The purpose of prevention certification is to recognize and ensure that substance misuse prevention practitioners meet competency standards established by the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and the Prevention Certification Board of NH.
IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam
The Prevention Certification Board of NH, in conjunction with IC&RC, offers computer-based exams. The exam can be taken throughout the year at an IC&RC designated testing site.
The initial exam application fee is $350. This price includes both exam testing fee and application fee for Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification. There are no refunds for cancellation of a computer-based exam. If you need to reschedule the exam you can do so for an additional $25 fee if rescheduling at least 5 days before your scheduled exam date. If you need to retake the exam if you do not pass on your initial attempt or if your application is not complete after six months there is a $125 additional fee.
This fee can be paid online with PayPal using the links below. You may also pay by check. You can send your check with your completed exam application to the address included below. Please note that in addition to submitting payment through PayPal or via check, you must also complete the IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam registration form.
To pay for the Prevention Specialist Exam and CPS application via PayPal, click on the corresponding link:
The exam registration form can be emailed to [email protected] or submitted by mail at the address below:
The Prevention Certification Board of NH
Attn: Hannah Owen
501 South St, 2nd Floor
Bow, NH 03304
IC&RC issues a Candidate Guide for the IC&RC Prevention Specialist Examination. The guide explains the exam, offering sample questions and providing a list of reference materials for preparing for this important test. Additional details about exam preparation can be found here: IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam Preparation.
Upon registration and receipt of payment for the exam, you will be contacted to select a date and exam testing location. IC&RC computer-based testing is conducted at designated test sites in NH and neighboring states. Computer-based testing can be scheduled at your convenience throughout the year.
Once the exam is passed and all of your documentation is submitted, the Peer Review Committee will review your entire application for approval. If approved, a certificate will be mailed to you from the Prevention Certification Board of NH, which will represent your credential from NH authorized by IC&RC.
Your credential number associated with your IC&RC approval is not on this certificate but is on record at IC&RC. If you would like to request an official written verification or a specific IC&RC certificate containing your credential number, you can do so directly from IC&RC by calling 717-540-4457. The order form for an official certificate can be downloaded here.