Skip to content

Application Process

The MHRT/C certification program is competency based, enabling those with a variety of backgrounds who have appropriate education, work experience and training to earn certification. The common denominator is a shared commitment to the fundamental principle that recovery from mental illness is possible. To qualify for the MHRT/C certificate, candidates must meet requirements using one or more of the following options:

1) Academic preparation (eligible degrees or courses must be from a regionally accredited college or university) Click on the Academic Programs tab for more information
2) Practical work experience [related to providing direct services in the behavioral health field for adults and/or transition-age youth (16+ years old)] Click on the Credit for Work Experience tab for more information.
3) Qualifying non-academic education and training in the competency domains. Click on the Non-Academic Training tab for more information.
4) A Prior Learning Assessment (Info on this process is on the Prior Learning Assessment page)

You can download a complete list, of the MHRT/C Knowledge Competencies.

Please follow this link for the MHRT/C Guidelines (As of 6/29/26).

Find your Pathway to Certification

Following the “Find your Pathway to Certification” link above will leader you to the three Pathways to MHRT/C certification with an explanation of each.

MHRT/C application materials are reviewed by CFL in the order they are received. You will receive a written confirmation of receipt within a couple of business days. After that you will receive a written response to your application from CFL within three weeks from the date they receive your application. Please note that once you submit your application materials, they becomes the property of CFL and may not be returned to you.