Certification Organizations

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated November 21, 2025​

​Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP)

Founded in 2000, the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP) is the internationally recognized certifying body responsible for establishing and maintaining high standards for professionals who serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It is the only organization of its kind worldwide, providing a unified credentialing system across multiple specialized practice areas.
ACVREP’s core mission is to advance professional competency, ethical practice, and high-quality services by developing rigorous certification requirements that reflect current best practices in the field. Earning an ACVREP certification demonstrates that a professional has met stringent standards in education, field experience, examination, and ethics—ensuring they are prepared to deliver effective, person-centered instruction and support.
ACVREP Currently Offers Certification in Four Specialty Areas:
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS). Professionals trained to teach safe, independent travel skills to individuals with visual impairments across a variety of environments.
  • Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT). Specialists who provide instruction in adaptive skills for daily living—such as communication, home management, self-care, and other independent living skills.
  • Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT). Professionals who help individuals with low vision use their remaining vision effectively through optical and non-optical devices, environmental modifications, and adaptive techniques.
  • Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS). Experts who assess, teach, and support the use of assistive technology—including screen readers, magnification, braille devices, and access tools—across educational, vocational, and community settings.
Why ACVREP Certification Matters. Holding an ACVREP certification shows that a professional:
  • Possesses the specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies required to meet the needs of individuals with visual impairments.
  • Follows ethical standards and best practices aligned with the field.
  • Has completed a rigorous process that includes education, supervised practice, and a comprehensive exam.
  • Is committed to continuing education, maintaining current knowledge, and promoting high-quality services.
Because ACVREP certifications are internationally recognized, they support mobility across regions and countries and are often required by school districts, rehabilitation agencies, and service providers.
Governance and Oversight. ACVREP is guided by a Board of Directors that reflects the diversity of stakeholders in the field. The board includes:
  • Certified professionals (COMS, CVRT, CLVT, CATIS)
  • Individuals who are blind or visually impaired
  • Employers and administrators from education or rehabilitation
  • Representatives from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI)
This governance structure ensures that certification standards remain current, relevant, and ethically grounded. 
Learn More. More information about certification requirements, renewal, and professional standards can be found at: www.acvrep.or

​Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is the national organization responsible for administering and maintaining the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. The CRC is one of the most widely recognized and respected certifications within the rehabilitation counseling profession. Although the CRC credential is not exclusive to the field of visual impairments, it is commonly held by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselors who serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This is because the certification reflects strong foundational knowledge in disability, counseling skills, case management, ethics, and vocational planning—all essential components of VR work.
CRCC’s vision is to promote professional excellence and unity within the rehabilitation counseling field. The organization seeks to uphold the CRC credential as a mark of high professional standards, ensuring that certified counselors are competent, ethical, and well-prepared to support individuals with disabilities. In their daily practice, CRCs help clients address barriers, set goals, and work toward employment, independence, and full participation in their communities—whether those barriers are related to visual impairments, physical disabilities, mental health challenges, or other conditions.
Certification Maintenance. To maintain the CRC credential, professionals must renew their certification every five years. Renewal can be achieved in one of two ways:
  • Continuing Education (CE)
    • Counselors must complete a required number of continuing education credits.
    • CE activities must align with CRCC guidelines and be relevant to rehabilitation counseling, disability services, ethics, or related areas.
    • This option encourages ongoing professional development and keeps practitioners current with best practices.
  • Re-examination
    • Counselors may choose to retake the CRC examination to demonstrate continued competency.
For professionals specifically working in vision rehabilitation or blindness services, additional continuing education may be required. Depending on their job responsibilities, they may also need to obtain CE credits approved by ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals), especially if they hold other certifications such as CLVT, CVRT, or COMS. This dual-credit approach helps ensure they stay up to date with both general rehabilitation counseling standards and specialized skills for supporting individuals with visual impairments.
For more information about certification requirements, renewal, and professional standards, visit: www.crccertification.com

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