The American Association of Psychiatric Technicians is a nonprofit organization that administers a voluntary certification examination to test knowledge of basic psychiatric technology.

This is a benefit to mental health workers, psychiatric aides and related employees in the 46 states that do not have licensed Psych Techs, and also to those in the armed forces.

The examination is a 201-question, open-book written test that individuals take at home. While it tests for basic knowledge about nursing, mental illness and developmental disabilities, it isn't nearly as comprehensive as licensing exams.

National certification allows individuals to put the initials NCPT after their names, standing for Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician. In some cases, those who are certified receive better pay and promotional opportunities.

Those who are certified receive a certificate suitable for framing, as well as a pin. If requested, AAPT will mail a newly certified NCPT a news release to give to their hometown media.

CAPT operates AAPT as a separate corporation. CAPT's three state officers serve as the officers of AAPT and the national association's office is in CAPT's headquarters in Sacramento.

Other than that, there's no connection between AAPT and CAPT. It's not an affiliation situation like the California Medical Association and the various state medical associations.

For further information about AAPT, phone toll-free to (800) 391-7589

American Association of Psychiatric Technicians
1220 S St., Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95811
Debi Loger, Executive Director

www.psychtechs.org