The Florida Certification Board

©2000-2008
Florida Certification Board.
1715 S. Gadsden St.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 222-6314
FAX: (850) 222-6247
The Florida Certification Board  Sunday - May 11, 2008
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Providing protection by ensuring quality in the delivery of treatment, prevention, & intervention services to Florida's citizens.
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CERTIFICATION OPERATIONS

Addiction

Certifications | Addiction | Prevention | Criminal Justice | Behavioral Health | Mental Health | Certified Recovery Peer Specialist | Certified Recovery Support Specialist | Child Welfare Case Manager | Substance Abuse Professional

An addiction professional is a person who possesses and utilizes a unique knowledge and skill base to assist substance abusers (persons affected by problems related to addictions) and the public for whom the prevention of addiction is a primary concern. This knowledge and skill base may be acquired through a combination of specialized education and supervised work experience.

The role of the addiction professional is to:

  1. Assist clients in assessing their use of substances.
  2. Assist clients in becoming involved in the counseling process so that they may resolve problems related to the use of substances.
  3. Provide experienced, professional counseling; assist and support clients in developing and/or maintaining a responsible and functional lifestyle.
  4. Recognize problems beyond the counselor’s training, skill or competence, and be willing and able to utilize other appropriate professional services.
  5. Provide experienced, professional counseling services as needed to the substance abuser’s family or significant others.

The FCB sets the standards for several levels of certification for addiction professionals in Florida. The three levels of classification within this category are:

CAS — Certified Addiction Specialist (PDF)

CAC — Certified Addiction Counselor (PDF)

CAP — Certified Addiction Professional (PDF)

CAP through Licensure (PDF)

Eligibility Requirements

Each Certified Addiction Professional classification has its own educational eligibility requirements. All college/university degrees must be earned through an accredited college/university that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, as published for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (DOE). An eligible supervisor (cannot be a spouse) must either have a CAP or be licensed according to Chapter 458, 459, 490, or 491, Florida Statutes(FL Senate).  Click here to view a guide on documenting education and training requirements.

Professional Practice Dimensions

Individuals seeking certification in any of the three Certified Addiction Professional classifications must demonstrate education/training and supervised practical experience in 8 areas as documented in the Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Treatment Assistance Protocol 21 - TAP 21). 

  1. Clinical Evaluation
  2. Treatment Planning
  3. Referral
  4. Service Coordination
  5. Counseling Education
  6. Client, Family and Community Education
  7. Documentation
  8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
  9. Supervision (for the CAP level certification only)

Transdisciplinary Foundations

The TAP 21 also identifies the knowledge and attitudes that underlie competent practice not just for counselors but for addiction specialists in other fields as well. Functional skills may vary across disciplines, but the knowledge and attitudes provide a basis of understanding that should be common to all addiction professionals and that serve as a prerequisite to the development of competency in each discipline. These include:

Understanding Addiction/Treatment Knowledge
Application to Practice/Professional Readiness

Florida Specific Exam

The Florida Specific Exam ($50 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

  1. Documentation
  2. Treatment services
  3. Screening, intake, orientation
  4. Professional responsibility
  5. Case management and referral
  6. Prevention services
  7. Criminal justice services

International Addictions Exam

The International Exam ($75 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

  1. Assessment
  2. Case management
  3. Professional responsibility
  4. Counseling
  5. Education

Oral Exam

The Oral Exam ($10) is required for CAP level applicants only (at the CAC level the International and Oral exams are required if reciprocity is desired).  The CPM Oral Interview is based on twelve core functions:

  1. Screening
  2. Intake
  3. Orientation
  4. Assessment
  5. Treatment planning
  6. Counseling
  7. Case management
  8. Crisis intervention
  9. Client education
  10. Referral
  11. Report and recordkeeping
  12. Consultation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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