Certification is a form of credentialing a voluntary regulation of a profession. It is the process by which a non-government organization grants recognition to persons who have met certain standards defined by that organization. Certification is designed to promote and maintain integrity and quality.

The PCB certification was developed by and for substance abuse and other behavioral health professionals. Pennsylvania has established the following process by which a professional is measured and tested. It is a peer review system which assesses and evaluates specific knowledge and skill areas as well as the competencies of those providing substance abuse and other behavioral health services to the client and significant others. In return for meeting and fulfilling certification requirements, the certified professional obtains a tool for marketing his/her skills and competencies.

Purposes of Certification

• For the Patient/Client

To assure competent professional services to the client; to improve quality of service being provided to the client and family members.

• For the Public

To assure professional competency which will meet standards required for licensing, accreditation, and third-party payers.

• For the Certified Professional

To provide a respected, marketable credential of professional competency; to enhance the role of the professional.

• For the Profession

To provide a method whereby the highest professional standards can be established, maintained and updated.

Why Become Certified?

• Certification marks the professionals who are specialists in the field.
• Certified professionals are recognized in s tate and national insurance legislation, Federal Department of Transportation regulations, PA Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements and the PA Department of Health staffing requirements.
• Opportunity for peer networking, involvement and impact through PCB sponsored education conferences and committee work.
• Certification increases professionalism of the field.
• Employers use the credential as a basis for hiring and advancement.
• Many employers are requesting or requiring certification upon employment.
• Receive the PCB Newsletter, an informative bi-annual publication available only to those professionals certified by PCB.
• Freedom to move to another state within the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and be granted the state's credential/license. Click here for additional details for reciprocity.
• Recourse for the client who may have been treated incompetently or unethically by a certified professional.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Certifications

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction counselor primarily involved in providing direct alcohol and other drug abuse treatment services. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Addiction Counselor Diplomate (CAC Diplomate)

CAC Diplomate is the master's level CAC credential. This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction counselor primarily involved in providing direct alcohol and other drug abuse treatment services. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity. The State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors recognize this credential, including the master's level written examination, as acceptable towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

This credential is for the alcohol and other drug abuse clinical supervisor. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)

This classification is for the professional who facilitates and promotes positive growth in self, specific populations (i.e. groups at risk developing drug and alcohol problems), and the community at large. This professional uses specific knowledge and skills to design, implement and evaluate programs aimed at precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of alcohol and other drugs. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)

This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction professional primarily involved in providing direct services to individuals in the criminal justice system. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity. 

Certified Case Manager (CCSM)

Case Management is a coordinated approach to social service delivery that addresses the client's specific service needs and links them to the appropriate resources.

Certified Case Manager Supervisor (CCMS)

Eligible candidates must be providing supervision to case managers.

Certified Allied Addiction Practitioner (CAAP)

CAAP is a title for the auxiliary addiction treatment professional involved in providing direct auxiliary services within the addiction field. 

Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP)

This classification is viewed as the title for the individual providing assessment and counseling to clients with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; who has knowledge and skills specific to both mental and substance use disorders; and assists persons with co-occurring disorders to engage in and maintain a process of recovery. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDP Diplomate)

CCDP Diplomate is the master’s level CCDP credential.  This classification is viewed as the title for the individual providing assessment and counseling to clients with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders; who has knowledge and skills specific to both mental and substance use disorders; and assists persons with co-occurring disorders to engage in and maintain a process of recovery. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS)

This classification is to recognize the work done by recovering individuals in the community on a peer to peer basis. The primary function of the CRS is to help individuals gain access to needed resources in the community by assisting them in overcoming barriers and helping them bridge gaps between their needs and available resources.

Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling

This classification is available to those professionals holding a current and valid CAC, CAC Diplomate, CCJP, CCDP, CCDP Diplomate, or CCS credential from the PA Certification Board and who meet the education requirement. The Certificate of Competency is not a credential but rather a certificate indicating the completion of training requirements.   The PA Department of Health, Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs has endorsed the Certification of Competency accept the Certificate of Competency from PCB for the purpose of providing gambling counseling.

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