Application & Fees

Application & Fees

Applying for an IACAET Credential

Applications are open for the following IACAET Professional Credentials:

CCAE — Certified Creative Arts Educator
CCAT — Certified Creative Arts Therapist
CAHP — Certified Arts in Health Practitioner

Each credential has its own eligibility requirements, competencies, scope of practice, and supporting documentation. Before beginning an application, please review the page for the credential you wish to apply for and determine which application pathway best reflects your professional background.

Before You Apply

Before submitting an application, please:

• ensure that you hold active IACAET membership;
• review the eligibility requirements for your chosen credential;
• identify the appropriate application pathway;
• review the required application materials;
• prepare the necessary supporting documentation; and
• read the IACAET_Credential_Application_Guide_v1.2

Application Pathways

Applicants may apply through one of three pathways:

Regular Pathway
For applicants who meet the established eligibility requirements for the credential.

Grandparenting Pathway
For established practitioners who may not meet all formal academic criteria but can demonstrate equivalent professional competence and expertise. This pathway is available only during the initial period following the launch of the credentials.

Exceptional Pathway
For practitioners with outstanding professional contributions, substantial expertise, or unique qualifications. Applications are assessed individually on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants should consult the requirements for their chosen credential and the Applicant Guide before selecting a pathway.

How to Apply

The application process generally follows these steps:

1. Choose your credential
Select CCAE, CCAT, or CAHP according to your professional field and scope of practice.

2. Check your eligibility
Review the eligibility requirements and determine the appropriate application pathway.

3. Prepare your application
Complete your application statement and gather the required qualifications, professional documentation, references, supervision or mentorship evidence, and other supporting materials applicable to your credential.

4. Submit your application
Complete the online application form and pay the applicable application fee.

5. Credential review
Your application will be reviewed by the appropriate IACAET credential review panel. Additional information or documentation may be requested where necessary.

6. Decision
Applicants will be informed of the outcome following completion of the review process. Where appropriate, applicants may receive feedback or be asked to complete additional requirements before the credential is awarded.

Application Fees

Application fees are separate from IACAET membership fees.

*Eligibility for the reduced fee is determined according to the current IACAET fee policy.

Application fees cover the credential assessment and review process and are payable when the application is submitted.

Maintaining an IACAET credential requires both active IACAET membership and annual renewal of the credential.

[View IACAET Membership Fees]

Start Your Application

Please ensure that you have reviewed the relevant eligibility requirements and the Applicant Guide before beginning your application.

CCAE

Certified Creative Arts Educator

For professionals integrating creative and arts-based approaches within education, learning, and community contexts.

[Apply for CCAE]

CCAT

Certified Creative Arts Therapist

For qualified professionals practising creative arts therapy within an appropriate therapeutic framework and scope of practice.

[Apply for CCAT]

CAHP

Certified Arts in Health Practitioner

For professionals applying creative arts approaches to promote health, wellbeing, and quality of life in healthcare, community, wellness, and related settings.

[Apply for CAHP]

Applicant Guide

The IACAET Credentials Applicant Guide provides practical guidance to help you prepare and submit your application.

The Guide includes information on:

• choosing the appropriate credential and application pathway;
• preparing your application statement and CV;
• providing evidence of education and professional training;
• documenting professional practice, supervision, or mentorship;
• preparing recommendation letters and other supporting evidence;
• submitting qualifications and other documentation;
• completing the online application;
• the application review and decision process; and
• what happens after a credential is awarded.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Applicant Guide before starting an application.

[Read / Download IACAET_Credential_Application_Guide_v1.2]

Application Review

Applications are evaluated against the requirements and professional standards established for the relevant credential. The review may consider qualifications, professional training and experience, supervision or mentorship, supporting documentation, references, and evidence of relevant professional competencies.

Meeting basic eligibility requirements does not automatically result in the award of a credential. IACAET may request additional documentation, supervision, professional development, or other requirements where appropriate before a credential is granted.

Questions About Your Application?

If you have reviewed the credential requirements and Applicant Guide but still have questions about the application process, please contact the IACAET Credentialing Team:

credentials@iacaet.org

[Frequently Asked Questions]