The Student Mental Health Certificate (SMHC) program was created by a team of experts to address the most-needed training topics for special education and general education teachers, as well as paraprofessionals. The goal of the certification and training is to provide critical information about common mental health needs, signs, and related behavior to non-clinical professionals who can use that knowledge to identify students in need and assist them in accessing available supports.
Depression
Suicide
Oppositional Defiance Disorders
Anxiety
Behavior Modification
IEP & Program Development
ADHD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Traumatic Brain Injury
*Registration fee includes 14 CE hours of online training, application fee, exam, and credential.
Certification Requirements
| Requirements | Student Mental Health Certificate |
|---|---|
| Degree + Experience | Must currently (or soon will) work in an education setting with students |
| CE hours (training content included with program) | 14 |
| Certification Fee (includes training, exam + credential) | $295 |
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) |
$149 |
For more information on how to maintain your certification, please review our Certification Renewal Policy and Code of Ethics and Standards.
SMHC Eligibility Requirements
- Two Years of Experience:
Applicants must have two years of 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 mental health disorders within the last two years. These CEs can be earned through IBCCES University as part of the application process. - 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 competency areas
- Maintain active status and Compliance with Code of Ethics
Registration fees include application review by IBCCES board and access to the Student Mental Health 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.
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Individual Benefits
Our Student Mental Health Certifications 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
- Provide credibility and recognition for staff, school and district
- Recognize your voluntary effort to meet rigorous professional standards in ongoing professional development.
Once you have completed the requirements for the certification:
- You will be issued an official Certification Number;
- Your name will be listed in the International Registry as an Student Mental Health Specialist or Student Mental Health Certificate Holder;
- 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
School Benefits
Having a staff member with an Student Mental Health Certification:
- Reduces the chance of litigation in your district.
- Differentiates your school from your competitors.
- Demonstrates your commitment to on-going training in student mental health to parents and clients.
- Improves your grant qualifications.
- Assists in demonstrating compliance with local and state guidelines for professional development.
Still Have Questions? Visit Our FAQs here
Find Out More About Earning A Student Mental Health Certification
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