CMPC Candidates and Approved Mentors: AASP Certification Council Issues New Guidance on Virtual Mentored Applied Hours

Back in August 2020, the Certification Council shared a number of temporary changes to the certification process given the various challenges associated with COVID-19 that continue to impact many facets of our professional and personal lives. The Certification Council recognizes the atypical circumstances involving COVID-19 have an impact on future Certified Mental Performance Consultant® (CMPC) candidates. As such, the Certification Council has continued to review our policies and accommodations made in light of the pandemic and is pleased to share additional updates to support future CMPCs.

For candidates working on their initial certification and completing virtual mentored applied hours:

We are aware some students and trainees are now able to return to some in-person consultations while observing the current COVID protocols and recommendations offered by local, state, and/or federal agencies. The Council continues to support and encourage such activities when they are able to be done so while protecting the safety and well-being of both client(s) and the practitioner/consultant. Furthermore, the Certification Council has extended the temporary acceptance of direct client contact hours that include sessions either in-person or from a distance via synchronous video and audio technology (e.g. Skype, FaceTime, Zoom) that approximate face-to-face contact. For individuals currently working toward their initial certification, the Council has extended this acceptance period originally set to expire on March 1 to now go through December 31, 2021.

Finally, for those who continue to provide services from a distance, we highly encourage both mentors and trainees to review some of the materials below regarding best practice recommendations for distance consulting in an effort to ensure competent, ethical, and effective services continue to be provided to our communities: