
CYC Certification
Child and Youth Care Worker Certification
OVERVIEW
The CYC certification is a national credential for child and youth care work practitioners. It is based on a three-tiered system beginning with Entry Level and includes Associate and Professional Levels. CYC certification allows practitioners to demonstrate their development as professionals and participate in true career development. Over time, practitioners can combine in-service training, formal education and work experience to qualify for increasingly advanced positions. Or they can continue to work in the same setting with the ability to meet a wider range of youth needs. (See the list of Indiana agencies who employ certified youth workers.)
WHY SHOULD YOU GET CERTIFIED?
BENEFITS TO BEING CERTIFIED
HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED
Determine Certification Level : Explore the certification levels and determine which one best describes your experience, education, and training. You can apply to whichever level is the best fit. It is not necessary to complete Entry Level before obtaining a higher level. You cannot be certified unless you meet all of the requirements for a specific level.
For questions, contact the CYCCB office at certification@cyccb.org or call 317-296-3835
CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The process in 6 minutes (video)
- Determine your Level & Submit the application
- Take exam
- FAQ Page
- Renew every 2 years
Complete Application
To complete the certification process, practitioners will first submit the application. Resources include:
Schedule Testing
Upon completion of testing, practitioners will be notified by mail of test results, usually within 2-3 weeks. Complete the Exam Registration Form to get started.
Certification & Renewal Price Schedule
Child & Youth Care Certification Board (CYCCB)
CYCCB offers three levels of Child and Youth Care certification — Entry, Associate, and Professional — awarded based on the applicant’s experience and education. The amounts below reflect the standard prices for first-time certification and for ongoing renewal.
First-Time Certification
Each level requires both an application processing payment and an exam (testing) payment. The First-Time Total column shows the combined cost to complete certification at each level.
| Certification Level | Application Processing | Exam / Testing | First-Time Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (CYC) | $80 | $105 | $185 |
| Associate Level (CYC-A) | $130 | $130 | $260 |
| Professional Level (CYC-P) | $180 | $165 | $345 |
Renewal
Certification is renewed on a two-year cycle. The amounts below apply per renewal.
| Certification Level | Renewal (per 2-year cycle) |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (CYC) | $75 |
| Associate Level (CYC-A) | $75 |
| Professional Level (CYC-P) | $90 |
Additional administrative fees (for example, exam rescheduling or late renewal) are not included in this schedule. For the complete list of payment options, contact the CYCCB office.

