Credentialing
Certifications evaluate the level of education, training, supervision, and competency of professionals with certifications in the field of alcohol and drug abuse.
About Credentialing
Credentialing is the process ICAADA utilizes to evaluate an individual’s previous education, experience, completed course work, knowledge, and competency level as a behavioral health professional. ICAADA utilizes state and international standards to validate the knowledge and skill level of the professionals it certifications. ICAADA uses a rigorous process to create, and regularly review, certification standards to ensure they meet the needs of the behavioral health profession, and most importantly, the populations served.
Credentialing Requirements
Professionals working, or interested in starting a career, in the behavioral health field whose responsibilities include prevention, treatment, support, or the care and advocacy of persons with behavioral health issues are eligible for credentialing. ICAADA certification holders may be employed in a variety of environments: churches, schools, business and industry, hospital-based inpatient programs, detoxification centers, recovery residences, recovery support, department of corrections, community supervision programs, resource centers, recovery community organizations, opioid treatment programs, medical clinics, public and private outpatient clinics or anywhere someone may seek behavioral health services.
Persons interested in credentialing process should visit our certification information page found here. All certification applications are processed electronically through our on-line credentialing platform. Paper applications or information will not be accepted. All persons seeking credentialing must meet the following requirements:
- Confidential evaluation by the candidate’s peers and/or supervisor(s) who are provided reference documentation during the certification application process
- Written examination passed for each respective certification level
- Validation of all required education, courses, or other requirements of the certification
- Payment of all application and credentialing fees
Credentialing Fees
Each certification has fees associated with the examination, review, oversight, and maintenance of that certification that are due prior to issuance of the certification. Each certification has a unique credentialing fee, however a person only needs to pay ICAADA membership fees once every two-years regardless of the amount of ICAADA certifications the person holds. Many certifications require different examinations so there may be different fees associated with the examinations required for the certification.
Certification Renewal
Each certification has a set validity date that is listed on the certification information page. Each certification requires a specific amount of continuing education hours to be obtained (in specific topics) and renewal fees paid to maintain the certification.
Lapse of Certification
Professionals who allow certifications to lapse must contact us to file a request to the board for reinstatement. Professionals must prove 40 hours of approved continuing education (within certification requirements) within the last 24 calendar months and complete all other certification renewal requirements (including associated fees) be considered for reinstatement.