Student Mental Health Training And Certification

Certifications Recognizing Educators with Training and Certification in the Field of Student Mental Health

We recently interviewed nearly 10,000 school administrators and special education directors in school districts nationwide. Overwhelmingly, an increase in the need for student mental health training and certification was identified.

The Student Mental Health Specialist (SMHS) and Student Mental Health Certificate (SMHC) programs were created by a team of experts, including international leaders in the educational field, Tier 1 University researchers, master educators, and clinical professionals. The programs were designed based on feedback from your peers and leaders in education to address the most-needed training topics for special education and general education teachers, as well as paraprofessionals.

SMHS Certification + Exam:$495 | SMHC Certification + Exam:$295

Survey Results

Areas of Competency

The certification training for the SMHS and SMHC programs are based of the following 9 areas of competency:

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Student Mental Health Specialist

SMHS - Student Mental Health Specialist badge from IBCCES

Who Should Apply?

  • Special Education Directors
  • Student Services Directors
  • Principals & Assistant Principals
  • Behavior Specialists
  • Special & General Education Teachers
  • Deans/Disciplinary Staff
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists

Eligibility Requirements

  • Master’s Degree:
    Applicants must have earned a Master’s degree in special education, education, educational psychology, psychology, human development, early childhood education, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, or closely related field to apply for the Student Mental Health Specialist certification. A professional not holding a license number or teaching certification number are required to upload their college transcripts. The Master’s degree requirement will be waived if the applicant has a bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience.
  • Two Years Experience:
    Applicants must have two years’ experience working in a field that treats or supports individuals with cognitive disorders.
  • 14 CE hours:
    Applicants must have earned 14 hours of continuing education that directly relate to cognitive disorders within the last two years. These CEs can be earned through IBCCES University as part of the application process. If you have already completed 14 hours of continuing education within the last 2 years, check here to make sure the hours can be applied toward your certification.
  • Competency Exam:
    Applicants must pass the Competency Exam. The exam is taken online and is included in the price of your application.
  • Registry Fee:
    $495

Renewal Requirements:

  • Renewal fee: $199 every two years
  • 14 Additional (CEU) in related area
  • Maintain active status and Compliance with Code of Ethics

Student Mental Health Certificate

SMHC - Student Mental Health Certificate badge from IBCCES

Who Should Apply?

  • General Education Teachers
  • Special Education Teachers
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Administrative Personnel
  • Support Staff
  • Behavior Specialists
  • School Nurse
  • Secretary

Eligibility Requirements

  • Two Years Experience:
    Applicants must have two years’ experience working in a field that treats or supports individuals with cognitive disorders.
  • 14 CE hours:
    Applicants must have earned 14 hours of continuing education that directly relate to cognitive disorders within the last two years. These CEs can be earned through IBCCES University as part of the application process. If you have already completed 14 hours of continuing education within the last 2 years, check here to make sure the hours can be applied toward your certification.
  • Registry Fee:
    $295
  • Competency Exam:
    Applicants must pass the Competency Exam. The exam is taken online and is included in the price of your application.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Renewal fee: $149 every two years
  • 14 Additional (CEU) in related area
  • Maintain active status and Compliance with Code of Ethics

Registration fees include application review by IBCCES board and Access to the exam. Terms and conditions.

Individual Benefits

Our certification will:

  • Allow you to provide support and resources to families and students to enhance their school experience, safety and learning outcomes
  • Expose you to best practices and current research
  • Equip you with the confidence to identify students potentially struggling with mental health issues
  • Improve student outcomes, behavior and learning
  • Provide credibility and recognition for staff, school and district
  • Sense of security in the classroom setting

Additional Benefits

Once you have completed the requirements:

  • You will be issued an official Certification Number;
  • Your name will be listed in the International Registry as a Student Mental Health Specialist;
  • You will receive an official certificate printed on diploma stock to display in your classroom or office;
  • You will also receive an authorized wallet ID card to demonstrate your new credentials to parents, employers, insurance professionals and others;
  • A digital badge is available upon request for use on digital resumes and social media;
  • Your credential number can be verified by employers at ibcces.org

How It Works

Application Process

Certification process

For more information on how to maintain your certification, please review our Certification Renewal Policy and Code of Ethics and Standards.

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