Child Life Specialist Information

Certificate Requirements

To become a Certified Child Life Specialist, you must obtain certification from the national organization, the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) (opens in a new window).

Academic Requirements

The University of Utah and Weber State University (opens in a new window) are the only schools in Utah that offer all the required courses. While USU offers some of the courses, you will need to take others at another institution.

10 Required College Content Areas

  • 1 Child Life Course — Taught by a Certified Child Life Specialist Not available at USU
  • 1 Loss/Bereavement or Death/Dying Course Not available at USU
  • 2 Child Development Courses:
    • HDFS 3500 – Infancy and Childhood
    • HDFS 3570 – Youth and Adolescence
  • 1 Family Systems Course (Select one):
    • HDFS 2400 – Couple and Family Relationships (BSS)
    • HDFS 2660 – Parenting and Child Guidance
    • HDFS 4220 – Family Crisis Intervention
  • 1 Research Course:
    • HDFS 3130 – Research Methods (QI)
  • 1 Play Course:
    • HDFS 2200 – ST: Understanding Child Behavior May be accepted by ACLP

  • 3 Additional Courses in Related Areas (minimum 3 credits each)

    • Top ACLP Recommendations:

      • BIOL 2320 – Human Anatomy
      • BIOL 2420 – Human Physiology
      • HDFS 3210 – Families & Cultural Diversity
      • NDFS 1600 – Medical Terminology
      • PHIL 2400 – Ethics

    • Additional courses from Human Development, Family Relations, and Psychology, can also fulfill these slots.

Pre-Internship & Clinical Requirements

As a requirement to sit for the Child Life Certification Exam, students must complete a minimum 600-hour clinical internship (opens in a new window) in child life under the direct supervision of a Certified Child Life Specialist. Most internships are unpaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are practicums required for the clinical internship application?

ACLP recognizes that practicums have become a barrier within the pathway to the child life profession. None of the pre-internship experiences are required by the Child Life Certification Commission, and ACLP does not endorse practicums or other pre-internship programs.

How do I secure a clinical internship?

Individuals must apply directly to specific internship programs. Placements are competitive, and applicants are not always accepted on their first application cycle.

Requesting feedback, incorporating it, and reapplying are standard steps in the professional development path for future specialists.

Helpful Links

National Organization

USU Resources

External Institution information

external Clinical information