RCAT Application Process

Thank you for considering applying for the Registered Canadian Art Therapist (RCAT) designation through the Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA). Your commitment to practicing as a responsible art therapist is important to standardizing the profession across the country. 

Below outlines the Standard Application process of becoming an RCAT

  • Applicants must have graduated from one of the designated art therapy schools. 

  • Applicants must be a professional member of CATA for at least six months prior to applying.

  • Applicants will complete the digital application form (see below)

  • Within the application, there will be a customized form to be provided to the references and supervisors.

Applications are reviewed 3 times a year: September 30; January 30 and April 30. It generally takes the Registrar 4 to 6 weeks to complete the review and to mail out a certificate.

NOTE: Applicants must use the email address associated with their CATA-ACAT portal.

 

Below outlines the Short Application process of becoming an RCAT

  • Provide proof of registration with another association.

  • Provide proof of liability insurance.

  • Provide proof of art therapy training in the form of a digital upload of your certificate or diploma.

  • Provide 3 professional references with the form link these are to be completed by the professional reference and sent directly to the registrar. For the short application: one reference must be a current or former supervisor and the other two must be from registered art therapists.

  • Send the required links to their references for completion.

Below outlines the Lapsed Application process of becoming an RCAT

  • Have graduated from one of the designated art therapy schools.

  • Be a professional member of CATA for at least six months prior to applying.

  • Provide 5 art therapy related professional development completed in the last 3 years. Professional development could be reading books or articles related to your practice, attending conferences or workshops or webinars. CATA would like to see that you are taking an active role in your professional development.

  • Provide 3 professional references with the form link these are to be completed by the professional reference and sent directly to the registrar. For the lapsed membership application: one reference must be a current or former supervisor and the other two must be from registered art therapists.

  • Send the required links to their references for completion.

  • Provide proof of liability insurance.

  • Provide proof of previous RCAT status, either uploaded expired membership card or original Certificate of Registration or Confirmation Letter. 

  • Provide details of Art Therapy Work in the categories of Self-Employment and/or Employment.

Additional questions and answers can be found in our FAQ