This program is designed for students who want to work as counselors in the fields of drug and alcohol abuse. In the program, students must complete a predetermined number of classes which will prepare them to take the Florida State Certification Exam. Instructors in this program are certified counselors or social workers and most hold Master's Degrees.

Notes:
* All students enrolled must fulfill the requirement of work within the field of study while taking courses or before the final exam can be scheduled.

* Professionals currently working as drug and alcohol abuse counselors need to take two courses every year to maintain their certification.

Purpose of Certification
The purpose of certification for addiction professionals is to:

1. Assure the public a minimum level of competency for quality service by addiction professionals.
   
2. Give professional recognition to qualified addiction professionals through a process which examines demonstrated work competencies.
   
3. Assure an opportunity for ongoing professional development by addiction professionals.
   
4. Enable addiction professionals to meet eligibility requirements for reimbursement for professional health care.
   

Definition of Addiction Professional
An addiction professional is a person who possesses and utilizes a unique knowledge and skill base to assist substance abusers (persons affected by problems related to addictions) and the public for whom the prevention of addiction is a primary concern. This knowledge and skill base may be acquired through a combination of specialized education and supervised work experience. The role of the addiction professional is to:

1. Assist clients in assessing their use of substances.
   
2. Assist clients in becoming involved in the counseling process so that they may resolve problems related to the use of substances.
   
3. Provide experienced, professional counseling; assist and support clients in developing and/or maintaining a responsible and functional lifestyle.
   
4. Recognize problems beyond the counselor’s training, skill, or competence, and be willing and able to utilize other appropriate professional services.
   
5. Provide experienced, professional counseling services as needed to the substance abuser’s family or significant others.
   

The Florida Certification Board (FCB) sets the standards for several levels of certification for addiction professionals in Florida. There are three levels of classification in this category:

CAP - Certified Addiction Professional
CAC - Certified Addiction Counselor
CAS - Certified Addiction Specialist

For specific information regarding any Addictions Professional Certification please contact a certification specialist on the following webpage: Certification Specialists.

Eligibility Requirements
Each Certified Addiction Prevention Professional classification has its own educational eligibility requirements. All college/university degrees and hours must be earned through an accredited college/university that is recognized through the American Council on Education. An eligible supervisor (cannot be a spouse) must either have a CAP or a master’s degree in a social or behavioral science with 2 years experience. Please note: As of January 1, 2001, an eligible supervisor must be a CAP or be licensed according to Chapter 490 or 491, Florida Statutes.
Visit the Florida Certification Board website for additional details.

Skill Areas
Individuals seeking certification in any of the three Certified Addiction Prevention Professional classifications must demonstrate training and supervised practical experience in the following 14 areas:

1. Needs assessment
2. Evaluation
3. Program development
4. Teaching/training
5. Consultation
6. Early intervention
7. Reports and record keeping
8. Advocacy
9. Linkages
10. Resource development
11. Working with the media
12. Written communication
13. Public speaking, and
14. Ethics

Florida Specific Exam - Visit the Florida Certification Board website for specific testing dates. This exam ($50 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

1. Documentation
2. Treatment services
3. Professional responsibility
4. Screening, intake, and orientation
5. Prevention services
6. Criminal justice services
7. Case management and referral

International Exam - Visit the Florida Certification Board website for specific testing dates. This exam ($75 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

1. Program coordination
2. Community organization
3. Planning and evaluation
4. Education training
5. Public policy
6. Professional growth and responsibility

Suggested Course List – as recommended by the Florida Certification Board
Briefings – newsletter provided by FCB for addiction professionals