CCLS: Certified Child Life Specialist

The Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential, administered by the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) under the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), is the exclusive professional certification in the child life field. It demonstrates mastery of a defined body of knowledge and professional competence in psychosocial care of children in healthcare settings. The CLCC issues a digital badge and certificate to successful candidates.
What is the Certified Child Life Specialist Credential?

Completion Time:

The certification exam is computer-based, consisting of 150 multiple‑choice questions, and candidates have 4 hours to complete it.

The overall timeline depends on completing required coursework and the 600‑hour supervised clinical internship.
Child Life Certification Exam

Cost:

Eligibility Assessment Fee: One-time US $80

Exam Fee: US $300 for ACLP members; US $450 for non-members

Renewal Fees: Annual maintenance fees during years 1–4

What’s included:

• 150 multiple-choice questions, including 25 unscored pilot items

• 4-hour time limit

• Content domains:

  • Professional Responsibility (~26%)

  • Assessment (~37%)

  • Intervention (~37%)

• Preliminary results are available immediately; certification is valid for 5 years
  Exam Overview

Exam format delivery:
Candidates register through the CLCC portal and take the exam at ISO Quality Testing (IQT) centers
Register for the Exam

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree plus either 10 specified courses or completion of an ACLP-endorsed academic program

• Clinical: 600-hour internship with a Certified Child Life Specialist
  Eligibility Requirements

How to Apply:

1. Pay US $80 Eligibility Assessment fee

2. Submit transcripts, course verification, internship verification

3. Register and pay for the exam
   Eligibility Assessment Info

If You Don’t Pass:

• Retake up to 3 times per year, 5 attempts max
  Exam Retake Policy

Certificate Delivery:

• Wall certificate and digital badge (issued within 3–4 weeks)
  After the Exam

• 5-year cycle

• Pay maintenance fees in years 1–4

In year 5, recertify via exam or PDUs
Renewal & Maintenance

• Earn and track Professional Development Units (PDUs)

• Use ACLP-approved activities and providers

Submit in final year of certification cycle
Continuing Education Info

• Recommended Reading:

  • Meeting Children’s Psychosocial Needs Across the Healthcare Continuum

  • The Handbook of Child Life

Child Life Certification Exam Content Outline
ACLP Exam Prep Resources