HHS Region: Region 2 - Northeast & Caribbean
Title: Certified Prevention Specialist
- CPS applicants must have earned at least a High School Diploma or a High School Equivalency (HSE).
- You must document completion of education and training consisting of a minimum of 120 clock hours in the field of alcohol and substance abuse prevention.
- 50 clock hours related to Knowledge of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse at all Age Levels and Among People of Diverse Backgrounds and Cultures (must include a minimum of 4 clock hours related to tobacco use and nicotine dependence and 15 clock hours specific to cultural competence);
- 48 prevention specific clock hours related to the Prevention Performance Domains (Areas of Professional Expertise); and
- 22 clock hours related to Ethical Responsibilities (10 clock hours must be specific to Ethics for Prevention Professionals and 2 clock hours of Child Abuse and Maltreatment: Mandated Reporting training)
Prevention Experience:
All CPS work experience claimed must:
- include a minimum of 1,000 hours obtained during the five years prior to submission of the required documentation; and
- include a minimum of 120 hours of Supervised Practical Training. Each of the six Prevention Performance Domains (areas of professional expertise) must have been performed for a minimum of 10 hours. Of the 120 hours, a minimum of 12 must have been face-to-face with a Qualified Prevention Supervisor.
- You must arrange to have three individuals complete an Evaluation of Competency and Ethical Conduct on your behalf to be submitted as part of your application. All evaluators must have direct knowledge of your prevention-related work experience for a minimum of six months and must meet the following qualifications:
- One evaluator must be your current Qualified Prevention Supervisor. In the absence of a current Qualified Prevention Supervisor, the evaluator may be your most recent Qualified Prevention Supervisor. The remaining two evaluations must be completed by individuals who are familiar with your work in providing alcohol and substance abuse prevention services.
- You must document a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised work experience in an approved work setting as a provider or supervisor of prevention services.
Code of Ethics: You must sign an affidavit agreeing to abide by the Canon of Ethical Principles
Recertification Requirements: To become a CPS, you must: be at least 18 years of age; reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent during the five-year application period; be proficient in English including the ability to speak, write, comprehend orally and read at a minimum level necessary to perform as a credentialed prevention specialist.
Recertification Requirements: To become a CPS, you must: be at least 18 years of age; reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent during the five-year application period; be proficient in English including the ability to speak, write, comprehend orally and read at a minimum level necessary to perform as a credentialed prevention specialist.
Advanced Title: Certified Prevention Professional (CPP)
Advanced Requirements:
Must meet all the requirements for the CPS:
- Have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree;
- Document a total of 4,000 hours (approximately two years) of supervised, full-time equivalent work experience in an approved setting; This is 2,000 in addition to the 2,000 required for the CPS
- Document completion of education and training consisting of a minimum of 250 clock hours. This is 130 hours in addition to the 120 hours completed for the CPS. Specifically:
- 35 additional hours related to Knowledge of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
- 12 additional hours related to Prevention Performance Domains
- 23 additional hours related to Ethical Responsibilities
- 60 Clock Hours Related to Prevention Principles and Practices and the Services Continuum
Certification & Licensing Board: New York State Office Of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS) https://oasas.ny.gov/providers/professional-credentialing
