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. Phoenix, Arizona 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 choosing a behavioral health specialist training school, it’s important to be careful and well-prepared. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not each provide the necessary training and hands-on components needed for a career in behavioral health. In fact, some programs do not offer supervised practicum hours, which are fundamental for gaining practical experience in patient assessment, crisis intervention, and therapeutic communication. Without these practicum hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national CBHS certification — even if you finish the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Program accreditation is a quality assurance granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, 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 industry standards.
After completing a behavioral health specialist training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you a Certified Behavioral Health Specialist. It simply verifies that you’ve finished training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with zero experience.
To officially become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be renewed every two years, and completing continuing education is a core 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 professional practices, techniques, and compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 school, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you ‘Certified’. This is a totally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of successful completion of a behavioral health training program and is required to register for the national certification examination for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
To get certified, a behavioral health specialist must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a behavioral health specialist must maintain their certification each two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often include 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 maintain and refine their skills.
There are several certification agencies that behavioral health specialist can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Pursuing behavioral health specialist certification not only proves your competency and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, behavioral health specialist can enhance their capabilities, build 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, repeated 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 with flexibility and from the ease of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are separate charges for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Behavioral Health Specialists (CBHS).
Once you have registered to sit for the credentialing exam, utilize a variety of exam preparation materials to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When selecting prep tools, look for materials that closely align with the exam’s content outline and focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of simulated practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for replicating the real test environment and identifying 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 quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is downloadable in your account. Your digital copy, paired 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 Phoenix, Arizona. The field of behavioral health is a solid gateway into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified behavioral health specialists are in high demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, a growing elderly population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making behavioral health a reliable and attractive career choice.
Behavioral Health Specialists typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $42,590, though wages can differ depending on location and experience. With growing opportunities and a relatively short training period, behavioral health is a great way to begin a rewarding 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 have to renew their CBHS Certification every two years. A behavioral health specialist should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the behavioral health specialist enough time to attend their continuing education hours and submit their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a behavioral health specialist course 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 credentials for the new 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 lapses, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves finishing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to check with your certifying body for specific procedures and deadlines to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CBHS Certification.
A Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructor (CBHSI) is a highly adept Behavioral Health Specialist with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Certified Behavioral Health Specialist Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the guidance provided by their curriculum. Every class in Phoenix, Arizona should tell their 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 complete the entire process online. If you would like to speak with someone regarding 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.
