The Certification Process
Become a member of a CPSP chapter
- Go to the “Joining CPSP” page and complete the form with your personal data.
- Make the initial dues payment on line.
- Establish your logon and password to access the “Members Only” area of the web site.
Establish your readiness for certification
- Request that your chapter convener assist in identifying a mentor to support your progress towards certification
- Meet with your mentor regularly to ensure understanding of the certification process.
- Review the Certification Rubric that pertains to the certification you seek.
- Discuss the competencies that pertain to the certification you seek with both your mentor and other certified members.
- Use chapter meetings proactively to present case materials and drafts of both the autobiography and theory paper; seek feedback.
- When you and your mentor agree that your materials demonstrate your proficiency in the competencies for the certification you seek, contact your convener to schedule a Chapter Certification Consultation.
Chapter Certification Consultation – Preparation
- Return to your Certification Application and update your personal data, and academic and clinical training experience; confirm the chapter name and convener’s contact information for the chapter that will conduct your certification consultation.
- Email your application and supporting documents (one PDF) to the Certification Chair, Dr. Pothin Ngyele (pngyele@gmail.com).
Chapter Certification Consultation
- Participate in the scheduling of your Chapter Certification Consultation.
- If meeting virtually, arrange for a time and space in which you can be free from interruptions and distractions and have reliable internet service.
- Review your documents the night before as if preparing for an important interview – for this is.
- Use the consultation process with the chapter like a dress rehearsal for the certification review panel to follow (in two months-plus).
- Take notes on the questions proposed and feedback offered by chapter members.
- Following the conclusion of the consultation, review the feedback form in detail; consider how to revise your written work, if needed, to communicate your competence more effectively.
- Register for your certification review panel on the Events page.
If the Chapter Declines to Recommend You for Certification
- Reengage with your mentor and chapter to remediate areas of perceived weakness.
- Meet with your mentor regularly to ensure understanding of the certification process.
- Review the Certification Rubric that pertains to the certification you seek.
- Discuss the competencies that pertains to the certification you seek with both your mentor and other certified members.
- Use chapter meetings proactively to present case materials and drafts of both the autobiography and theory paper; seek feedback.
- When you and your mentor agree that your materials demonstrate your proficiency in the competencies for the certification you seek, contact your convener to schedule a Chapter Certification Consultation.
Certification Review Panel
- Complete payment of the required certification fee.
- Review your documents in their final form, and the chapter’s feedback from their certification consultation. Be prepared to demonstrate continuing growth in proficiency.
- Continue to monitor your e-mail following the application deadline for the review panel for which you have registered; you should receive notice of your scheduled meeting about two weeks after the application deadline.
- When you receive your appointment time to meet with the review panel, reply to confirm the appointment.
- If meeting virtually, arrange for a time and space in which you can be free from interruptions and distractions and have reliable internet service. Practice the use of the conferencing application to be used for your certification review.
Recognition
- Allow two months for the Executive Chapter to approve recommendations for certification; check your personal listing in the Directory to confirm its posting.
- Review the Events page, to plan your attendance at Plenary.
- Register for Plenary on the Events page.
- Request your certificate; pay the certificate fee.
- Certificates are awarded at the Plenary, usually on the last night of the event. (See event schedule for details.)
The Certification Manual is under revision.