Certification
Four stages, from candidacy to Master, with annual renewal at every level.
In short
CFDT certification moves through four stages: Initial Candidacy, Associate (ACFDT), Certified (CCFDT) and Master (MCFDT). Each level combines coursework, exams and supervised clinical experience, and every credential renews each year.
The roadmap
01
Your employing organization recommends you, and CFDI accepts you as a candidate. No specific degree is required; previous college-level learning is preferred.
02
40 hours of training and 40 hours of clinical consultations and rounds. Apply CFDT one-on-one and in small groups.
03
Intermediate training, 13 hours of consultations and rounds, and a 4-hour seminar and practicum exam.
04
55 hours of training, 2,000 clinical hours and a successfully defended dissertation.
Every level
Every credential renews each year with continuing education.
Good to know
Consultation keeps practice safe and true to the CFDI framework. You get feedback from experienced CFD therapists, see where to grow, and deepen your understanding of CFDT theory and practice.
Credential holders follow their organization's written code of conduct. Without one, they follow the current ACA Code of Ethics or the code endorsed by their state's Board of Behavioral Health Examiners or other regulator.
Training and support are provided through a training and licensing agreement with CFDI. In many cases, working full time as a CFD therapist under a CFDI licensing agreement covers the costs of training, annual renewal fees, technology access and exams.
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