Behavioral Health Aide Certification
Begin your journey as a certified Behavioral Health Aide by reviewing the application requirements, required documentation, and step-by-step guidance to ensure your submission to the Certification Board is complete and accurate.
Certification Requirements
Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) certification includes four progressive levels of practice:
- Behavioral Health Aide I (BHA I)
- Behavioral Health Aide II (BHA II)
- Behavioral Health Aide III (BHA III)
- Behavioral Health Practitioner (BHP)
Each level reflects increasing training, supervised practicum, work experience, and clinical responsibility.
To be certified at any level, applicants must complete the required training, practicum, and work experience and submit documentation verifying completion using the appropriate Training, Practicum, and Work Experience form. Applicants are responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring all requirements are met prior to submission.
In addition to documented education and experience, BHAs must demonstrate competency in ten core skill areas. A clinical supervisor evaluates and verifies competency using the Knowledge and Skills Checklist, confirming readiness for certification and continued practice.
Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) certification includes an agreement between the BHA, their employer, and their clinical supervisor. BHAs, employers, and clinical supervisors are responsible for knowledge of all the Standards and Procedures pertaining to their discipline.
Types of Applications
Initial
The requirements for initial certification include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a behavioral health aide program;
- Practice only under supervision of a licensed clinician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought; and
- Demonstrate competency in each of the ten core skill areas for the level being sought.
Upon approval, the Health Aide will be issued a two-year certification.
Renewal
A renewal application is for a Behavioral Health Aide who holds a current certification and is seeking recertification.
The requirements for certification renewal include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a behavioral health aide program;
- Practice only under supervision of a licensed clinician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought;
- Demonstrate competency in each of the ten core skill areas for the level being sought; and
- Document completion of continuing education requirements.
To prevent a lapse in certification, BHAs must submit a complete application prior to the end of the two-year certification term.
Upon approval, the Health Aide will be issued a two-year certification.
Change in Level
Health Aides may apply for a change in their level of certification within their two-year term or as a part of the renewal process.
The requirements for a change in level include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a behavioral health aide program;
- Practice only under supervision of a licensed clinician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought; and
- Demonstrate competency in each of the ten core skill areas for the level being sought.
NOTE: A change in level at the time of renewal may also require documentation of the completion of continuing education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other trainings to meet BHA course requirements?
Applicants may request credit for training and education completed at a non-CHAPCB training program or institution.
The ANTHC BHA Training Center will review all course transfer requests on an individual basis. The intent of this process is to acknowledge and give ‘credit’ for the training and education completed at a different training program or institution. Additionally, this process aims to maintain the integrity of the BHA curriculum, meaning that course equivalency will only be granted if the requested course minimally meets the requirements defined in the BHA curriculum.
Certain BHA courses are unique to the BHA Scope of Practice, therefore course equivalents will not be accepted for the following:
- General Orientation
- Ethics, Consent, Confidentiality, and Privacy
- Introduction to Documentation
- Working with Diverse Populations
- Traditional Health Based Practices
- Behavioral Health Documentation
- Applied Case Studies in Alaska Native Culture Based Issues
More information is available at BHA Request of Course Transfer.
Can I use work experience from a prior employer?
An applicant who demonstrates that they satisfy the applicable requirements of BHA/P Knowledge, Skills, and Scope of Practice and has the capacity to provide culturally appropriate services in a village setting may substitute prior relevant work experience that aligns with the level of certification they are seeking. For each request of exception or substitution include a Supplemental Work Experience Log with your application.