SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRACTITIONER
CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Online Application
Certification Program: Courses and Prices
Code of Ethics for Certified Members
FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions
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The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. offers a comprehensive, quality, Certification program for Health Care Professionals in Substance Abuse and Addictions counseling and care. This certification focuses on the validation of the attainment of advanced continuing education related to all facets of substance abuse, including addictive behavior. This program is open only to Health Care Professionals who are currently licensed to practice in their state or country.
objectives of the SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRACTITIONER certification Program are:
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Provide a high quality program of Certification for health care professionals practicing in the specialty of substance abuse and addictive behaviors.
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Develop and support high standards of education and practice requirements for the attainment of certification.
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Provide a mechanism for the ongoing involvement of a peer advisory board of qualified professionals to oversee program development and requirements for certification.
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Provide society with a mechanism to ascertain the appropriate education, skills, knowledge and experience required by professionals who offer such services.
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Establish quality standards and requirements for the recertification of its credentialed members, attesting to ongoing education and skill attainment in the practice specialty of substance abuse and addictive behaviors.
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Provide a comprehensive program of approvals for continuing education, seminars, offerings, independent study, and other related educational activities, to ensure high quality standards are met and that such programs are of value to professionals practicing in the specialty of substance abuse and addictive behaviors.
Certification
Certified Substance Abuse Practitioner- requires attainment of the following certification criteria:
- Completion of an official, established education program to prepare health care professionals for the practice of substance abuse care .
- Candidates for the Certification must successfully complete the continuing education program by The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. Completion of the required education courses qualifies the educational component necessary to apply for Certification. This program consists of 215 contact hours of continuing education. See Full Program: Access here
- Requisite for all Applicants for Certification: in addition to meeting the educational criteria as provided above, applicants for Certification must meet one of the following pre-requisites to enter this program: 1). a psychologist, 2). a licensed social worker, 3). a licensed counselor, 4). a registered nurse, 5). a physician, 6). a school counselor, 7). hold a graduate degree in educational counseling, 8). a college degree in human services, psychology, or human behavior, 9). other college degrees may be applicable if they are in a related area or if the candidate can verify significant job experiences working with clients diagnosed with substance abuse/addictive beahavior under the direct supervision of one who would qualify as a candidate above. Such cases are evaluated on an individual basis. Please direct questions regarding eligibility to: info@aihcp.org
Certification- Identification & Credentials
Those applicants who become certified by the AIHCP as Substance Abuse Practitioners may use the initials/credential CSAP., after their names:
"Certified Substance Abuse Practitioner "
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS: We have a dedicated page that provides a quick over-view of our certification process. It will provide you with good information about the process/phases of both the education courses and application for certification. To access: click here
Timeline
All certifications shall be for a period of 4 years from the date that the initial certification.
Recertification
Certified members may receive recertification at the expiration of their three year term by:
- Obtaining 60 or more hours of continuing education within the four year period of certification. Click here: Criteria for Recertification
Certificate
Those applicants who have successfully achieved certification, or recertification receive a large size official Certificate attesting to certification, as well as an official letter of notification. The certificate is suitable for framing and details the official professional certification title, initials that may be used, and time frames for certification. Those recertifying receive a new, updated certificate. Wallet size identification cards of certification are also presented.
Fee Schedule
- The certification fee for the substance abuse practitioner certification is $200.00 for the four year term of certification. Payment in full is due at the time of application. If an applicant does not meet certification criteria, the application fee is refunded. A completed application must be mailed in to the with full payment to be considered for certification. Application is available on this website.
- Application for Recertification is $ 200.00 for the next four year period. This is a one time payment and is required in full at the time of application for recertification. A completed application must accompany the payment.
- Major credit cards are accepted. Check and money orders are to be payable to : The American Institute of Healthcare Professionals.
Education Programs for Recertification
Applicants may obtain education hours by completion of any type of formal program in specifically related to substance abuse/addictions health care practice. Such programs include:
- University/College Programs and Courses
- Continuing Education Courses
- Seminars
- Distance Learning Programs
- Self-Study Programs
- Courses offered by Professional Associations
The AIHCP reserves the right to approve all such courses for consideration toward re-certification. For any courses to be considered, applicants must submit copies of all certificates of completion or transcripts verifying completion. Applicants who are using their degrees to meet partial fulfillment of the education requirements for certification must have official transcripts submitted from their University or College, directly to the AIHCP.
Fellowship Program
The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, provides a "Fellowship Program" for its certified members in Substance Abuse practice. Access Information.
Online Application
Click here for the online application. Please print application and postal mail.
February 2012