional qualifications to be a CTRS.
This exam is a three-hour computer-based examination that contains 150 multiple-choice questions. It covers theories and concepts including human development stages, human behavior theories and principles, health and human services, group dynamics and leadership, regulation, practice settings, standards of practice, code of ethics, and professional requirements.
Free NCTRC Practice Test Online
NCTRC Questions and Answers
What is therapeutic recreation?
In order to address the evaluated requirements of people with illnesses and/or debilitating conditions and promote their psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being, a systematic procedure known as recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation is used.
How long does it take to become a recreational therapist?
It takes about two years to complete this training to become a recreational therapist. In addition to psychology and physiology classes, students can expect to take anatomy courses. Additionally frequently featured are dance, music, and other fine arts. Sports and coaching fitness classes are also frequently offered as electives in this kind of program.
What education is required to be a recreational therapist?
A bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy or in recreation and fitness is often required for recreational therapists. Programs in recreational therapy involve lessons in psychology, human anatomy, and physiology. The majority of bachelor’s degree programs include an internship.
What are the requirements to be a recreational therapist?
Although entry-level positions for recreational therapists are available with an associate’s degree, most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation.
What is the primary reason for therapeutic recreation programs?
To enhance the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
How much do therapeutic recreation make?
As of January 26, 2025, the average recreational therapist salary in the United States is $60,852.
How to become a certified therapeutic recreation specialist?
Only a few jurisdictions have laws requiring certification by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) in order to become a therapeutic recreation (TR) specialist. A bachelor’s degree or extensive work experience in recreational therapy are prerequisites for taking the exam (RT). The abilities and credentials required to succeed in this field are possessed by certified therapeutic recreation experts (CTRS). A master’s degree is another option, as is specializing in a particular branch of recreational therapy.
How to get a recreational therapist certification?
NCTRC awards the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential following the completion of the required educational and professional requirements.
Is therapeutic recreation a good career?
According to a Career Explorer research on job satisfaction, recreational therapists rank in the top 37% of all professions with an average job happiness rating of 3.4 out of 5.
What can I do with a therapeutic recreation degree?
Graduates with a therapeutic recreation (TR) degree work in institutions like hospitals, senior living communities, prisons, schools, and community centers that cater to the needs of people with developmental, emotional, mental health, and psychiatric problems.
What is the difference between therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy?
The use of recreation and other activity-based interventions to meet the assessed needs of people with illnesses and/or disabling conditions is known as recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation. It is a systematic process that promotes psychological and physical health, recovery, and well-being.
What is therapeutic recreation degree?
Offering recreational programs intended to enhance or sustain patients’ and consumers’ physical, emotional, mental, and social functioning is the profession of therapeutic recreation.
What jobs can you get with a therapeutic recreation degree?
‥ Recreational Therapist/Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
‥ Certified Activity Professionals/Activity Director.
‥ Supervisor of Recreation Therapy Practice.
‥ Assistant or Worker in Recreation Therapy.
‥ Entrepreneur in Therapeutic Recreation.
‥ Employee/Workplace Wellness Coordinator.
Why is therapeutic recreation important?
Recreational therapy can be a very effective kind of therapy for people who are struggling with their physical, emotional, or mental health. Recreational therapy can aid in skill restoration, mood improvement, quality of life improvement, and social connection strengthening.
Where do therapeutic recreation specialists work?
Hospitals, nursing homes, government parks and recreation agencies, as well as other contexts, employ recreational therapists. Most people have full-time jobs.
NCTRC Practice Exam
A NCTRC practice exam is an online tool that allows you to test your knowledge on a series of real questions. It is a great way to get familiar with the exam and improve your chances of passing.
The NCTRC exam is offered six times a year and tests applicants’ knowledge on a wide range of patient illnesses and standard industry practices. Taking the exam will help you demonstrate that you have the education and experience to provide quality recreational therapy services.
You can take the exam in English, Spanish for Latin Americas and Canadian French. It is a 3-hour exam with 150 questions, some of which are non-scored and do not affect your final score.
The NCTRC exam is a complex test with many different content areas. These areas include foundational knowledge, community inclusion services, developmental disabilities, geriatrics, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pediatrics.
NCTRC Exam Study Guide
The NCTRC Test is an important part of the process of becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. This exam is used by many accredited organizations, federal agencies, and employers to assess a potential professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of recreational therapy.
It is a three-hour exam that includes 150 multiple-choice questions and is administered six times a year. The test is designed to assess a potential CTRS’s foundational knowledge of disabling conditions, as well as standard industry practices.
