Certification — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of the new credential?

The name of the credential is Certified Equine Interactional Professional – Mental Health (CEIP – Mental Health) or Certified Equine Interactional Professional – Education (CEIP – Education). Overseeing the development of the credential is the Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP). The credential is the designation a mental health or education professional will receive upon submitting the proper experience and education documentation and passing the written examination.

Why do we need to develop a credential?

Based upon practitioner requests, the new credential was developed to better serve the equine assisted mental health and education profession. The credential also recognizes advanced professionals for their commitment to the profession. The development of the new credential further supports the goal of mental health and education professionals who incorporate equines in their scope of practice to have these interventions recognized as valid and effective. The new credential will validate the expanded education, skills, and experience needed to be successful as an Equine Interaction Professional.

Today's mental health and education professionals face increasingly complex regulatory and outcome requirements. CBEIP assumes the responsibility to raise its professional and educational standards to meet the current and future demands of professionals who include equines as an integral part of their delivery of services. Currently there is no organization providing certification based on theoretical grounding in broad competencies that meet national credentialing standards. The CBEIP certification tests professionals for a body of knowledge required in order to effectively partner with animals in mental health and educational settings.

While mental health and education professionals are already defined by their licensure and their credentials, addition of the CEIP credential will provide them with a demonstration of their knowledge and skills to incorporate animals in their practice. In addition, new people coming into the field will gain a “road map” for learning the required skills to work with challenged people with the help of equines.

I heard there is a way to be ‘grandfathered’ into the process. Can I do that?

No one is to be grandfathered into the use of the credential. The founding members of the Board (CBEIP) are ONLY permitted to USE the credential for a one-time period of time, while a member of the Board and for 2 years thereafter. At that time they may only keep the credential if they apply for and pass the examination just like everyone else. Henceforth, anyone who wants to become a member of the Board must already have taken and passed the exam. NO ONE WILL EVER AGAIN BE EXTENDED THIS PRIVILEGE. This is a one-time offer, only for the founding members of the Board and only because in the certification industry it is considered best practice to have those conferring the credential already using the credential.

Why should I pursue the CEIP professional credential?

The CEIP credential provides documented evidence that you have been examined by an independent certifying organization and found to possess a certain basic level of knowledge about the specialized field of equine assisted practice. The CBEIP has established a level of knowledge required for certification of professionals who work with horses in their practice. Certification provides encouragement for continued personal and professional growth in the field; thereby assisting the employer, public, and members of the profession in identification of an equine interaction professional.

What are benefits of certification?

There are many reasons an individual may wish to become certified as an equine interactional professional. First, it demonstrates a certain level of skills, knowledge, and commitment to the profession. Second, it will identify you to the public as a professional with specialized training and knowledge in the field of equine assisted interaction. As working with equines in mental health and education becomes more readily identifiable by the public, a credential such as the CEIP will assist professionals to establish their credibility.

I am interested in earning the CEIP certification – what are the eligibility requirements?

Eligibility for the Mental Health Examination:

1. Licensure: Copy of current license to practice mental health services (counseling, social work, substance abuse counseling, pastoral counseling, psychology, etc.) in the state where you provide services. (In some states a Masters is required, in others a bachelors degree with proper training will qualify).
2. Experience and Education:
   1. Three (3) years of professional service or full time equivalent experience in the field of mental health services. Include all hours involved in providing services (face to face work with clients, supervision, planning, meetings, evaluation, paperwork, etc. involved in providing services). Hours required for licensure in the state where you practice could be included.
   2. At least 1,000 hours (can be part of the above 3 years of experience) must be in equine mental health or learning (EMH/L). The 1,000 hours of EMH/L experience could be broken down in the following manner:
      1. At least 550 (55%) hours of the 1,000 hours listed above must be in delivery of mental health services that incorporated equines and would include all face to face work with clients, supervision, planning, meetings, evaluation, etc. involved in providing services.
      2. As many as 450 (45%) of the 1,000 EMH/L hours could be in seminars, coursework, workshops, academic courses, etc. Must have written documentation of at least 60 clock hours training in equine mental health or education.

