NCTRC is a charter member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). Since1993, NCTRC's certification program has been accredited by NOCA's National Commission for Certifying Agencies. NCTRC certification program parallels the standards followed in medicine by the American Board of Medical Specialties and by other related professions such as the National Board for the Certification of Occupational Therapy Board and the Certification Board for Music Therapists.

NCTRC establishes evaluative standards for the certification and recertification of professionals; grants certification to individuals who voluntarily apply and meet established criteria, and monitors adherence to these standards by certified therapeutic recreation professionals. NCTRC's Board of Directors is elected by actively certified professionals. The Board is comprised of nine voting members and includes a consumer and an employer representative. Since the mission of the Council is to protect the consumer, it is critical that the consumer and employer have input into NCTRC's credentialing program.