Standards and Pricing

Pricing

  • One-time certification processing fee: $99

    • Covers application review and credential issuance.

  • $0 to maintain your certification.

    • We use Maintenance of Certification, not “recertification.” No renewal fees, no retesting.

  • Coursework costs: vary by what you choose to take.

    • Each certification page lists examples of coursework that “counts” toward MWCE certification (many providers accepted).

How Standards Work

Each certification has its own Public Standards page with detailed requirements (hours/CEs, consultation, practice sessions, etc.). Those specifics vary by program, but all MWCE certifications share these universal standards:

1) Eligibility (License & Good Standing)

What we ask for: You are a currently licensed mental health professional in good standing.
Why we ask for it: Ensures ethical practice, scope compliance, and consumer protection.

2) Core Coursework

What we ask for: Foundational skills in the model, including relevant procedures and protocols.
Why we ask for it: Gain "how to" skills, language needed to effectively practice.

3) Consultation & Real-World Practice

What we ask for: Consultation plus practice sessions (peer, role-play, or client).
Why we ask for it: Ongoing practice, feedback, and discussion build student mastery and clinical judgment.

4) Reading Requirement

What we ask for: Relevant articles, chapters, and writing, including practical "how-tos" or scripts.
Why we ask for it: Students may want a written reference to help with learning.

5) Knowledge Exams

What we ask for: Assessments integrated into coursework (or MWCE-provided make-ups if your courses lack exams).
Why we ask for it: Confirms grasp of essentials (indications, contraindications, phases/steps, ethics).

6) Cultural Humility Education

What we ask for: Short learning activities on cultural humility and inclusive care.
Why we ask for it: Trauma and healing are cultural; humility and responsiveness improve outcomes and safety.

7) Case Vignettes

What we ask for: Two de-identified write-ups showing case formulation and use of core skills.
Why we ask for it: Demonstrates applied reasoning, protocol adherence, and reflective practice.

8) Client Feedback or References

What we ask for: Either 5 anonymized client feedback forms (safety, empathy, effectiveness, etc.) or 2 professional letters (supervisor/consultant + colleague).
Why we ask for it: Centers client experience and professional reputation—both core to quality care.

9) Capstone Project

What we ask for: Clinical, educational, community, research/innovation, or integration/self-care project.
Why we ask for it: Synthesizes learning into a meaningful contribution tailored to your goals and setting.

Certification Agreement (Attestation)

When you apply, you sign a Certification Agreement attesting that you completed the standards above (as listed on the program’s Public Standards page). This keeps the process straightforward and accountable.

Maintenance of Certification

  • Initial certification term: 4 years.

    • We chose 4 years because it aligns better with the pace of psychotherapy research and practice evolution.

  • Maintenance model (free): At the 4-year mark, you submit a new attestation that you:

    • Remain licensed and in good standing

    • Are actively practicing the therapy

    • Continue consultation as part of ethical, ongoing development

  • No retesting, no re-evaluation, no fees. We trust clinicians’ professionalism and ongoing growth.

Why This Approach?

  • Ethics & real clinical competence: This certification is built around professional responsibility — not just meeting requirements, but developing the judgment and skill that directly improve client outcomes. We emphasize ethical decision-making, scope-appropriate practice, and genuine clinical competence over superficial credentialing.

  • Accessible without compromise: Low fees and flexible coursework acceptance keep barriers down while maintaining rigorous, meaningful standards.

  • Quality with professional autonomy: Clear benchmarks combined with clinician judgment foster true mastery — not box-checking.

  • Radical transparency: Every program includes a Public Standards page so you know exactly what is required and why.

  • Practice-first, client-centered: The focus is on consultation, applied skills, and measurable impact in real client care.

Next Steps

  1. Pick your certification and review its Public Standards page.

  2. Complete qualifying coursework (from Online CE Credits or other reputable providers).

  3. Submit the $99 application with your attestations and materials.

  4. Receive your credential—and maintain it free every 4 years via attestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. MWCE certifications are private credentials. They demonstrate completion of MWCE’s published standards but are not government-issued licenses, nor do they replace board certifications. Another way to think about is that our certifications are knowledge credentials, not practice qualifiers.

