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Child Life Specialists

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification or Licensing

Certification as a certified child life specialist is available through the Child Life Certification Commission, a subsidiary of the Association of Child Life Professionals. Certification criteria include passing an examination, having at least a bachelor's degree and fulfilling other education requirements, and completing a minimum of 600 hours of child life clinical internship under the direct supervision of a certified child life specialist. Although certification is voluntary, it is highly recommended. Some health care centers will not hire a child life specialist who is not certified.

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