Advanced CYC Certification Process

Certification Route A

For members seeking certification with CYC educational backgrounds

1. Child and Youth Care Counsellors who have a Diploma or Degree of higher education from a Child and Youth Care Program, meeting the requirements of the Child and Youth Care Education Articulation Board, or demonstrated (transcripts) of equivalent CYC program indicating a minimum of 650 hours of practicum related course work.
   • Non-Alberta-accredited Child and Youth Care Programs will be reviewed by the Certification and Education committee for equivalency.
   • Please note: ONLY Child and Youth Care Programs will be reviewed to meet this requirement, similar course types will not be accepted nor considered equivalent.
2. Must be currently employed within the scope of practice:
   • 2000 hours of internship: Only those internship hours acquired in the previous 3 years will be applicable. Practicum hours do not apply.
   • Accumulation of Hours: Hours preferably will be under one supervisor providing an endorsement, however, up to three employers may be combined to reach the required 2000 hours; however, each must indicate the number of hours completed on the letter of endorsement.
3. An Endorsement of Supervisor(s) is required to be uploaded with this application. If you are self-employed please contact the office for further instructions.
   • CYCAA Certified Supervisor: May endorse that the candidate has applied the principles of Child and Youth Care, has reflected upon and developed these skills, and has completed a specified number of hours of internship, and therefore eligible for Certification / Registration for Certification.
   • Non-CYCAA Certified Supervisor: Must attest that they have read and understood the Core Attitudes and Values of Child and Youth Care. The Supervisor may endorse that the candidate has applied the principles of Child and Youth Care, has reflected upon and developed these skills, and has completed a specified number of hours of internship, and therefore eligible for Certification / Registration for Certification.
4. If you live and work in Alberta:
   • Be a Standard CYCAA Member in good standing.  Do not register for certification here.  Please return to www.cycaa.com to register.)
5. If you do not live in Alberta:
   • Complete the Route A Account Creation form.
6. Complete the Registration for Certification Form.
7. Submit your completed forms with a copy of your diploma or degree.
8. Your application will be reviewed by a Certification Coordinator and if the certification criteria have been met you will be notified.

Certification Route B

For members seeking certification from other educational backgrounds

1. Must be currently employed within the scope of practice:
   • 2000 hours of internship: Only those internship hours acquired in the previous 3 years will be applicable. Practicum hours do not apply.
   • Accumulation of Hours: Hours preferably will be under one supervisor providing an endorsement, however, up to three employers may be combined to reach the required 2000 hours; however, each must indicate the number of hours completed on the letter of endorsement.
2. An Endorsement of Supervisor(s) is required to be uploaded with this application. If you are self-employed please contact the office for further instructions.
   • CYCAA Certified Supervisor: May endorse that the candidate has applied the principles of Child and Youth Care, has reflected upon and developed these skills, and has completed a specified number of hours of internship, and therefore eligible for Certification / Registration for Certification.
   • Non-CYCAA Certified Supervisor: Must attest that they have read and understood the Core Attitudes and Values of Child and Youth Care. The Supervisor may endorse that the candidate has applied the principles of Child and Youth Care, has reflected upon and developed these skills, and has completed a specified number of hours of internship, and therefore eligible for Certification / Registration for Certification.
3. If you live and work in Alberta:
   • Be a Standard Member in good standing. Do not register for certification here.  Please return to www.cycaa.com to register.)
4. If you do not live in Alberta:
   • Route B requires purchase of the online learning to access the certification path.
5. Complete the Registration for Certification Form.
6. Submit your completed forms with a copy of your non-CYC diploma or degree if applicable.
7. Intermediate Certification (Written Exam, 75 % minimum to pass)
   • The Certification Manual is available within Module 2-1 of the online learning system. In the manual, you will find the focus areas for your Intermediate Exam.
   • Review each focus area and select the 2 focus areas from group A that are most suited to the work that you do. Then select 1 focus area from group B and 1 from group C.
   • The online modules will assist in guiding you through the expectations of each focus area and provide you with a clear understanding of the knowledge required to be a Certified Child and Youth Care Counsellor.
   • After completing your studies, submit an Application for Intermediate Certification Cost of the Intermediate Exam is $100.
   • The exam will be emailed to the exam supervisor specified on your Registration Form with specific instructions for the exam.
8. Full Certification (Oral Exam, 75% minimum to pass )
   • Upon successfully completing the Intermediate Certification Exam your next and final step will be to complete the Application for Full Certification. The cost of the Oral Exam is $100.
   • This exam can be taken in either Calgary or Edmonton. or via SKYPE or an alternative video chat like Zoom for those who are not in a position to travel to either location.

For Alberta Certified Members

Maintaining your Membership and Certification

Please return to www.cycaa.com and log into your account to maintain your certification and membership.)

For Non-Alberta Certified Members

Maintaining your  Certification 

1. Log in to your pd.cycaa Account and complete the certification maintenance form.
2. The annual maintenance for a Certified Child and Youth Care Counsellor is due on their certification date of each year.
3. Every year Maintenance of Certification is required to document the professional development, continuing education, workshops, and conferences you have attended. It is important for certified members to update their education constantly.
4. An Endorsement of Supervisor Maintenance is required to be sent in with your Membership renewal and Certification Maintenance Form.