Behavioral Health

The Behavioral Health Technician is often the primary person providing direct care to a person receiving substance abuse or mental health services. The purpose of a certification system for Behavioral Health Technicians is to:

Assure the public a minimum level of competency for quality services by Behavioral Health Technicians.

Give professional recognition to qualified Behavioral Health Technicians through a process which examines demonstrated work competencies.

Assure an opportunity for ongoing professional development for Behavioral Health Technicians.

Enable employers to receive reimbursement for services provided by certified Behavioral Health Technicians.

The role of the Behavioral Health Technician includes, but is not limited to:

Establishing a positive helping relationship with the person receiving services;

Implementing specific interventions according to an individualized treatment or service plan;

Monitoring and documenting client progress and protecting the privacy of clinical records;

Assisting persons receiving services to complete activities of daily living, access needed resources, and establish functional relationships; and

Ensuring the safety of the person receiving services in program and community settings.

FCB Sets Certification Standards

The FCB recognizes that Behavioral Health Technicians work in a wide range of disciplines and have diverse educational and experiential backgrounds. The FCB’s certification process identifies and defines the core functions, responsibilities, knowledge, and skill areas required of Behavioral Health Technicians regardless of work setting, approach, and educational or professional training. This process does not endorse any one particular philosophy, treatment modality or service delivery approach. We encourage and require the development of professional skills and competencies for all Behavioral Health professionals.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to become certified as a Behavioral Health Technician in the State of Florida, you must:

Meet specific competency and ethical conduct requirements;
Possess minimum work experience requirements;
Possess minimum education and training requirements;
Pass the written examination described in this document

View Complete Eligibility Requirements (PDF)

Behavioral Health Technician Certification Process

The Application Portfolio consists of several documents that demonstrate the applicant’s competency in the knowledge and skills specifically related to the functions of the Behavioral Health Technician. The components of the Application Portfolio are included in the BHT Application Package.

Please note that an applicant can not register for the written exam until his or her Application Portfolio has been approved by the FCB staff. For this reason, it is important that all applicants enter the certification process prepared to provide the required information on the proper forms.

Behavioral Health Exam

The Behavioral Health Exam ($40 fee) measures proficiency in the follwing areas:

Clinical competency

Professional responsibility

Safety

Administrative responsibility