The role of an educational therapist has become increasingly vital in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape. Obtaining a professional qualification as an educational therapist signifies a commitment to excellence and professionalism, and reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs of individuals with learning disabilities, disorders, and challenges.
Educational therapy has been formally recognised under procedure code 93.82 since 1986 in the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications, Ninth Revision, Volume 3 (ICD-9-CM, V-3) of the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is regarded as the gold standard non-pharmacological approach for addressing a wide range of learning disabilities, difficulties, disorders, differences, and deficits.
The WHO framework for inclusive education highlights the critical relationship between health and education, recognising that access to quality education significantly impacts an individual’s overall well-being. This framework affirms the importance of ensuring that individuals with special needs are not left behind, promoting equity by providing all learners, regardless of their abilities, with equal opportunities to succeed, fostering social inclusion, and reducing the stigma associated with disabilities.
The Association is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and expertise in educational therapy. The Membership Committee carefully reviews all applications and verifies that applicants meet the qualifications and criteria required for professional membership. The Committee currently recognises qualifications obtained from the following esteemed organisations:
The Association officially recognises the Special Needs Educational Therapists (SNET) certification by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT).
The certification follows a structured three-tier pathway: Credentialed, Registered, and Board-Certified. Both pathways align with this framework and lead to full membership with AETS.
Full members possess privileges such as voting rights and eligibility to hold office.
The Progressive Pathway is the primary, structured and most comprehensive route to becoming a fully qualified Educational Therapist. It follows the internationally recognised SNET certification framework by the IACT, taking you through three progressive tiers of training, from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical competence.
This pathway is ideal for new entrants, career changers, and those without prior relevant Master’s or PhD qualifications. Through systematic training, you will develop both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills required to assess, support, and intervene effectively with individuals with learning disabilities, disorders, and difficulties.
You may apply for AETS membership upon completing any tier, allowing you to gain professional recognition at each milestone:
Already a qualified psychologist, counsellor, social worker, occupational therapist, speech & language therapist, special educator, or other allied health professional with a Master’s degree or PhD?
The Conversion Programme offers an accelerated pathway designed specifically for experienced professionals like you.
This programme recognises your existing qualifications and clinical expertise, allowing you to complete targeted modules and demonstrate practical competence through case reports or journal articles, leading to full membership as an Associate Educational Therapist.
Once admitted, you may continue to progress to Professional and Fellow membership upon fulfilling the corresponding SNET tier requirements, giving you a clear pathway to the highest levels of professional recognition in educational therapy.
● Leverages your prior Master’s/PhD training
● Requires fewer modules than the full SNET pathway
● Focuses on bridging your knowledge to Educational Therapy standards
● Provides clear progression to Professional and Fellow levels after Associate membership
Copyrights reserved © 2026. Association of Educational Therapists (Singapore)