This is it. The big kahuna. The big question that stumps everybody.
How do I become a Certified Child Life Specialist?
Before we dive in there are a few things to keep in mind…
- Everyone’s journey looks different, I promise
- While there is “typical” journey, there are always exceptions to every step of the process
- There is no magic formula or experience that is going to guarantee success in the next step of your journey
- There is more than just a box to “check”- each requirement is there for a reason
Quick checklist of requirements to become a Certified Child Life Specialist:
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field
- 10 required courses outlined by the ACLP
- A clinical internship supervised by a CCLS with a minimum of 600 hours
- Sit for the certification exam
If I went into all of the details of the steps above, I could probably write an entire book, so let’s focus on the big pieces of this and the general questions we receive as specialists.
How many hours do I need working with kids to get an internship?
The answer to this question will most likely be super frustrating…it all depends. While many hospitals outline a “minimum” most students blow those numbers out of the water. The minimum is a great starting goal, but if you reach the minimum and have the ability to continue working or volunteering in that setting (and you enjoy it), keep going!
How do I know if I meet the 10 course requirement?
You will need to create an account with the ACLP in order to upload your courses and determine if you’ve checked all of the academic boxes. You will request your eligibility assessment and after review, the ACLP will determine if the courses you input meet the outlined requirements. You do have to pay for the eligibility assessment and you’ll need to send them an official transcript, so be prepared for that.
How many internship sites should I apply to?
There is no magic number for success. Generally, the more you apply to the better your chances but that is not a realistic way to go about the application process. Most students do have to move for their experiences so I would recommend considering where you might be able to live for free with friends or family, consider each program and if it would be a good fit for your learning needs, and only apply to places where you would actually move. I know Hawaii seems cool and all but it would be a very challenging place to live for 4 months unless you have friends or family there!
Overall pieces of advice:
- Read the manual
- Find a mentor
- Engage in activities and experiences that you truly enjoy
- Continue learning as you go through your certification process (and beyond!)
- Remember that you are more than your job
The process is lengthy and expensive. It can challenge you professionally and personally. You need true passion for your work, and a growth mindset, and a strong ability to connect with others in a variety of settings in order to be successful.
This is just a quick overview which includes a FAQ’s to get you started. If you have more specific questions check out the other blogs I’ve posted and you’ll most likely find the information you are looking for. You can also reach out to child life specialists through LinkedIn or social media and ask questions as well. There are so many people who are willing to help!
“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping”. – Fred Rogers
