How to Get CMHP Certification: A Complete Guide

Obtaining Certified Mental Health Professional (CMHP) certification can be a valuable step for advancing your career in mental health As of 2023, over 65,000 professionals hold an active CMHP credential This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to earn your CMHP certification.

What is CMHP Certification?

CMHP stands for Certified Mental Health Professional, It is a credential administered by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) that designates competency in providing services to individuals with mental health conditions

Specifically the CMHP credential demonstrates proficiency in

• Assessment
• Person-centered service and recovery planning
• Counseling
• Service coordination
• Professional responsibilities

Earning your CMHP certifies that you have the advanced education and work experience needed to effectively serve clients in inpatient or outpatient mental health settings.

Why Get CMHP Certified?

There are many benefits to becoming a Certified Mental Health Professional:

• Career advancement: The CMHP credential can improve job prospects and open up new career opportunities. Many employers view it as a mark of expertise.

• Higher salary potential: CMHP certification holders typically earn 10-15% higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers.

• Enhanced skills: Preparing for the CMHP exam strengthens your competencies in areas like assessment, counseling, and care coordination.

• Professional credibility: The CMHP demonstrates your commitment to ongoing education and adherence to high ethical standards.

• Better client outcomes: Research shows certified professionals provide higher quality care leading to better treatment outcomes.

• Recertification requirements: Maintaining your CMHP ensures you stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices.

CMHP Certification Requirements

To qualify for the CMHP credential, you must meet set criteria for education, training, work experience, and supervision. The main steps are:

1. Hold a Relevant Bachelor’s or Higher Degree

At minimum, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a human services related field such as:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Counseling
• Criminal Justice
• Nursing
• Rehabilitation
• Education

See the full list of accepted degrees here. Candidates with unrelated degrees may qualify through additional coursework.

2. Document Required Work Experience

You must complete a minimum of 2 years (4,000 hours) of supervised work experience in a behavioral health setting. This includes:

• 1 year providing direct services in mental health counseling
• 1 year in a position working with individuals with mental health disorders.

Experience must be gained within the last 5 years. Some substitutions are allowed for those with graduate degrees.

3. Obtain Mandatory Hours of Training

In addition, you must complete at least 200 hours of formal training and education relevant to the field. Some content areas include:

• Psychopharmacology
• Crisis intervention
• Clinical assessment
• Treatment planning
• Ethics

At least 50 of the hours must focus specifically on mental health disorders.

4. Pass a Written Exam

After meeting the above requirements, candidates must pass the CMHP exam administered through FCB. The exam covers topics related to mental health counseling and ethics.

5. Apply for Certification

Once all prerequisites are fulfilled, submit an application through the FCB website with supporting documentation. An application fee applies.

The CMHP Certification Process Step-by-Step

Here is an overview of the key steps to earning your Certified Mental Health Professional credential:

1. Review eligibility requirements

Familiarize yourself with the credentialing standards and mandatory forms. Make sure you meet the minimum education, training, work experience, and supervision requirements.

2. Request transcript review (if needed)

If your degree is not in a directly related field, you may need to request an equivalency review. This verifies your coursework content aligns with CMHP domains.

3. Start compiling documentation

Gather completed supervision, work experience, and training verification forms. Obtain copies of relevant transcripts, licenses, and certifications.

4. Register for the CMHP exam

Once your supervisor confirms you have met readiness requirements, register to take the exam through FCB. Study materials are available.

5. Pass the CMHP exam

You must pass the CMHP exam with a score of 70% or higher to qualify for certification.

6. Submit your CMHP application

Apply online through your FCB account. Upload all required documentation and pay the application fee.

7. Receive your CMHP certificate

If approved, your CMHP digital certificate will be emailed to you within 2-3 weeks. The credential is valid for two years.

8. Recertify every two years

To maintain your CMHP, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education and pay a renewal fee prior to your expiration date.

Finding a CMHP Program

No specific training program is required prior to applying for CMHP certification. However, many colleges and organizations offer courses, workshops, and exam prep programs that can help prepare you.

When selecting a CMHP training provider, look for programs that:

• Are approved by the FCB
• Cover all the CMHP content domains
• Provide sample exams and testing tips
• Offer flexible options like online or on-demand courses
• Have instructors with expertise in mental health counseling

Reputable CMHP exam prep providers include Institute for HealthCare Training, CEU Institute, and TutorMe. Your employer may also cover the costs associated with a prep program.

Maintaining Your CMHP Certification

Once earned, the CMHP credential is valid for two years. To renew, you must:

• Complete 40 hours of continuing education related to mental health topics. At least 20 hours must be focused specifically on ethics, mental health disorders, treatment approaches, or assessment.

• Pay a renewal fee of $75 to the FCB.

• Affirm your adherence to the FCB Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct and any other professional codes.

Continuing education helps CMHPs stay current on best practices and new research so they can continue providing high-quality services. Renewing on time is mandatory to maintain an active certification status.

Is CMHP Certification Right for Me?

Earning your Certified Mental Health Professional credential can be a worthwhile career investment if you:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Have 1-2 years of documented supervised mental health work experience
• Want to advance your skills and position yourself for career growth
• Are committed to upholding high standards of care and ethics
• Are willing to pursue ongoing continuing education
• Work primarily with clients with mental health disorders

The CMHP demonstrates you have the foundation needed to provide effective, ethical services in today’s mental health field. With over 65,000 professionals certified, the CMHP remains a trusted credential.

Next Steps to CMHP Certification

Becoming a Certified Mental Health Professional requires dedication and preparation. But it can pay off through increased job opportunities, earning potential, and career fulfillment.

If you’re ready to advance your mental health career, follow these next steps:

• Review CMHP certification standards in detail
• Start compiling your degree, work experience, training, and supervision documentation
• Create an account on the FCB website
• Explore exam prep options to get ready for the CMHP exam
• Apply for certification once all requirements are met

With focus and determination, you can join the ranks of over 65,000 CMHP professionals. Use this guide as a roadmap to achieving this valuable credential.