Therapists whose services are in demand more than ever must ensure they are trained and ready to deliver teletherapy services effectively.

IBCCES offers several certification programs that give telepractitioners the tools they need to be highly successful when delivering virtual services. Communicating online has its own rules and protocols and requires therapists and other service providers to learn new skill sets to be successful when delivering services online.

Certification Competencies

Board Certified Telepractice Specialist Competencies 

Introduction to Telepractice
  • History of teletherapy
  • Benefits and usage of teletherapy
  • Research and support
Environment
  • Home office setup
  • Walking the patient through appropriate setup
  • Privacy considerations
  • Productivity
Technology
  • Platform options (proprietary vs. public)
  • Internet speed
  • Headsets and webcams
  • Other gadgets (document scanners, etc.)
Licensing & Compliance
  • Licensing laws, school-specific laws & insurance regulations
  • ASHA, AOTA, Mental Health stance and adhering to state policies
Assessment
  • Assessments available via teletherapy and considerations for assessment
  • Ethical considerations
  • How to administer
  • Writing evaluations
  • Facilitator involvement
  • Assessment resources specific to teletherapy
Scheduling
  • Online scheduling tools
  • Grouping considerations
  • Scheduling examples
  • Problem-solving scheduling barriers
Materials
  • Digital resources
  • Digital vs. manipulative
  • Using manipulatives
  • Platforms conducive to material sharing (integrated, screen sharing)
Facilitation
  • Facilitator requirements
  • Setting up for facilitator success
  • Communicating expectations
  • Active vs. passive
  • Facilitator troubleshooting
Special Education
  • This module will speak to school-specific teletherapy implementation
  • Considerations when communicating with parents
  • Learning new software
  • Serving as a part of a multidisciplinary special education team
Overcoming Obstacles
  • Identifying stakeholders
  • Stakeholder buy-In: Our value proposition
  • Working with difficult populations

Telepractice Facilitator Certificate Competencies 

Introduction to Telepractice
  • History of teletherapy
  • Benefits and usage of teletherapy
  • Research and support
Facilitation
  • Facilitator requirements
  • Setting up for facilitator success
  • Communicating expectations
  • Active vs. passive
  • Facilitator troubleshooting
Technology
  • Platform options (proprietary vs. public)
  • Internet speed
  • Headsets and webcams
  • Other gadgets (document scanners, etc.)
Scheduling
  • Online scheduling tools
  • Grouping considerations
  • Scheduling examples
  • Problem-solving scheduling barriers
Maximizing Materials
  • Digital resources
  • Digital vs manipulative
  • Facilitating manipulatives
Facilitating Assessment
  • Making the therapist part of the multidisciplinary team
  • Facilitating IEP/ISFP and evaluation meetings
  • Obtaining signatures
Special Education
  • Learning a new software
  • Being a part of the multidisciplinary team
  • Joining an IEP/ISFP virtually

*Registration fee includes online training, application fee, exam, and credential.

Benefits of Certification

Learn Most-Up-To-Date Best Practices

Ensure Services Are Properly Implemented, Meet Requirements, & Administered Effectively

Maintain Outcomes and Patient Progress

Build Confidence in Performing Virtual Services For Yourself & Your Patients

Certification Requirements

Requirements Board Certified Telepractice Specialist Telepractice Facilitator Certificate
Current Experience Level Has successfully completed formal training from an accredited college or university to deliver therapy services to individuals Currently working in the field as a therapy facilitator or other support
CE hours (training content included with program) 8 5
Certification Fee (includes training, exam + credential) $295 $199
Renewal Fee
(every 2 years, includes renewal training if needed)
$199 $99

male therapist providing virtual services

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

BCTS Eligibility Requirements

Mastery level certification program for therapists and providers who deliver services. A BCTS has demonstrated that they are uniquely qualified, prepared, and confident in their ability to provide a comprehensive range of services. $295 for Certification + Exam

Requirements:

  • Has successfully completed formal training from an accredited college or university to deliver therapy services
  • 8 topical CEU Hours (included in the program)
  • Registration fee: $295
  • Renewal fee (every 2 years): $149 + 8 topical CEU (included if needed)

TFC Eligibility Requirements

Certificate level program for facilitators, educators, para-professionals, parents or others who may be assisting the therapist in the delivery of services online.  A TFC is exposed to best practices and expectations for their role in an online setting. $199 for Certification + Exam

Requirements:

  • Currently working in the field as a therapy facilitator or other support
  • 5 topical CEU Hours (included in the program)
  • Registration fee: $199
  • Renewal fee (every 2 years): $99 + 5 topical CEU (included if needed)

Registration fees include application review by IBCCES board and access to the Telepractice Certification Exams.

*Registration fee will be refunded if the applicant is not approved by the board for any reason during the application process (minus $150 to cover processing and exam fee). Otherwise, all sales are final. Registration indicates that you have read and agreed to the IBCCES Financial Terms and Conditions, Ethical Responsibilities and Standards of Practice.

Common roles for BCTS include:
  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • School Counselors
  • School Psychologists
  • Behavior Therapists
  • Mental Health Professionals
Common roles for TFC include:
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Facilitators
  • Childcare Teachers/Supervisors/Asst.
    Directors
  • Autism organization volunteers
  • Parents

Still Have Questions? Visit Our FAQs here

  • Perpetua Omondi headshot

    Perpetua Omondi, OT, BCTS

    The training enabled me to make my teletherapy services very professional, allowing me to reach out to many more clients.

  • Tamika LeRay - BCTS

    Tamika LeRay, Speech Language Pathologist

    The certification has heightened my credibility as a professional within the Distance Learning/Telehealth wave of today’s profession. It sets me and my business apart from others who are providing Speech Therapy online.

Find Out More About Earning An Teletherapy Certification

Fill out the form below to connect with a Certification Advisor for more information