Submit:
1.Application
2.Copy of current license
3.Resume or curriculum vitae
4.Documentation of 60 clock hours of EMH/L related education.
5.Appropriate fee

Eligibility for the Education Examination:

1. Education: A current teaching certificate or a Masters degree in human services or related field or post graduate certificate in teaching, training and development (Human Resource Organization Development or teaching, adult education, management and staff development, outdoor experiential education, faith based education and expressive arts education or certificate from a nationally recognized coaching institute).
2. Experience:
   1. Three (3) years of professional experience or full time equivalent in the fields of education, adult education, management and staff development, outdoor experiential education, faith based education and expressive arts education.
   2. At least 1,000 hours (can be part of the above three years of experience) in equine learning (EL). The 1,000 hours of EL experience could be broken down in the following manner:
      1. At least 550 hours of the 1,000 hours listed above must be in delivery of equine learning services and would include all face to face work with students, supervision, planning, meetings, evaluation, etc. involved in providing services.
      2. As many as 450 of the 1,000 EL hours listed above could be in seminars, coursework, workshops, academic courses, etc. on EMH/L Must have written documentation of at least 60 clock hours training in equine mental health or education.

Submit:
1.Application
2.Copy of certificate
3.Resume or curriculum vitae
4.Documentation of 60 clock hours of EMH/L related education.
5.Appropriate fee

When will the new credential be available?

CBEIP offered the first Examination in November, 2007. The examination will be offered in a computerized version at over 800 locations. Once a candidate is deemed eligible to sit for the examination, detailed information on how to set up a testing date, time, and location will be mailed.

The testing will occur only twice annually. CBEIP will ensure that the dates, policies and procedures are communicated through the CBEIP website, newsletters, and e-mail updates to interested individuals.

How long does it take CBEIP to process my application?

The standard processing time for applications is four to six weeks from receipt. All applications are processed in the order in which they are received and eligible candidates will be sent an electronic notification with complete instructions on how to schedule their examination date and location. Due to the volume of applications CBEIP will receive initially, we are unable to provide individual status information for applications pending.

How do I know where the closest test center is located?

All our computer testing is done at LaserGrade Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience during the designated two-week testing window. Visit www.lasergrade.com, select the “Locate A Test Center” link along the lower right hand portion of the page t o view the list of locations. You may also call 1-800-211-2754 or outside the USA call 1-360-896-9111. Once a candidate’s application has been approved an electronic notification will be sent with complete information on how to schedule the examination. Currently there are over 800 testing sites in the United States and Canada .

What is the application fee?

Application fee for the Certification Examination for Equine Professionals is:

EFMHA Members........................................ $300.00
Non-EFMHA Members................................ $325.00

Download Handbook for Candidates and Application.  

Can I take the CEIP Exam at my place of work?

CBEIP does not offer onsite testing because of the need to check proper identification and have all examinations monitored by qualified proctors. Testing will be done at Lasergrade Testing Centers. Visit www.lasergrade.com, select the “Locate A Test Center” link along the lower right portion of the page to view the list of locations. You may also call 1-800-211-2754 or outside the USA call 1-360-896-9111.

What study materials are available and what does CBEIP recommend I use to prepare for the Exam?

Many organizations publish materials relating to the field of Equine Interactions. A list of reading reference resources is included in the Handbook for Candidates and can be found at www.CBEIP.org. It is suggested that those who are planning to take the examination review the content outline of the examination (also found in the Handbook and on the website) and study or brush up in those areas where they might not feel as confident of their knowledge. It is not necessary to purchase and/or read all of the suggested resources.

The reading reference list is expansive, how do I obtain all of the documents listed? Am I expected to read all of this material in the Reading Reference?

It's not necessary to obtain or read everything on the reading reference list. The CBEIP recommends you review the test content outline and concentrate on those areas in which you think you are weak or need to brush up. Some of the materials are available for purchase, or you may borrow them from a colleague, or you and a colleague may want to purchase them together and share them as you prepare for the examination.

How do I get the information listed in the reading reference list?

The Reading Reference list includes the complete name and author of each document. You may be able to order the books through the internet, at your local bookstore, or you may need to contact the author or sponsoring organization to obtain a copy.

