CBMT Update on COVID-19
The Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT) wants you to know that during this unprecedented time we are concerned with your health and safety as we work together to battle the COVID-19 virus. Below are listings of resources and provisions being made for helping to assure candidates, certificants, and staff remain healthy during this difficult time. This information will be monitored and updated as needed.
Resources
The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) has a page of dedicated information for all music therapists regarding current websites and policies to assist in gaining information and accessing available services during this time of need. Access their resources here: AMTA COVID-19 Updates and Resources.
Candidates and Examinations
We are in constant contact with our testing firm, PSI Services, to monitor the current state of testing centers around the world. PSI has opened its owned and operated testing centers as states and localities allow. Nearly all of PSI owned and operated sites are open in the US. Many third-party sites have remained open through this period of time and continue to offer testing administrations. The PSI website identifies the sites which are open, the address and the capacity of that site, and the most recent policies for scheduling and rescheduling exams. Reschedule online at the Schedule My Test link from the PSI COVID-19 Update below, or if you have special testing accommodations, you must call PSI to reschedule. Please note that you should expect hold times to be very long. The call centers are open 24 hours, so try to call during off-hours, if possible. If you are having difficulty connecting with PSI, email Karen Howat at kh@cbmt.org for assistance. Also, many sites are testing at 50% capacity so the opportunity for appointments is more limited during this time. If your eligibility end date falls within the dates of closure, email Karen Howat at kh@cbmt.org for the eligibility end date to be extended. All reschedule rules and no show policies are relaxed. Access the PSI notice here: PSI COVID-19 Update
You may continue to apply for the exam through the CBMT website, request that transcripts be sent to kh@cbmt.org or the CBMT office, and complete all application procedures. Directions will be provided for scheduling your appointment when your eligibility has been approved.
CBMT Office
Pennsylvania businesses are required to continue with teleworking unless that is impossible. CBMT is mindful of the situation and staff will continue to telecommute from home until further notice. There may be delays in response time, in receiving mailings and certificates, and in processing times for the near future. We thank you for your patience with this situation. Recertification and certification information is updated on the CBMT website as quickly as possible and employers can verify current certification status at the Find a Therapist search.
Current information on health care procedures and navigating through practice-related issues can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). They provide published resources and guidance for navigating through the challenges being faced as a health care professional at this time. They can be found at CDC and WHO.
CDC – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information for Healthcare Professionals
WHO – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pandemic
Our thoughts are with all those who are affected by the COVID-19. We are truly hoping for the wellness and safety of all. Please reach out to CBMT with questions or further concerns, and watch for further updates as this is an evolving fluid situation.
