How to Apply for Endorsement

Applying for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Endorsement is a valuable opportunity for professionals seeking to demonstrate their commitment to best practices in the infant and early childhood mental health field. This internationally recognized credential helps professionals integrate relationship-based and reflective practices into their work, ultimately benefiting the social and emotional health of infants, young children, and families. Depending on your location, you may apply through a licensed association for infant mental health (AIMH) or directly with the Alliance if no local affiliate exists.  

To find out if your location offers the Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH-E®), visit our Members of the Alliance page. If you live in one of the 38 states or countries that has licensed the Endorsement, you’ll apply directly through that organization. We are proud to support collaboration and foster a sense of community wherever you live! 

If your area does not currently offer the credential, you can still pursue Endorsement directly through the Alliance. 

Below are steps to begin the Endorsement process with the Alliance.  

1. Determine What Category is Best for You 

  • Identify the appropriate Endorsement category based on your experience. 

  • Understand the eligibility requirements for each category. These typically include a combination of education, professional experience, and training in infant and early childhood topics. 

  • Learn more about each category by accessing our 2025 Endorsement Application Instructions

2. Connect with an AIMH to Become a Member 

  • Locate your local or regional association for infant mental health (AIMH).  

  • Become a member. Membership in an AIMH is required to apply for Endorsement.  AIMHs serve as a professional home and offer numerous professional development opportunities, like training, networking opportunities, and mentorship. 

  • Attend any relevant events or workshops that may be available through the AIMH. This will enhance your knowledge and may help meet some of the requirements for endorsement. 

3. Start an Application 

  • Gather necessary documents such as transcripts, certifications, and record of reflective supervision (if applicable). 

  • Begin the application by providing information about your education, professional experiences, and training in infant mental health. 

4. Meet the Requirements 

  • Ensure that you meet the requirements for your chosen category. This may involve completing coursework in infant and early childhood mental health, relationship-based practice, attachment theory, and other related areas. Visit our Endorsement Requirements page to learn more about category specific requirements 

  • Document your professional experience working with infants, young children, and families, as well as any related reflective supervision hours. Specific hours or years of experience may be required. 

  • Secure professional references from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors who can speak to your qualifications, competencies, and experience in the field. 

  • Review your application thoroughly to ensure all criteria are met. 

5. Submit the Application 

  • Submit your completed application. Pay the necessary professing fee and exam fee, if applicable.  

  • Your application will be reviewed by trained endorsed professionals. The review process may take up to 4-weeks.  

  • If your application is approved, you will receive official recognition of your Endorsement as an Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health professional. 

6. Sit for the Endorsement Exam (Required for Mentor Categories) 

  • Prepare for the Endorsement exam if you are applying for a Mentor category. 

  • Register for the exam with the Alliance.  

  • Schedule your exam date and prepare thoroughly. Once your exam is purchased, the Alliance will email you details about securing your exam date.   

  • Sit for the exam during your selected exam window. The exam is offered during the last full week of the month, January – November.  

  • Wait for your exam results, which are typically provided within 8-10 weeks. Once you pass the exam, you will officially earn your Endorsement as a Mentor in Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health. 

6. Endorsement 

  • Once you have successfully earned Endorsement, begin using the IECMH-E® credential and join thousands of other professionals on our Endorsement Registry.