Behavioral Health Specialists play a key role in the medical field. Their main responsibilities include assessing patients’ mental health, implementing crisis intervention strategies, and coordinating therapeutic care to support emotional and behavioral well-being. Here we will outline the entire process of becoming a Certified Behavioral Health Specialist (CBHS).
The first step to your career as a Certified Behavioral Health Specialist (CBHS) is enrolling in a state-approved training program. Georgetown, Texas offers numerous accredited courses designed to prepare you for this role. These programs generally include 40–80 hours of classroom instruction. Class sizes typically range from 10 to 30 students, ensuring focused support and hands-on learning.
When selecting a behavioral health specialist training program, it’s important to be thorough and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not every one provide the vital training and hands-on components needed for a career in behavioral health. In fact, some programs do not offer supervised practicum hours, which are critical for gaining real-world experience in patient assessment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication. Without these practicum hours, you will not meet the required requirements for national CBHS certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most important factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to quality benchmarks. Program accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In behavioral health, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive comprehensive education and clinical experience aligned with healthcare best practices.
After graduating from a behavioral health specialist training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply proves that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps establish national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be updated every two years, and completing continuing education is a mandatory requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that Certified Behavioral Health Specialist remain up to date with the latest industry standards, procedures, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a behavioral health specialist training program and would like an NPS adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon gainful completion of a behavioral health training program, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a behavioral health training school and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To become certified, a behavioral health specialist must have their skills put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a behavioral health specialist must renew their certification every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can be completed in several ways, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in behavioral health. Many professional organizations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help behavioral health specialist expand and develop their skills.
There are many certification agencies that behavioral health specialist can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Obtaining behavioral health specialist certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, behavioral health specialist can enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 and includes a comprehensive study guide, endless practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed entirely online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the comfort of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are extra fees for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Behavioral Health Specialists (CBHS).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, utilize a wide range of exam preparation materials to boost your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates regular studying, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help boost your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are highly beneficial for mirroring the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer unlimited practice exams, while others charge extra for practice attempts.
After you have passed the certification exam, your credentials are hastily inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is available in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Behavioral Health Specialists (CBHS), you’re ready to start your medical career in Georgetown, Texas. The field of behavioral health is a great entry point into the medical industry, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified behavioral health specialists are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to increased access to healthcare, a rise in senior patients, and a rise in lab testing. This rising demand supports a strong job outlook, making behavioral health a stable and worthwhile career choice.
Behavioral Health Specialists typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $42,590, though wages can vary depending on geography and experience. With increasing5 prospects and a relatively short training period, behavioral health is a smart way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the behavioral health field.
Certified Behavioral Health Specialists will be required to renew their CBHS Certification every two years. A behavioral health specialist should start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their credentials expires. This will permit the behavioral health specialist acceptable time to attend their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register to a school or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your certification for the following two year time period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the behavioral health specialist field.
If your certification becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to consult your certifying body for specific guidelines and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
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A Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructor (CBHSI) is a highly adept Behavioral Health Specialist with over 5 years of experience in the field. Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Georgetown, Texas should provide students with the instructors background and credentials.
If a behavioral health specialist meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructor (CBHSI) they can finalize the entire process online. If you would prefer to talk with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructor (CBHSI)).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
