Exams and Certification
The AHCB Hippotherapy Certification Exam, an entry level examination, was first administered in 2014 after AHA and AHCB determined the need to develop an entry level test of competency to recognize those individuals who have met the eligibility requirements and basic educational standards of the profession.
The first Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist Exam was rolled out in 1999. In 2006 the AHCB celebrated a new achievement when a therapist from British Columbia, Canada, became the first therapist outside the US to pass the exam. In 2012 a therapist from Seoul, South Korea became the first therapist outside of North America to pass the exam thereby acknowledging AHCB’s attainment of worldwide recognition.
If you have questions regarding certification renewal, please visit the Certification Renewal page.
If you have any general questions, please contact Carol Huegel, hippopt@aol.com.
Watch “The AHCB Credentialing Exam Process – Demystified”
Comparison of the Certifications in Hippotherapy
AHCB Hippotherapy Certified
Formal recognition of basic knowledge in the use of equine movement in therapy practice. May acknowledge themselves as “AHCB Hippotherapy Certified.”
Rationale
- Promote personal & professional growth in the industry
- Provides a measurable standard of knowledge for hippotherapy provides
- Supports communication & justification with the public, third-party payers & other professionals
Eligibility Requirements
- Be currently licensed or certified in the United States or the equivalent in other countries to practice as a therapist in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology; or, practice as an assistant in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy.
- At least 1 year of full-time (2,000 hours) experience in the practice of respective discipline.
- Completed AHA Level I/Part I & Level II/Part II Equine Skills and Treatment Principles courses or equivalent graduate courses.
- Minimum of 25 hours of 1:1 direct treatment in hippotherapy prior to the application deadline (not including treatment experience that is part of an educational course or mentoring process).
- Experienced and comfortable working with horses and can ride safely and independently at the walk and trot.
Exam Length
150 multiple choice questions – 3 hours
Visit our AHCB Hippotherapy Certified exam page for current dates and fees.
Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS®)
Formal recognition of advanced knowledge in the use of equine movement in therapy practice. May use “HPCS” in professional title to indicate advanced clinical certification.
Rationale
- Offers a higher level of certification for those with more advanced experience and in-depth knowledge in the principles and application of hippotherapy
- Specialty certification indicating expertise in hippotherapy
- Same as AHCB Hippotherapy Certified
Eligibility Requirements
- Be currently licensed or certified to practice as a therapist in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language pathology, in the United States or the equivalent in other countries.
- At least 3 years of full-time (6,000 hours) experience in the practice of respective discipline.
- Minimum of 100 hours for 1:1 direct treatment in hippotherapy practice in the 3 years prior to application deadline (not including treatment experience that is part of an educational course or mentoring process).
- Experienced and comfortable working with horses. Independent and skilled riding ability.
Exam Length
250 multiple choice questions – 4 hours
Visit our Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist exam page for current dates and fees.