ACLP > Certification

What is the Certified Child Life Specialist Credential?

Issued by the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC), the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential is the exclusive credential for the child life profession.

The CCLS credentialing program is a rigorous, examination-based professional certification designed to promote the proficiency of child life professionals by identifying a body of knowledge, establishing a level of comprehension, and verifying mastery of critical child life concepts.

Individuals wishing to become certified must meet specific academic and clinical experience requirements in addition to passing the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.

Credential Highlights

Along with an official certificate, all individuals passing the Child Life Certification Exam will receive a digital badge. The digital badge allows CCLSs to visually represent their achievement of earning the CCLS designation. It enhances their professional visibility, making them more noticeable to employers and peers in professional communities.

The digital badge also allows the viewer to confirm the current authenticity of certification and learn more about the requirements, professional skills, and competencies involved.

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The Certification Cycle

Once certified, individuals follow a five-year certification cycle. The phases of the certification cycle are listed below.

Become Certified

Individuals wishing to become certified must meet specific academic and clinical experience requirements in addition to passing the Child Life Professional Certification Exam.

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Annual Maintenance

For the first four years of the certification cycle, credential holders are required to pay an annual certification maintenance fee to keep their certification status active.

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Recertification

Recertification occurs in the fifth year of the certification cycle. Individuals can recertify by earning PDUs or by re-taking the Child Life Professional Certification Examination.

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Certification Forms, Manuals, and Resources

View and download the certification manuals, forms, and resources.

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Child Life Certification Commission

About the CLCC

The Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) is a 501(c)6 that oversees the Certified Child Life Specialist Credential. The CLCC has authority for making decisions regarding all essential certification activities including policies related to:

Eligibility requirements
Certification standards
Child Life Certification Exam development and administration
Disciplinary actions for certification-related matters

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