Becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist: Job Requirements
If you're interested in helping children in medically traumatic situations, learn about the education and training required to be a certified child life specialist.
When children are seriously injured or face long-term hospital treatment, child life specialists help them understand and cope.
Certified child life specialists have bachelor's and master's degrees, in addition to hands-on training through a clinical internship.
On a daily basis, they work with children to explain procedures and make an extended hospitalization a little less overwhelming.
If this sounds like something you'd be interested in, read on to find out about the specific education path you'll need to take.
What Is a Certified Child Life Specialist?
Certified child life specialists go through extended education and training to ensure that they can help and support children.
Because every child's situation and coping skills are different, certified child life specialists need to be flexible and adaptable.
Their days are busy and can be emotionally taxing. Certified child life specialists are also resilient and empathetic.
<h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3><p>Certified child life therapists are certified through the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP).
</p><p>The ACLP also endorses child life education programs at both the bachelor's and master's degree levels.
</p><p>If you're following the path to certification, you want to make sure the programs you enroll in are ACLP-endorsed.
</p><p>ACLP-endorsed master's programs are designed to prepare you for the ACLP certification exam.
</p><p>If you don't get a master's degree, you still need at least 10 courses that follow the ACLP's education requirements.
</p><h3 id="section---Training">Training</h3><p>The ACLP requires all candidates for certification to complete at least 600 hours of child life clinical internship training.
</p><p>This work must be completed under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist (CCLS).
</p><p>To qualify as a supervisor, a CCLS must have at least 4,000 hours of paid experience as a CCLS.
</p><p>The ACLP maintains a list of accredited internship programs on its website, as well as a directory you can search to find a program.
</p><h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3><p>Once you've completed your coursework and internship, you're eligible to sit for the certification exam.
</p><p>If you pass, you'll become a CCLS and be ready to start your new career.
</p><p>While certification is technically voluntary, most major hospitals and clinics only hire certified child life specialists.
</p><p>Having and maintaining your certification might also open the door to supervisory positions and better pay.
</p><h3 id="section---JobDuties">Job Duties</h3><p>In many ways, no two workdays are the same for a CCLS. Each day presents new challenges and new patients to support.
</p><p>On a typical day, a CCLS might provide any of the following interventions:
</p><ul><li>preparation for tests or procedures
</li><li>distraction or support during procedures
</li><li>education about diagnoses and treatments
</li><li>therapeutic play
</li><li>support for parents and siblings
</li><li>emotional support
</li><li>bereavement support
</li><li>patient advocacy
</li></ul><p>A CCLS really gets to know the patients in their care so they can ensure they have the best possible outcome from treatment.
</p><p>Child life specialists also work with other members of a child's medical team to coordinate plans and manage treatment.
</p><p>Some child life specialists work exclusively with children who have a specific medical condition or illness.
</p><h3 id="section---AverageSalaryAndWorkEnvironment">Average Salary and Work Environment</h3><p>A CCLS can expect to earn around $60,380 per year on average. Most employers also provide health insurance and retirement benefits.
</p><p>The majority of certified child life therapists work in large hospitals, especially children's hospitals and specialty hospitals.
</p><p>The rest of them work in smaller clinics, hospice units, rehabilitation centers, and other medical facilities.
</p><p>There are also independent certified child life specialists who take on their own clients and visit in patient homes.
</p><p>Read below for a step-by-step about becoming a certified child life specialist.
</p><h2 id="section---Step1GetABachelorSDegreeInChildLife">Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree in Child Life</h2><p>A bachelor's degree in child life is your first step towards a career as a certified child life specialist.
</p><p>The ACLP maintains a list of endorsed programs so you can find one that would best suit your needs if you want to go this route.
</p><p>You do have flexibility with your bachelor's degree. You can also pursue a degree in a related discipline, such as psychology or family studies.
</p><p>While you're studying for your bachelor's degree, volunteering at a local children's hospital is a great way to get experience.
</p><h2 id="section---Step2ServeAChildLifeClinicalInternship">Step 2: Serve a Child Life Clinical Internship</h2><p>If you got a bachelor's degree in child life from an ACLP-endorsed program, you likely won't have to find your own internship.
</p><p>Otherwise, you can check the ACLP's directory to find an internship in your area that suits your needs.
</p><p>The ACLP requires at least 600 hours of supervised experience before you're eligible to sit for the certification exam.
</p><h2 id="section---Step3EarnAMasterSDegreeInChildLife">Step 3: Earn a Master's Degree in Child Life</h2><p>To become a CCLS, the ACLP requires either a master's degree or at least 10 college courses on child life topics.
</p><p>A master's degree in child life is typically the easier route since these programs prepare you directly for the certification exam.
</p><p>You can find a list of ACLP-endorsed programs on the ACLP website. ACLP endorsement is mandatory at this stage of your education.
</p><h2 id="section---Step4SitForTheCertificationExam">Step 4: Sit for the Certification Exam</h2><p>The ACLP has three deadlines to register for the certification exam: March 10, August 10, and October 27.
</p><p>The cost for the examination is $300 for ACLP members and $450 for non-members.
</p><p>Testing can be completed during the applicable testing window at any ISO Quality Testing (IQT) center.
</p><p>You have four hours to complete the timed certification exam, which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.
</p><p>Once certified, add 'CCLS' after your name to designate your credentials.
</p><h2 id="section---Step5MaintainYourCertification">Step 5: Maintain Your Certification</h2><p>Certification fees are due by January 31st in each of the first four years you hold your certification.
</p><p>If you fail to pay these fees, you'll lose your credential and have to start all over again, including taking another certification exam.
</p><p>In the fifth year, you're responsible for recertifying. You can recertify either by taking continuing education or by taking an exam.
</p><p>The cost of the exam is the same as the original certification. Recertifying through continuing education costs $120 ($220 for non-members).
</p><h2 id="section---LearnAboutBecomingACertifiedChildLifeSpecialistToday">Learn About Becoming a Certified Child Life Specialist Today</h2><p>Contact <i>Best Accredited Colleges</i> today for more information on becoming a certified child life specialist.</p>