The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential validates expertise in rehabilitation counseling. It is recognized as the gold standard for professionals who assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their personal, social, and vocational goals.
Earning the rehabilitation counseling certification enhances credibility and opens doors to greater career opportunities, higher salaries, and leadership roles in the field. If you’re looking to advance in rehabilitation counseling, obtaining the CRC certification could be the key to your success.
What Is the CRC Certification?
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) awards the CRC certification to professionals who demonstrate proficiency in rehabilitation counseling. This credential ensures that counselors are equipped to provide effective guidance and support to individuals with physical, mental, emotional, or developmental disabilities.
What does a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor do?
A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) specializes in helping people with disabilities achieve independence and meaningful employment. Their responsibilities may include:
- Assessing clients’ abilities, skills, and career goals.
- Developing personalized rehabilitation plans.
- Coordinating with employers to create inclusive work environments.
- Providing mental health counseling and advocacy services.
The CRCC CRC credentials are highly valued because they signify a strong understanding of medical, psychological, and vocational rehabilitation principles, making certified professionals stand out.
Who Should Pursue the CRC Certification?
Wondering if becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor is right for you? This credential is ideal for:
- Rehabilitation counselors helping clients with disabilities overcome barriers.
- Vocational counselors assisting individuals in returning to work.
- Case managers working in disability services.
- Mental health professionals focusing on rehabilitation therapy.
CRC Exam Requirements
To take the CRC examination, candidates must meet specific rehabilitation counseling certification requirements set by the CRCC.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. The degree program must be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACEP) or meet CRCC’s academic standards.
Work Experience and Internship Requirements
Candidates must complete a supervised internship in rehabilitation counseling. If the degree program is not CACREP-accredited, additional work experience may be required to meet eligibility requirements.
Other Prerequisites for Eligibility
Candidates must complete specific coursework in ethics, counseling theories, and disability-related legislation and adhere to the CRCC Code of Professional Ethics.
CRC Exam Overview
The CRC exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge of rehabilitation counseling.
CRC Exam Format and Scoring
The CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions, and candidates are given 3.5 hours. The CRC exam is pass/fail, with scores determined based on the number of correct responses. CRCC does not publicly release passing scores but uses a scaled scoring process.
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam Topics
The CRC test structure includes 12 knowledge domains:
- Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice (11%)
- Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practices (11%)
- Group and Family Counseling (5%)
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling and Interventions (6%)
- Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (9%)
- Assessment/Evaluation, Occupational Analysis, and Service Implementation (11%)
- Career Development and Job Placement (9%)
- Business Engagement (8%)
- Community Resources and Partnerships (8%)
- Case Management (10%)
- Health Care and Disability Management (7%)
- Research, Methodology, and Performance Management (5%)
How to Apply for the CRC Exam
The CRC exam application process involves several steps:
- Review eligibility requirements: Ensure you meet the educational and work experience criteria.
- Gather necessary documents: Transcripts, internship verification, and professional references.
- Complete the online application: Submit your application through the CRCC website.
- Pay the exam fee: The CRC exam fees range from $400 to $500, depending on membership status.
- Schedule your exam: Once approved, select a testing date and location.
Maintaining Your CRC Certification
After passing the exam, you must fulfill CRC certification renewal requirements to keep your credential active.
To maintain their certification, Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) must complete 100 hours of continuing education every five years. Of these, at least 10 hours must be dedicated to ethics training. Approved coursework, workshops, or conferences can count toward these continuing education (CE) credits.
To recertify, CRCs must submit documentation of their completed CE credits before their certification expires. They must also pay the renewal fee and complete the necessary forms. Alternatively, professionals can retake the CRC exam to fulfill the recertification requirements.
Earning CRC Credentials
If you are passionate about assisting individuals with disabilities and want to advance your career, earning the CRC certification is a significant step. These credentials validate your expertise, increase job opportunities, and enhance your ability to make a meaningful impact. After reviewing your CRC examination eligibility, start preparing for the exam.
Start preparing today with 30 free CRC exam practice questions and take your first step toward becoming a rehabilitation counselor!