  • Yes. MWCE licenses its certifications on a non-discriminatory basis. Any qualified applicant who meets and maintains the published standards may be certified.

  • After you submit your application and upload the three required documents, and our team will review it within 48 hours. Once approved, you’ll receive your official digital certification badge and certificate—ready to showcase your achievement!

  • Fair and Inclusive Certification
    MWCE’s certification standards are designed to be clear, objective, and inclusive. Anyone who meets the published requirements is eligible to earn certification. Credentials are awarded in a non-discriminatory manner, with a fair and transparent appeals process available if concerns arise. In the rare event of an error or issue, refunds are provided as appropriate.

  • Your certification badge does not automatically expire, but your right to display it is conditional. If you are no longer licensed or fall out of Good Standing, you must remove the badge from all marketing and public materials until your status is reinstated. During this time, your recognition shifts to a certificate of completion — so you still retain acknowledgment of your training and program completion, even though the credential itself is paused.

  • How are complaints handled?
    MWCE takes professionalism and ethics seriously, but we also recognize that misunderstandings can occur. Complaints are rare, and when they do arise, we aim to resolve them fairly, respectfully, and with transparency.

    What happens if a complaint is filed?
    We begin with an informal review, giving you the chance to respond and clarify. Most situations are resolved at this stage. Only if necessary do we move to a more formal review process.

    Will I automatically lose my certification if someone complains?
    No. Certification is not revoked simply because a complaint is filed. Revocation is a last resort and extremely rare, only considered in cases of clear, ongoing issues that cannot be resolved collaboratively.

    Can I be reinstated if my certification is affected?
    Yes. In nearly all cases, once any issues are corrected and updates are completed, reinstatement is possible. Our approach is to help clinicians succeed, not punish them.

    Who can file a complaint?
    Anyone may file a complaint regarding a certified practitioner’s use of the credential or ethical conduct. MWPE has a neutral, objective process for denial/revocation, and may:

    • Place the credential Under Review.

    • Request additional information from the practitioner.

    • Determine an outcome: No Action, Corrective Action, Suspension, or Revocation.

    Practitioners have the right to appeal within 30 days. Appeals are reviewed by a neutral panel.

  • Revocation is highly unusual and only considered in rare circumstances. Our goal is always to support clinicians and work together to resolve concerns before revocation is ever on the table. Situations that could lead to revocation include:
    • Misuse or misrepresentation of the certification mark
    • Loss or suspension of your professional license
    • Failure to follow basic ethics or brand-use guidelines
    • Not cooperating with a complaint review process

    Even in these rare cases, reinstatement is often possible once the issue is resolved and any required updates are completed.

  • Every few years, we may update standards to reflect current practice. If we do, you will be given a reasonable period (e.g., 6 months) to complete a bridge module. Completion restores or maintains Good Standing. No recurring renewal fee is required.

  • Brand-Use Guidelines
    • Use the approved post-nominal format: “Name, Degree, [CREDENTIAL]™.”
    • When first mentioning your credential, include this disclaimer: “Private certification from Mind Works Continuing Education, LLC; not a state license.”
    • Please avoid using the credential in clinic or business names, website domains, or in ways that could suggest government or board approval, altering the badge design, or implying that certification is the sole marker of competence.
    • The credential badge should link to the official verification page for transparency.

    Here’s an example:

    “Jane Smith, PhD, [CREDENTIAL]™ (private certification from Mind Works Continuing Education, LLC; not a state license).”

  • No. Mind Works Continuing Education (MWCE) is the credentialing body that awards and oversees the certification. Online CE Credits (OCEC) may reference and display the certification mark in co-promotional materials (such as ads or landing pages), but this is under a limited license from MWCE. When OCEC uses the mark, it must:

    • Use the correct ™/® symbols.

    • Include approved phrasing with the required disclaimer.

    • Make it clear that MWCE—not OCEC—is the certifying entity.

    What role does Online CE Credits (OCEC) play?
    Online CE Credits owns MWCE, and provides many of the courses that can count toward certification. OCEC also helps promote certification opportunities and offers training that aligns with MWCE’s standards. However, it does not issue the certification itself.

  • Mind Works Continuing Education (MWCE) is the certifying entity. MWCE sets and maintains the standards for certification, awards credentials, and oversees the integrity of the certification process.