CCAT Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ Guide

Oct 3, 2026

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CCAT (Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist) is an endorsement for qualified clinicians, not a training program. The FAQ explains how applicants meet AT training core elements, what types of instruction count, how to document prior experience when records are incomplete, and how many hours are required. It also clarifies eligibility criteria, including international practitioners and CTRS, and addresses supervision requirements and what certified members can do, such as being listed on the AEE website and supporting competency for reimbursement.

LanguageEnglish

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Pages4

Reading Time10 min

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CCAT Frequently Asked Questions

AT training core elements and acceptable training sources

Documenting prior training when records are incomplete

Required training hours and virtual/online limits

Eligibility for practitioners outside the US and special roles

What you can do with CCAT; supervision sign-off requirements

CCAT Frequently Asked Questions The Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist (CCAT) credential is not a training; it is an endorsement that a clinician has the core competencies, advanced education, and licensure to legitimately call themselves an Adventure Therapist. Most answers to the questions below are outlined in the CCAT Credentialing Manual , which can be found on the AEE website. The AEE Certification Council has created this resource to help provide quick reference for commonly asked questions after an interested party has reviewed the CCAT Credentialing Manual. What kinds of training can I count towards the Core Elements of AT Training Requirement? The Core Elements of AT Training document describes the types of training expected of CCAT applicants. Outlining core competency requirements without prescribing specific training structures, the CCAT allows creativity and exploration within the field to be maintained. If training falls within the core competencies, it is within the standards of this certification. CCAT applicants are encouraged to align the training received with these Core Elements. CCAT before beginning the application process. Training can be provided by institutions of higher education (documented with the course syllabus) , by other professional development training , and specific workshops at AEE conferences. AEE workshops are also available asynchronously online through the Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group Webinar Series. There is a list of trainers in the Certification/CCAT CTAS Application and Documents section of the AEE website. Please provide a continuing education certificate or participation certification and course content outlined as evidence of training. If not, a program packet and curriculum detailing the information reviewed will suffice as evidence. How do I document my training if I have been a practicing adventure therapist, with many years of training, but do not have a record of all the training I have received? AEE recognizes that it may be difficult for applicants to reconstruct records of prior training, education, and supervision during the initial phase of launching this certification. In response, AEE invites CCAT candidates to complete this application to the fullest extent possible. In the application , there will be opportunities to explain how requirements of the CCAT certification have been met and reasons why the candidate is unable to provide records as outlined in this application. The CCAT Council will then decide whether there is enough evidence to grant certification. A member of AEE’s Certification Council will contact applicants when there is a question about a candidate’s AT Training experience. Feel free to include references in your addendum for people who can contribute to the documentation of your training. How many training hours are required? At least 75 hours of adventure therapy-specific instruction covering all components of the “Core Elements of Adventure Therapy Training”. A maximum of 25 hours may be virtual or online. This instruction should be provided by institutions of higher education (documented with the course syllabus) or by other professional development training. If experience was gained in a college course, each semester credit is equivalent to 15 hours of instruction. Please include the number of instruction hours for that course if it differs from 15 hours. Is the CCAT relevant for AT practitioners outside of the US? The CCAT designation is available to anyone who would find it beneficial. AEE will not prohibit the availability of this certification nor discriminate against any qualified candidate. Current and active permission to legally and independently provide clinical mental health or school-based services in your region, state, province, or country in which you practice is a key criterion for certification. The AEE Certification Council has had many conversations about the complexity of Adventure T

FAQs

What does the CCAT credential represent?

CCAT is an endorsement that a clinician has the core competencies, advanced education, and licensure to call themselves an Adventure Therapist. It is not a training program.

How can applicants document AT training if they cannot provide records for all prior training?

Applicants are asked to complete the application to the fullest extent possible, including explaining how requirements were met and why records cannot be provided. The CCAT Council then decides whether there is enough evidence, and applicants can include references in an addendum.

How many training hours are required, and how much can be virtual or online?

Applicants need at least 75 hours of adventure therapy-specific instruction covering all Core Elements. Up to 25 hours may be virtual or online, supported by documented instruction such as course syllabi or other professional development training.

Oct 3, 2026

Upload by OmBimo