Certification

PURPOSES OF CERTIFICATION

The Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals promotes the concept of voluntary certification by examination for those who incorporate equines into their mental health or education practice.Certification is just one part of a process called “credentialing” and focuses specifically on the individual and is one indication of current competence in the specialized field. Certification of equine facilitated mental health and education professionals provides formal recognition of basic knowledge in this field.

REASONS FOR CERTIFICATION

1. To provide documented evidence that you have been examined by an independent professional certifying organization and found to possess a certain level of basic knowledge about the specialized field of equine facilitated mental health or education.
2. To establish a level of knowledge required for certification of equine facilitated mental health or education professionals.
3. To provide encouragement for continued personal and professional growth in the field.
4. To provide a standard of knowledge requisite for certification; thereby assisting clients, students, the public, and members of the profession in assessment of equine facilitated mental health or education professionals.
5. To provide a direction and focus for new professionals in the field seeking to increase their knowledge and skill levels.
6. To protect the public.
7. To increase the credibility of the field of equine facilitated education and learning.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must qualify by submitting documentation for eligibility:

1. Copy of current license to practice counseling or psychotherapy in the state in which you provide services (for Mental Health examination)
   OR
   Copy of certificate, current education qualifications to provide services in your state (i.e. teaching license or coaching certificate), or MS/MA in education related field (for Education examination).
2. Three (3) years full time equivalent (6,000 hours) experience in the field of counseling, psychotherapy, or education, at least 1,000 hours of which is in equine facilitated mental health or education.
3. Current curriculum vitae or resume.
4. At least 60 hours of education/training in the field of equine facilitated mental health or education in the last three years.
5. Complete and submit an Application for the Certification Examination for Certified Equine Facilitated Interaction Professionals – Mental Health or Application for the Certification Examination for Certified Equine Facilitated Interaction Professionals – Education.
6. Pay the required fee.

Until June 30, 2008, the following alternative eligibility requirements will be accepted for those who do not have a Master’s Degree:

1. Evidence of 60 clock hours of training and education in human development and/or equine facilitated mental health or learning related fields, workshops, seminars, or conferences within the last 3 years and work as an educator, adult educator, teacher, learning specialist, experiential educator, certified coach, master level NARHA instructor, or corporate/leadership educator
   AND
2. Five (5) years full time equivalent (10,000 hours) experience in a human service related field, at least 2,000 hours of which is in equine facilitated mental health or education.
3. Current curriculum vitae or resume.
4. Complete and submit an Application for the Certification Examination for Certified Equine Facilitated Interaction Professionals – Mental Health or Application for the Certification Examination for Certified Equine Facilitated Interaction Professionals – Education.
5. Pay the required fee.

Download Handbook for Candidates & Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

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