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    Maryland Department of Health
    Board for the Certification of Residential Child Care Program Professionals

    FAQ: CHILD AND YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONERS CERTIFICATION

     

    1. How do I know if I need to become certified as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner?

    Individuals who are assigned to perform the direct responsibilities related to activities of daily living, self-help, and socialization skills in a residential child Care program licensed by the Department of Human Resources, Department of Juvenile Services or the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

    2. What are the requirements to become certified as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner?

    To qualify for a certificate as a residential child and youth care practitioner, an applicant shall be an individual who meets the requirements of this section. The applicant shall:

    • Have completed a State and national criminal history records check.
    • Be either 21 years old with at minimum a high school diploma or equivalent or at least 18 years old with an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
    • Have successfully completed an approved training program;
    • Have at least 2 years of experience in the human service field from a certified program administrator; or associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. (Article§20-302.1. Health Occupations }

     

    "Grandfathered/Grandparented"

    3. What does it mean to be "grandfathered/grandparented" as a certified Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner?

    It means that you have worked as a residential child and youth care practitioner in the State of Maryland for at least two consecutive years. You will not be required to take an examination to receive your certification.

    4. If I am grandfathered/grandparented, what are the requirements to obtain certification as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner?

    In order to obtain a certificate as a residential child and youth care practitioner, the applicant shall submit to the Board;

    • A notarized application on the form provided by the Board;
    • The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07; and
    • Evidence the applicant:
      • Has completed a State and National criminal history records check.
      • Has completed Child Protective Services Clearance.
      • Has completed a minimum of 10 hours of On Site Program Orientation
      • Has worked as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner in the State for at least 2 years before October 1, 2015.

     

    5. If I am NOT grandfathered/grandparented, what are the requirements to obtain certification as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner?

    In order to obtain a certificate as a residential child and youth care practitioner, the applicant shall submit to the Board;

    • A notarized application on the form provided by the Board;
    • The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07; and
    • Evidence the applicant:
      • Has completed a State and National criminal history records check.
      • Has completed Child Protective Services Clearance
      • Has completed a State-approved Private Provider RCYCP Training Program
      • Has completed a minimum 10 hours of On Site Program Orientation
      • Has passed the Standards Examination

     

    6. When can I begin the process of certification?

    The certification process will begin in the Summer of 2014. During the Summer of 2014, applications for certification will be available on the State Board website.

    Initial Certification for Individuals Who Take A Board Approved RCYCP Training Program

    7. Who is required to participate in a Board Approved RCYCP Training Program in order to obtain certification as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner? An individual that is employed in the State of Maryland as a residential child and youth care practitioner as of October 1, 2015 and has not worked in this role for at least two consecutive years and does not have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required to participate in a Board Approved RCYCP Training Program.

    8. What qualifies as a Board Approved RCYCP Training Program?

    The following qualify as Board Approved RCYCP Training Program:

    • A Private Provider Training that has submitted application to the State Board and received approval.
    • The State of Maryland Online RCYCP Training Program
    • The Community College of Baltimore (Catonsville) Child and Youth Care Practitioner Certificate Program

     

    9. If I accept a position as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner and do not have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, what should I do?

    Upon hire, employers shall notify the State Board of the new hire. All employees have 180 days from date of hire to become certified as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner. New hires without a college degree shall determine with their employer if they will take a Private Provider training or the Online RCYCP Training Program.

    10. If the decision is made that I will take a Private Provider Training, what steps should I take to obtain certification?

    Upon completion of the Private Provider Training, the individual should submit the following to the State Board:

    • A notarized application on the form provided by the Board;
    • The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07; and
    • Evidence the applicant:
      • Has completed a State and National criminal history records check.
      • Has completed Child Protective Services Clearance
      • Has completed a State-approved Private Provider RCYCP Training Program
      • Has completed a minimum 10 hours of On Site Program Orientation

     

    Upon receipt of complete information, the individual will be approved by the State Board to take the Standards Examination and will be provided with further instructions.

    11. If the decision is made that I will take the Online RCYCP Training program, what steps should I take to obtain certification?

    The individual shall submit the following to the State Board:

    • A notarized application on the form provided by the Board;
    • The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07; and
    • Evidence the applicant:
      • Has completed a State and National criminal history records check.
      • Has completed Child Protective Services Clearance
      • Has completed a minimum 10 hours On Site Program Orientation
    Upon receipt of complete information, the individual will be approved by the State Board to begin the Online RCYCP Training with complete instructions for access. Upon completing the online training, further instructions for taking the Standards examination will be provided.

     

    12. If my agency offers a State Approved RCYCP Training Program, when can I begin the training?

    Once you are hired, you can begin to take the training.

    13. If I accept a position as a Residential Child and Youth Care worker and have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, what should I do to obtain my certification?

    If you have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree you are not required to participate in a training program. Individuals shall submit the following to the State Board:

    • A notarized application on the form provided by the Board;
    • The application fee set forth in COMAR 10.57.07; and
    • Evidence the applicant:
      • Has completed a State and National criminal history records check
      • Has completed Child Protective Services Clearances
      • Has completed a minimum 10 hours On Site Program Orientation
    Upon receipt of complete information, the individual will be approved by the State Board to take the Standards Examination. Further instructions on testing will be provided upon approval of application.

     

    14. How much does it cost to take the Online RCYCP Training and Standards Examination?

    There is no cost to you to take the online training and exam. There is only a cost to apply for certification and re-certification.

    15. Do I have to complete my RCYCP training online?

    No, your training may be completed by a Private Provider who has a Board approved RCYCP training program.

     

    Application Process and Standards Examination

     

    16. How long does it take to process my application for certification?

    Once all required documents are received, the application shall be processed.