Why is the reading reference list so extensive? Will all of the materials be tested?

The reading reference list was purposely developed to be broad reaching in scope so all candidates will be able to locate materials for those areas of the examination they wish to study. While all of the questions on the examination will be drawn from materials on the list, not all of the information found on the list will be on each form of the examination.

Will there be a study guide?

No, it is not recommended practice to teach materials specific to the examination because the examination is supposed to test a broad body of knowledge gained from experience and education.

What will the new credential test?

A detailed test content outline, including the weightings for each area, is found in the Handbook for Candidates and at www.CBEIP.org.

Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime Credential status for the new credential?

There will be no lifetime credential. The profession is continuing to increase in complexity; as a result continuing education will play a major role in making sure Equine Interaction professionals stay current on the latest best practices in equine interactions as well as their primary field of mental health or education.

How are the Exams scored?

What is passing?The examination is criterion-referenced which means that there is one passing score for each form of the examination. The CBEIP will set the passing score as it approves each new form of the examination. Statistics which are maintained on each question will assure that subsequent forms of the examination, although containing several different questions, will remain equivalent in level of difficulty.

What do I do before I pass the Exam?

You will need to apply for eligibility prior to taking the examination. You can obtain the appropriate application in the 'Application’ section on our Web site using the following link: www.CBEIP.org. Complete and sign the application, attach the required experience and education documentation, and mail the application along with the appropriate member or non-member fee. The CBEIP recommends that you maintain a copy of the entire application. Following the acceptance of the experience and education documentation, you will be notified electronically that you are approved to take the Examination and details as to how to schedule the location.

How do I document my work experience?

The CBEIP does not allow candidates to self-validate their work experience. You will be required to provide documentation in the form of a copy of your license to practice, a current teaching certificate, Masters degree or other documentation to prove your authority to practice as a mental health or education professional.

What do I do if I fail the examination?

In order to re-test, you will need to submit another application and appropriate documents to the CBEIP and pay the appropriate EFMHA member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.

For how long is my credential valid?

Your certification will be valid for three (3) years from the date you were certified.

How do I keep my certification valid if it expires in 3 years?

The process for maintaining your certification is called 'recertification.’ It requires a completed application with backup documentation showing that you have met the specific program requirements.

You may recertify through either Continuing Education Unit (CEU) documentation or by re-taking the exam. In order to recertify your CEIP you will need to document points through specific industry participation events, professional development/continuing education hours earned during your current certification period, any other achieved certifications, and continued work experience.  A list of ongoing certification point requirements is available at www.CBEIP.org.

How do I earn Points for Re-certification?

There are several ways to earn points toward recertification. You can receive points for college courses, attending or presenting public seminars or conferences, business-related training provided by your employer, correspondence courses, publishing an article in an established purchasing or trade magazine or journal, or even earning a certification from another association. The CBEIP does not need to pre-approve your courses. CEFIPs are required to track their own events or continuing education training.

What do I do when my certification expires?

Approximately six (6) months before the expiration of your CEIP credential the CBEIP will send a complete packet of information about the procedures for recertification. You will be required to submit a completed recertification application, documentation of your continuing education or professional experience, at least one newly written question to be used on a future examination, and a recertification fee. These materials will need to be submitted BEFORE your recertification expiration date.

Is it possible to get a replacement or additional certificate from the CBEIP?

The CBEIP will provide a replacement or an additional certificate for a processing fee of $25 per certificate. All requests for replacement certificates must be made in writing to: CBEIP, 1350 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York , NY 10018.

Who is the Certification Board for Equine Interaction Professionals (CBEIP)?

The CBEIP is a not-for-profit, tax exempt organization, started by professionals in the field who feel a credential for equine professionals is needed to identify the body of knowledge and those who practice in the field.

Who is Professional Testing Corporation (PTC)?

The CBEIP has partnered with Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) to ensure our credentialing process is psychometrically sound and in general meets appropriate standards for professional designation. For more information visit their website at www.ptcny.com.

Who is LaserGrade?

LaserGrade is the company which provides the testing centers and proctors for the CEIP examination. Examinations are offered in a computerized format at over 800 LaserGrade locations.

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