Certified Prevention Specialist

Our Workforce Vision

The Office of Drug Policy envisions an Idaho free from the devastating social, health, and economic consequences of substance abuse. The work that substance abuse prevention professionals do has the power to positively impact the health and safety of Idahoans. ODP firmly believes that professionalizing and empowering the prevention workforce is key to combatting Idaho's substance abuse issues.

Beginning July 1, 2018, at least one staff member in each agency or organization receiving grant funding from ODP that is delivering direct services or coalition activities will hold the Certified Prevention Specialist credential.

The Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) is one of the fastest growing credentials in behavioral health and distinguishes substance abuse prevention professionals that have demonstrated competency through experience, education, and supervision. Learn more here.

Beginning July 1, 2018, at least one staff member in each agency or organization that has not received two years of consecutive grant funding from ODP between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2019 must hold the Provisional Prevention Specialist (PPS) credential within the first 120 days of hire or initiation of the FY2020 grant award.

A PPS is a prevention professional who has received a provisional certification to acquire the education necessary to apply for certification as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS). The PPS is an entry-level certification that is not reciprocal with any other state or nation and does not require an examination. It can be renewed once and entails a commitment to seek the experience and education and training required for the CPS certification.

PPS candidates must meet the following requirements within 120 days of hire or initiation of the delivery of prevention service supported by SABG funds:

• Notify ODP of his/her intention to obtain PPS certification

• Complete the the following courses and email, mail, or fax certificates of completion to ODP:

Five (5) hours of Substance Abuse Specialist Training, such as the Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT) online training “Introduction to Prevention,” or approved equivalent.
Four (4) hours of Prevention Ethics, such as CAPT online training “Ethics in Prevention,” or approved equivalent.

ODP provides an online version of each of these courses. Click Here and view the Online Training Resources for information.