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How to Apply for MHRT/C Certification

UPDATED August 26, 2026

First-time applicants: These instructions guide you through the process of applying for your Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification. Please follow these steps to ensure your application is reviewed promptly and in full.

  1. Determine Your Eligibility Pathway

Before applying, identify which of the three pathways matches your educational and professional background. Click on My MHRT/C Pathway for online guidance or download the MHRT/C Guidelines for detailed information about the MHRT/C certificate and application process.

  • Pathway A: You hold a degree or certificate from an approved academic program.
  • Pathway B: You hold a four-year or higher social services-related degree (e.g., Psychology, Social Work, Sociology) or a Full LSW.
  • Pathway C (Provisional): You meet one of the following:
      • a two-year social services-related degree
      • 30 social services-related academic credits
      • a four-year unrelated degree
      • one year of full-time direct service work experience in adult behavioral health.
  1. Complete Required Training

If you are applying through Pathway B or Pathway C, you must complete the free, one-hour online course, Maine’s Mental Health System 101 (MH101 Training). You must include the certificate of completion with your application.

  1. Gather Required Documentation

All applicants must provide supporting materials based on their pathway:

  • Official Transcripts: Required for all academic coursework being used for credit. Only original or legible copies of official transcripts are acceptable. We do not accept grade printouts, course registrations, unofficial transcripts, or letters from professors.
  • MH101 Completion Certificate (pathway B and C only)
  • Training Certificates: Required if you have completed approved non-academic training for specific domains.
  • Credit for Work Experience (CWE): If using work experience to meet up to four domains (only for Pathways B and C), you must submit the official CWE forms signed by your clinical supervisor, along with a summary of your work experience. Forms are available under the Credit for Work Experience tab of the MHRT/C webpage.
  • Work Verification: If applying via Pathway C through experience, submit the Relevant Work Experience Documentation Form.
  • Name Change Documentation: If the name on your documents differs from your application, include a copy of
    • marriage license
    • divorce settlement (only page 1 showing previous name and the page showing your new name)
    • court-legal name change petition.
  1. Important Transcript Submission Guidelines

Please note that the Center for Learning (CFL) has specific requirements for receiving official transcripts:

  • Applicant Submission: Applicants cannot submit transcripts via email, as regular email is not secure. Applicants must either:
    • Upload legible copies of official transcripts through the CFL secure web portal during the online application process.
    • Mail official transcripts to our Augusta address (see below).
  • Institutional Submission: Educational institutions that offer electronic transcripts may submit transcripts directly to the CFL through secure email. The institution should submit to: cfl@maine.edu.
    • ATTENTION UPCOMING GRADUATES: Contact your Registrar’s Office to determine when final grades and your degree will be conferred. Do not order your transcript or apply prior to that date.
  1. Submit Your Application

You may submit your application and all supporting documentation through one of the following methods. Submit your materials only once to avoid delays.

  • Online (Preferred): Visit the CFL secure web portal to complete the application and upload your documents. Note that the web portal limits attachments to 10. Check the appropriate box if your institution is emailing your transcript.
    NOTE: If you do not receive a personalized confirmation of receipt email within 48 business hours, PLEASE email cfl@maine.edu.
  • By Mail (Slow): Send your completed application form (from Appendix D: Word Version or Adobe PDF) and all supporting documentation in one packet to:
    USM Center for Learning
    University of Maine at Augusta
    Robinson Hall
    46 University Dr.
    Augusta, ME 04330


We HIGHLY recommend that you do not apply for certification until you absolutely need it. Once the certificate is issued, it cannot be withdrawn, nor can the time period listed on it be paused. If you just want to see where you stand, check “Materials Review Only” in the CFL secure web portal or on the mailed application form to submit with your documentation for review.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the guidelines or the status of your application, you may contact the CFL:

Note: Please allow up to three weeks for application review and a written determination once it is received. You should receive a confirmation of receipt email from our staff within 48 business hours.

For Pathway B and C applicants who are applying for their second certificate:

Submit another application form and additional training certificates or transcripts via the CFL secure web portal or by mail as instructed in Steps 4 and 5 above. If you are submitting via the portal, click on the Second Pathway certificate, as applicable. If you are submitting by mail, check the fifth box on the application form.

For Pathway B and C applicants who have completed all remaining Domains:

In the web portal under “What are you applying for?” click the first button (same as Pathway A). If you are submitting the application by mail, check the first box on the application form. Submit your documentation with the application.

If you are using the CFL secure web portal, after updating your contact information, DELETE ALL PREVIOUS ATTACHMENTS before uploading new ones. The web portal is limited to ten attachments.

Note: Please allow up to three weeks for application review and a written determination.