    17. What qualifies as submitting evidence of State and National criminal background check?

    All applicants must provide fingerprints for use by the Criminal Justice Information System and Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to conduct a State and National criminal history records check. The Board will only accept reports from CJIS, not from the applicants.

    18. How do I prepare for the Standards Exam?

    A study guide will be available for individuals and Private Providers in the Summer of 2014.

    19. Is there a cost for the study guide?

    No, there is not cost for the study guide

    20. Can I work unsupervised without certification?

    No (Article§20-301 (b) (i) (ii) Health Occupations)

    21. What is the passing score on the exam?

    The passing score must be 75%

    22. How many times can I take the exam?

    You may take the exam two times within 30 days. If an individual fails after the second attempt, the individual will be informed of the specific modules of the exam that were failed. The individual will be required to review the Online RCYCP Training module(s) failed and pass the post-test specific to that module. The RCYCP must wait 24 hour before each module test re-take.

    23. After passing the exam, how long will it take to become certified?

    The State Board will mail certificates within 30 days after receipt of a passing score.

    24. What happens if my application is not completed within 180 days of hire?

    Your application will be administratively closed. If your application is closed you will have to reapply, by sending in a new application and fee.

    25. How does my certification impact COMAR requirements?

    Your certification does not impact COMAR requirements. You are still required to complete 20 hours of continuing education units. (COMAR 10.57.03.10)

    26. If I fail my online exam, can I take an exam given by the Program Administrator?

    No, the exam shall be completed online.

    27. If I become certified as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner and leave my agency, will I be required to take the online training program and standards examination again?

    The certificate issued by the State Board is valid for two years.

    28. What is the cost for the initial certification?

    The cost for initial certification is $50.00

    29. What happens if I misplace my hard copy certificate?

    The certified practitioner shall request a duplicate certificate and pay a cost of $25.00 to the State Board.

    Private Provider Training Questions

    30. How many hours should a RCYCP training program consist of for approval?

    The training program shall consist of 30 contact hours. Ten hours of the training must include orientation to the agency/program policies and procedures, and program culture.

    31. How will the private provider's application for Private Provider RCYCP Training approval be processed?

    The State Board Subcommittee will review applications and make recommendations to the Board for approval. Applications that meet all required core components will be approved.

    32. When should providers mail their applications?

    Applications should be received 30 days prior to the schedule review date. Review dates will be posted on the State Board website.

    33. How will the private provider be notified of the outcome of the application for approved training?

    Board staff will notify the provider in writing.

    34. If the provider does not meet the qualifications, what can the provider do?

    The provider will be informed of deficiencies that need to be addressed. The provider may also request to attend a meeting with the Subcommittee for clarification.

    RCYCP Certification Renewal Questions

    35. When do I renew my certificate?

    A certified Residential Child Care and Youth Care Practitioner ("CRCCYP") must renew their certification every 2-years. (COMAR 10.57.03.09)

    36. What do I need to do to renew my certification?

    In order to qualify for renewal, CRCCYPs must return the following documentation to State Board:

    • Completed renewal application
    • Evidence of completion of 20 continuing education units (certificates of attendance or completion must state the sponsoring organization, your name, and the total number of CEU's earned for the continuing education activity) and
    • The renewal fee (COMAR 10.57.03.03)

     

    37. When will I receive my renewal notice?

    At least 3 months prior to the expiration of your certification, the State Board will send you a renewal notice by email and first class mail to your address of record.

    38. How long does it take to renew my certificate?

    The length of time it takes to renew certification depends upon the completeness of a renewal application submitted to the Board. If a complete application packet is submitted to the State Board, the certification process should take no longer than 2 weeks. Incorrect and incomplete renewal applications will delay the review and approval process. The State Board will not consider an application until it has received all required documentation. The completed renewal application and fee must be received by the State Board for a renewal certificate to be issued.

    39. When can I renew my certificate?

    You may renew your certificate upon receipt of your renewal package.

    40. What are the continuing education requirements for renewal?

    CRCYCPs are required to complete 20 CEU's within the 2-year period prior to their renewal date of their certification. Continuing education is meant to be training obtained above the minimum annual training requirements in COMAR 14.31.06 (F). Continuing education may include academic course work, workshops, seminars, etc. The State Board will accept a maximum of 5 CEU credits per renewal cycle in the content area of behavioral intervention trainings listed on the Governor's Office for Children's website. Continuing education MAY NOT include CPR or first aid.

    Information regarding the approval of continuing education courses can be found on the Board's website at www.dhmh.maryland.gov/crccp/SitePages/Home COMAR 10.57.04.03.

    41. What happens if I have not obtained the required continuing education for Renewal?

    The Board may not consider an application completed until it has received all required materials. COMAR 10.57.03.01(C). If you do not have the required continuing education hours, you should contact the State Board immediately.

    42. Will there be an audit of the continuing education requirements?

    Yes, the State Board conducts a 100% audit to assure compliance with continuing education requirements for renewal. CRCYCPs must provide documentation validating attendance at each program listed. Examples of documentation may include: certificates of completion, letters of attendance, transcripts for academic courses, reprints of publications or papers, copies of presentations, etc.

    Reinstatement Questions

    43. What are the requirements for reinstatement if I fail to renew my certification?

    The Board shall reinstate the certificate of a residential child and youth care practitioner who has failed to renew the certificate for any reason, if the individual:

    • Has not had the certificate suspended or revoked;
    • Applies to the Board for reinstatement of the certification within 5 years after the certification expires. (COMAR 10.567.03.10)
    • Meets the renewal requirements of §20-310 of this subtitle
    • Pays to the Board the reinstatement fee set by the Board;
    • Submits to the Board evidence of :
      • completion of 20 continuing education units within the last 2 years and
      • completed State and National criminal background check
      • completed Child Protective Services clearance