FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL CHILD CARE AND YOUTH CARE PRACTITIONERS

1. Once I am hired to work as a Residential Child and Youth Care Practitioner at a residential child care facility when should I submit my RCYCP application to the Board?

All residential child and youth care practitioners are required to be certified within 180 days of hire. To ensure timely certification, your initial RCYCP application should be submitted to the Board within two weeks after you are hired.

2. What does it mean to submit evidence of a State and National Criminal History Records check or Child Protective Services Background Clearance?

To submit evidence of a State and National Criminal History Record, all applicants must go to a Live – Scan Fingerprints Provider to have an official criminal history records check completed. Applicants must use the pre -filled out Live Scan form that has the Board’s authorization and ORI number listed. All applicants must submit a Child Protective Services Background Clearance by completing the Consent for Release of Information/Background Clearance Request form and submitting it to their local Department of Social Services office in the jurisdiction where you reside. Applicants must also request a clearance from each State where he/she resided in the past 10 years. Both forms can be downloaded from the Board’s website at https://health.maryland.gov/crccp.

3. If I completed a State and National Criminal history records check or a Child Protective Services Background Clearance for my agency, am I required to complete another one?

Yes. The Board can not accept results that are from the residential agency.

4. What if I live in another state, how do I get a CPS form?

You may contact the Child Protective Services office in the State where you live, or you can download the CPS form for DC and Pennsylvania from the Board’s website at https://health.maryland.gov/crccp.

5. Is there a fee to request a Consent for Release of Information Background Clearance Request (CPS)?

No, not if you live in the State of Maryland.

6. What should I do if my Child Protective Services Background results come back stating there is pertinent information on file for the applicant?

The applicant is responsible for providing the Board staff with required documents showing there was no child abuse/neglect from the applicant. The applicant must contact their local Department of Human Services to find out what steps to take to obtain information from their closed records.

7. What should I do If I have convictions on my State and Federal Background reports?

If the applicant has any guilty convictions or probation before judgement disposition on their State and Federal reports, the applicant will be expected to provide the Board with a detailed written narrative explaining the incident in detail. The narrative must be signed and dated. The applicant will be required to request True Test copies of any court disposition papers from the State in which the incident occurred and provide them to the Board.

8. My convictions are more than 10 years old, do I still need to provide a written narrative and court documents to the Board?

Yes, each application will be handled on a case by case basis. If you have questions regarding your State and National Criminal History reports, contact Board staff at 410-764-5996/5052.

9. When can I take the RCYCP Final Exam?

Once your application is reviewed & complete, the Board’s Licensing Coordinator will notify you that you are cleared to schedule the RCYCP Final Exam.

10. When can I begin the Online RCYCP Training Program?

The applicant can begin the Online RCYCP Training Program at any point. The training can be accessed on the University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Innovations and Implementation website at theinstitute.umaryland.edu. Upon completion of the training program, and a completed application to the Board, the individual will be approved by the State Board to take the Comprehensive Examination. The Board will provide further instructions on test dates and locations.

11. Do I have to complete my RCYCP Training Online?

Yes.

12. Am I required to complete the RCYCP Online Training if I have an Associate’s degree or higher?

No, but the training will prepare you for exam.

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

The Board’s Licensing Coordinator will contact you within 30 days of your application being received. Once all required documents are received, the application shall be processed.

14. What happens if I have not submitted all of the required documents within 120 days?

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

15. How do I prepare for the Comprehensive Exam?

A Study guide is available on the Board’s website at https://health.maryland.gov/crccp There is no cost to receive the study guide.

16. Can I work unsupervised with children without certification?

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

17. What is the passing score on the Comprehensive Exam?

The passing score must be 75%

18. How many times can I take the Comprehensive Exam?

The Comprehensive Exam is offered several times throughout the month. The individual may take the exam as often as necessary; however, the applicant must pass the exam within 180 days of hire.

19. 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 and receipt of all required documents.

20. If I work part-time or only during the summer months, am I required to become certified?

Yes, you will be unable to work unsupervised with children until you receive your certification.

21. What is the cost for Initial Certification?

The cost of initial certification is $50.00