Queer & Trans Affirming Professional (QTAP) Certification

64-hour program begins with the conference and continues throughout the next year.

A certified Queer & Trans Affirming Professional (QTAP) meets widely accepted criteria of education, training, and experience in providing ethical and culturally competent services to the queer and trans community. Fully licensed mental health professionals, as well as helping professionals outside the mental health field (physicians, nurses, attorneys, clergy, life coaches, etc) may earn certification. QTAP certification is a cohort program that begins each May with CRC attendance, followed by pre-recorded Core Curriculum courses, live online Anti-Racism Training, and professional Consultation throughout the following year. Certification provides recognition as a culturally competent care provider. Learn about eligibility below, or click here for the course list or here for components and fees.

Must hold a current license to practice as a counselor, social worker, marriage & family therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. Professionals outside the mental health field (physicians, nurses, attorneys, clergy, life coaches, etc) must also be fully licensed in their field.
Must have current liability insurance through your practice, agency, or university.

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, apply online once enrollment is opened.
With your application, pay the training fee which covers registration for the next Contemporary Relationships Conference (CRC), access to all pre-recorded Core Curriculum courses, and the QTAP exam fee, taken once all other certification requirements have been met.
Attend the next CRC and earn at least 8 credit hours toward certification.
Choose a individual consultant from our faculty. Schedule ten meetings (1-hour each) with your consultant throughout the year. You will also participate in at least four group consultations (1.5 hours each) with the QTAP Director of Curriculum. Pay fees directly to the provider at the time of each meeting. 16 hours total.
At your own pace, take at least 30 hours of Core Curriculum courses throughout the year. Once you have completed these hours, you must pass a competency exam.
Attend the five Anti-Racism classes, each two hours and live online, and pay the instructors directly at the time of each class. 10 hours total.
Once you've satisfied the required 64 hours (and competency exam) you'll be awarded a certificate of completion. If you fail the competency exam, there is a $25 administrative fee to re-take the exam. You may attempt the exam up to three times. If you do not pass after the third attempt, the program directors will meet with you to develop a plan for remediation and may offer you a 4th attempt at their discretion.

Add the letters "QTAP" after your name for formal recognition that you have obtained certification as a safe, affirming, and effective care provider to the LGBTQ+ community.
Use the certified QTAP logo on your website and marketing materials to reassure clients, customers, insurers, and potential employers that you have met educational standards to safely and effectively care for LGBTQ+ persons, relationships, and families.
Free profile listing on our website as a Queer & Trans Affirming Professional with your contact information so potential clients can reach you directly.
25% off registration of the Annual Contemporary Relationships Conference (CRC) for as long as you maintain your certification. Note: Your QTAP training fee includes registration for the first scheduled conference after you are accepted into the certification program.

Earn six (6) continuing education credits every two years on topics related to queer and trans health and mental health. Attending the Contemporary Relationships Conference once in the two year period meets this requirement.
Maintain your professional license and liability insurance.