A comprehensive NCTRC test study guide is essential for anyone studying for this exam. Mometrix Test Preparation’s NCTRC Test Study Guide is packed with the critical information that you need to succeed on your NCTRC test: concepts, procedures, principles, and vocabulary that the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification expects you to have mastered before sitting for the exam.
The guide is based on a logical, organized layout that naturally flows from one section to the next. It also contains specific, detailed information that will help you learn the skills you need to pass your NCTRC exam on the first try.
How Hard Is The NCTRC Exam
If you are a fitness professional who wants to get your CTRS certification, you will need to pass the NCTRC Test. This exam is a 150-question, computer-based assessment that takes about three hours to complete.
The exam is based on six main categories: Foundational Knowledge, Assessment Process, Documentation, Implementation, Administration of TR/RT service, and Advancement of the Profession. It is offered 6 times a year and has a two-week registration period.
You can register online at the NCTRC website. You will also need to submit a professional eligibility application fee of $125.
The NCTRC test is three hours long and contains 150 multiple-choice questions. The scaled score ranges from 20 to 95 with a pass rate of 55 and above.
NCTRC Exam Pass Rate
The NCTRC Test is a comprehensive assessment of an applicant’s knowledge and skills as an aspiring therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). It is offered six times a year as a computer-based exam. The three-hour evaluation consists of 150 multiple choice questions.
The CTRS credential is a professional benchmark that many accredited organizations and federal agencies utilize. In addition, some states require this certification as a requirement for licensure.
Upon successful completion of the NCTRC exam, you’ll be a certified recreational therapist (CTRS). This credential is a great way to add value and professionalism to your resume.
While the exam isn’t easy, a thorough study plan and adequate preparation can help you pass on your first try. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for your exam:
In order to prepare for the NCTRC Test, you should use a study manual that covers the core concepts and principles. This guide will give you all the information you need to succeed on your exam.
NCTRC Exam Dates
The NCTRC test is offered six times a year and is available to qualified candidates only. This exam is designed to test the knowledge of applicants on a wide variety of patient illnesses and standard industry practices.
The exam has 150 questions, a 3-hour time limit and a scaled scoring system. A score of 55 and above will automatically indicate a passing grade.
If you are interested in testing, you can use the NCTRC Professional Eligibility Application to register for the exam. Once you meet the requirements, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) number that will allow you to schedule a date and time for your exam with Prometric.
NCTRC also offers testing accommodations for candidates with documented professionally diagnosed disabilities. This is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Canadian provincial disability laws.
If you have a disability that requires testing accommodation, please read the Permissible Items document and follow the appropriate testing accommodation request process. The exam administrator will notify you if an accommodation is needed. You can then submit the appropriate paperwork with your exam fee.
Best Way To Study For NCTRC Exam
The NCTRC Test is an important part of the process of becoming a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. It is a 150-item computer-based examination that takes up to three hours to complete.
Getting a passing score requires the right amount of study and preparation. However, there are a few ways that you can make your studies easier.
Tip #1: Get a good study guide and set of flashcards to help you learn. Some people study better a certain way, and a study guide or flashcards will help you focus on the material that is most important to you.
Another great way to study for the NCTRC test is by taking practice tests. These tests are designed to mimic the real exam and can give you a good idea of which areas you need to study more. You can even find online practice exams from credible websites like Prometric. They are free and give you a better idea of what to expect on the actual exam.
NCTRC Exam Application
If you’re looking to become a certified recreational therapist (CTRS), you’ll need to pass the NCTRC Test. This is a three-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions that are designed to assess your knowledge and skills.
The NCTRC test is offered six times a year and costs $325 to register. However, if certain conditions interfere with your schedule, you can reschedule your test for $25.
NCTRC offers a number of resources for those who are preparing to take the exam, including study guides, study manuals and practice tests. Taking these courses will help you prepare for the exam and increase your chances of passing it on the first try.
In addition, the NCTRC website also provides exam content outline to help you get a better understanding of what will be on the test. These guidelines can help you plan your review timeline and source the best study manual for your needs.
To be eligible to take the NCTRC exam, you must complete the Professional Eligibility Application. Once you’ve been approved, you can schedule an exam appointment at a Prometric testing site.
NCTRC Exam Book
The NCTRC test is one of the most rigorous and prestigious exams you can ever take. Fortunately, we have put together a study guide that covers it all. This high tech tome is available in a slick online ebook, or if you prefer to read it on paper, we’ll ship you the print version. The book may have a small price tag, but the quality of content and ease of use are unbeatable. Our NCTRC test scribe is also a big fan of customer feedback, so you can rest assured that your order will be treated with the respect it deserves. The best part is, you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home.