Certified Prevention Specialist Career Map

Credential TitleCertified Prevention Specialist-Associate
(CPS-A)
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)Certified Prevention Specialist II (CPS II)
IC&RC ReciprocityNoYesYes
Credential DescriptionCertified Prevention Specialist – Associate is a credential for prevention professionals which is recognized in Indiana only.

This is an entry-level credential for prevention professionals to assist with workforce development in the prevention field.

Must live or work in Indiana 51% of the time.
Certified Prevention Specialist is a credential for prevention professionals recognized by the International Credentialing & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and IC&RC affiliated states and countries that offer the IC&RC CPS Credential.

Must live or work in Indiana 51% of the time.
Certified Prevention Specialist II is a credential for experienced prevention professionals. Recognized by the International Credentialing & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and IC&RC affiliated states and countries that offer the IC&RC CPS II Credential.

Must be currently credentialed as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) and the credential must be in good standing.

Must live or work in Indiana 51% of the time.
Professional Experience RequirementNone required2,000 hours of prevention work experience specific to the prevention specialist skills domains.6,000 hours of paid prevention work specific to the prevention specialist skills domains.
Education RequirementMinimum of a High school diploma or equivalent

45 hours of prevention specific education is required in the following skills domains:

1. Planning and Evaluation
2. Prevention Education and Service Delivery
3. Communication
4. Community Organization
5. Public Policy and Environmental Change
Professional Growth and Responsibility

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Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent

120 hours of prevention specific education is required.

• 24 of the 120 hours must be ATOD specific
• 6 hours of the 120 hours must be specific to prevention ethics
• 6 hours of the 120 hours must be specific to cultural competency

Skills Domains:
1. Planning and Evaluation
2. Prevention Education and Service Delivery
3. Communication
4. Community Organization
5. Public Policy and Environmental Change
Professional Growth and Responsibility

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Minimum of a High school diploma or equivalent

160 hours of prevention specific education is required. Hours used to gain CPS credential are eligible to count towards the 160 total hours.

Skills Domains:
1. Planning and Evaluation
2. Prevention Education and Service Deliver
3. Communication
4. Community Organization
5. Public Policy and Environmental Change
Professional Growth and Responsibility


Register for Training
ReferencesThree personal referencesThree professional ReferencesThree letters from community partners
ExamIC & RC Prevention Specialist ExamIC & RC Prevention Specialist ExamIC & RC Prevention Specialist Exam
Code of EthicsICAADA CPS Code of EthicsICAADA CPS Code of EthicsICAADA CPS Code of Ethics
Re-CertificationNone. This credential is valid for 3 years from the date of the award. Credential holder is expected to earn the CPS by expiration date.40 hours of continuing education related to prevention, including 3 hours of prevention ethics and 6 hours in cultural competency; valid for 2-years from date of award.40 hours of continuing education related to prevention, including 3 hours of prevention ethics and 6 hours in cultural competency; valid for 2-years from date of award.