The DMTCB is a 501(c)(6) corporation established in 2009 to provide National evaluative standards for the certification and re-certification of dance/ movement therapy professionals and administer the Registry and Certification programs through examination.  The Certification Board was created to house the regulatory process of granting credentials and is independent of the American Dance Therapy Association which is primarily a membership organization.

The DMTCB is a nine-member board comprised of a Chairperson, Compliance Coordinator, a Public Member plus two, three-member panels: one to evaluate applications for Registry (R-DMT) for those seeking the  Alternate Route; and one to read and evaluate portfolio applications for Board Certification.  Each panel includes a member from the Eastern, Central and Western regions of the United States to ensure geographic diversity.  

Click here to view our Governance for DMTCBs. 

DMTCB General Information

Board Certification FAQs

What is board certification?

Board Certification is a form of credentialing that is obtained at the National level from an organization that has developed specific criteria to test and assess the qualifications of candidates. The ADTA recognizes the DMTCB as the National Certifying body for Dance/Movement Therapists.

What is the difference between registry, certification and licensure?

Registry is considered a basic level of credential. It attests that registered individuals meet a standard of educational training held by an organization. A Certification holds more importance in the eyes of the law, professionals and the public. Individuals who are certified go through not only a process of education, but testing in order to obtain certification. A License can only be administered on the state level. States differ in the ways they establish qualifications. State licenses allow clinicians to receive third party reimbursement. 

Is there anything I need to do to maintain my credential?

Yes. There are continuing education requirements for both the R-DMT and the BC-DMT. In addition, you are required to pay an annual maintenance fee, which is separate from your ADTA membership dues.

Advisories 

REGISTERED DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPIST (R-DMT) 

Graduates of ADTA Approved programs:                                   

• apply on the R-DMT “Approved Program Application” portal.   
• pay the application fee online
• have your school send an official transcript to: [email protected]

Alternate Route Students:

• read the “R-DMT Handbook” on the web.
• apply once yearly by the January 15^th deadline
• follow the procedures outlines in the R-DMT Handbook in applying                            
• Alternate Route students must notify the DMTCB when they begin taking dance/movement therapy courses by filing a Letter of Intent Form.
• Applicants from Other Dance/Movement Therapy Program and Alternate Route students must complete specific required coursework prior to starting internship.

BOARD CERTIFIED DANCE/MOVEMENT THERAPIST (BC-DMT)

• Read the BC-DMT Handbook on the web
• Apply once a year by the January 15^th deadline
• Follow application procedures outlines in the handbook
• If you intend to use private practice hours as a part of the requirement, you must file the Letter of Intent Form with the DMTCB. 
• Note that beginning in January 2023, applicants will only need 2400 hours of BC-DMT supervised employment plus 50 hours of supervision.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS FOR R-DMT OR BC-DMT

• Read the BC-DMT Handbook on the web
• Note that equivalency of education must be demonstrated.   Please use an equivalency organization such as World Education Services or Educational Credential Evaluators.
• Note that at the present time, all course professors and supervisors must hold the BC-DMT (American) credential
• All application materials must be submitted in English.