Certification Organizations

By Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 20, 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 sole and internationally recognized certifying body for professionals who serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired. ACVREP’s mission is to advance professional competency and ethical practice by offering rigorous certification standards and promoting high-quality services.
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ACVREP currently offers certification in the following areas:
  • Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)
  • Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)
  • Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT)
  • Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist (CATIS)
ACVREP certification demonstrates that a professional possesses the critical knowledge, skills, and ethical standards necessary to deliver effective, person-centered services to individuals with visual impairments.

ACVREP is governed by a board of directors composed of certified professionals, individuals who are blind or visually impaired, employers, and representatives from the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI). All ACVREP certifications are internationally recognized.
More information: www.acvrep.or

​Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)

The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) administers the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential. While CRC certification is not specific to the field of visual impairments, many Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors working with individuals with visual impairments hold this credential.
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CRCC’s vision is to serve as a leader in the unification of the rehabilitation counseling profession, with the CRC recognized as a mark of excellence. CRCs assist individuals with a wide range of disabilities in achieving independence and full participation in their communities.

To maintain CRC certification, professionals must renew every five years through continuing education or re-examination. Continuing education credits must meet CRCC requirements and be relevant to the field of rehabilitation counseling. However, professionals working in vision services may also need to earn certification credits through ACVREP, depending on their role and job responsibilities.
More information: www.crccertification.com