How to Get Play Therapy Certified
Jasmine Berger LCSW, RPT-S
We’ve heard it so many times: “I want to become a play therapist, but I have no idea where to start.” If that’s you, you’re not alone. The process to become a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has evolved over the years, and it now includes several moving pieces that can feel confusing at first glance.
At Bud to Bloom Play Therapy, we’re here to make the path clearer, calmer, and more supportive because we believe the world needs more play therapists, and we want to help you become one.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Play Therapist?
In true therapy fashion… it depends.
The Association for Play Therapy (APT) gives you a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 10 years to complete the requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist. Your timeline starts the moment you complete your first approved play therapy training, and from that moment, your 10-year “clock” begins.
You can begin this journey during:
Graduate school
Provisional licensure
After full licensure
Finances, availability of training, and access to supervision can all impact your pace, and that’s okay. You get to choose a timeline that works best for your life, energy, and goals.
What Do You Need to Become an RPT?
Let’s walk through it step by step so you know what to expect.
Education Requirements
You’ll need a master’s degree or higher in a clinical mental health field, such as social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. APT also requires that certain graduate-level coursework is covered, like child development, theories, and ethics.
When you're ready to apply, you’ll submit your graduate transcripts to verify these courses.
Pro tip: hold on to your syllabus or be ready to reach out in case you need to verify the content of the course.
See the full list of APT education requirements here
Licensure Requirements
You must be fully licensed in your state at the time you apply for your RPT. This means holding an active, unconditional license like an LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent at the time you submit your application.
You don’t have to be licensed to start training, but you do need that license before submitting your final application.
Understanding the Phases of the RPT Process
This is one of the biggest changes in the current Registered Play Therapist (RPT) process: everything now happens in 3 sequential phases.
There are three structured sequential phases, and you must complete all the required training, supervision, and play therapy experience within each phase before moving to the next. This is so important, if you don’t fulfill all requirements in one phase, you cannot move to the next phase. This is key to keep an eye on to make sure all your hours count, especially after investing your time and money!
The best way to stay on track? Meet with a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor (RPT-S) early, ideally before or right after your first training. They can help you map out your journey, make sure your hours line up with the correct phase, and avoid any costly missteps.
Think of your supervisor as your guide—they’ll help you navigate the timing, documentation, and structure of the process so you can focus on growth instead of logistics.
See the full breakdown of what’s required in each phase below (pictures pulled directly from the Association of Play Therapy Website)
Let’s Break Down the Three Core Components of the RPT
Play Therapy Training Hours (150 Total)
APT requires 150 hours of play therapy-specific instruction, and they must cover all the major content areas:
Play Therapy History
Seminal or Historically Significant Theories
(At least 25 hours must be in one core theory like Child-Centered, Adlerian, or Theraplay)Skills & Methods
Special Topics
Cultural & Social Diversity
These hours must be earned through APT-approved providers, which means the organization must have an active APT provider number.
Good news—Bud to Bloom offers APT-approved trainings! Check out our line up here!
A few other things to know:
At least 75 of the 150 hours must be in-person (contact) hours
The remaining 75 hours can be in-person or non-contact, such as books, recorded webinars, or online courses
If you're an APT member, you also get access to free non-contact training throughout the year—definitely a perk worth using!
Play Therapy Experience (350 Hours)
To become an RPT, you must complete 350 hours of direct play therapy with children or families while under supervision.
Supervision (35 Hours)
To become an RPT you need 35 hours of supervision by an RPT-S
Supervision is where your learning comes to life. Your supervisor will help you process cases, explore interventions, and apply theory to practice in a way that builds confidence and clinical depth.
Some key details:
Supervision can be done individually or in a group
No more than 15 hours of supervision can be group-based
You must have at least five (5) observations of your sessions by your supervisor, spread across the three phases
Pro Tip: If you're working toward licensure (like your LCSW or LPC), look for a supervisor who is both clinical and RPT-S certified. That way, your supervision hours may count toward both licensure and your RPT, saving time and money!
Submit Your Application
Once all your education, clinical hours, supervision, and training are complete, and you’re fully licensed, you can complete the official application to become a Registered Play Therapist.
APT has a clear application packet available here.
If this was helpful, make sure so sign up for our newsletter or check out some workshops with us. Or if you’re not ready to dive in quite yet you can follow on Instagram for updates and other tips!
Not Sure If the RPT Path Is Right for You?
Still feeling it out? That’s okay!
Here are a few ways to explore whether becoming a Registered Play Therapist is right for you:
Take a play therapy workshop (we have several introductory and hands-on trainings!)
Reach out to an RPT in your area and grab coffee or connect
Apply for an internship at a play therapy practice (like Bud to Bloom!)
The world of play therapy is beautifully diverse, with many modalities to explore:
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Theraplay
Adlerian Play Therapy
Animal-Assisted Play Therapy
…and more.
Learn about different styles helps you discover what fits your strengths, interests, and identity as a clinician.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take one step toward curiosity.
Let’s Walk This Path Together
At Bud to Bloom, we’re passionate about helping clinicians become the kind of play therapists who make a lasting difference. Whether you’re brand new or in Phase II, we’re here to support you through:
APT-approved trainings and workshops
Internship opportunities
Your journey into play therapy doesn’t have to be confusing or lonely—we’re here to help you grow with confidence, clarity, and connection.
