Applying for Certification
Behavioral Health Aides
There are four levels of practice for which a Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) may be certified:
- Behavioral Health Aide I (BHA I)
- Behavioral Health Aide II (BHA II)
- Behavioral Health Aide III (BHA III)
- Behavioral Health Practitioner (BHP)
Each level of practice requires specific training courses and practicum activities.
The training required for BHA certification may be achieved through the:
- Specialized Training Track, for those with no prior training in the field, or
- Alternative Training Track, for those with trainings degrees or certificates in the field.
For each level of practice BHAs must demonstrate their knowledge of the BHA competencies. The Knowledge and Skills Checklist is completed by the BHA’s clinical supervisor to document the BHA’s current level of competency in each of the ten skill areas.
A complete application for certification as a BHA will include:
- CHAPCB Application for BHA Certification
- BHA Training Log, for specific level of practice
- BHA Clinical Practicum Log, for specific level of practice
- BHA Knowledge and Skills Checklist, for specific level of practice
CHAPCB Certifications are issued for a two-year term. To maintain an active certification, BHAs must continue to maintain all the requirements for certification at their current level of practice (such as, employed by a tribal health organization, practicing under a licensed clinician, etc.) and complete the requirements for renewal every two years.
A complete application for renewal of a BHA certification will include:
- CHAPCB Application for BHA Certification
- BHA Continuing Education Log
- BHA Knowledge and Skills Checklist, for renewing level of practice
For more information about Behavioral Health Aide training opportunities, to access the electronic Behavioral Health Aide Manual, or to learn about other resources, please visit: www.akchap.org/behavioral-health-aide