How do I become a Certified Prevention Specialist in NH?
Directions on how to apply for the Certified Prevention Specialist certification can be found on our Applications page along with all documents required for application.
What resources related to Prevention Specialist Certification or Recertification are available to me?
The following links will provide you with various helpful documents related to Prevention Specialist Certification or Recertification.
- CPS Manual with Appendices
- CPS Quick Guide
- Candidate Guide for the IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam
- CPS Exam Registration Form
- IC&RC Reference List for CPS 10.22
- CPS Application (No Degree)
- CPS Application (Bachelor’s Degree)
- CPS Recertification Application
- CEU Application
- Reinstatement of Certification after Lapse
- Revocation of Certification Status Policy
- Special Accommodations Form (Revised 10.12)
- International Certificates from IC&RC
Does the Prevention Certification Board of NH offer other credentials?
The Board is now offering an advanced credential for certified prevention specialists “Advanced Certification for Prevention Specialists” or ACPS. This advanced credential is for those currently certified as Prevention Specialists (CPS) in NH and are seeking a more advanced certification that involves a focus on organizational leadership and management skills. There are two levels, for those who currently hold the CPS and are initially seeking the advanced credential, and for those who already have the advanced credential (ACPS) and are seeking recertification of their ACPS.
Download your applications here:
Initial ACPS Application- for those with CPS seeking recertification at the ACPS Level in NH
Recertification of ACPS Application- for those with ACPS seeking recertification of ACPS in NH
I have questions about getting CPS certified, is there someone I can talk to?
The Board holds regular office hours on the first Friday of each month from 11:30am -12:30pm. The office hours take place via Zoom and can be accessed using the link below.
Where can I find approved prevention training?
The Center for Excellence has several training opportunities on their calendar.
The Partnership @drugfreeNH has several upcoming trainings and events on their calendar.
The New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association (NHADACA) has several opportunities for training on their calendar.
The AdCare Educational Institute in Massachusetts has a number of training opportunities available on their website.
The New England Public Health Training Center has a list of different trainings by topic on their website.
The Prevention Technology Transfer Center Network is a great resource to find prevention resources and training opportunities on their website.
How many CEUs are required for initial certification?
Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher must have a total of 120 hours of documented education, with a minimum of 6 hours required in each of the six IC&RC Prevention Domains. At least 50 hours of education must be ATOD‐specific. All education hours must have been completed within the past five years.
Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree must have a total of 240 documented hours. Hourly requirements for the defined educational domains are consistent with the requirements for candidates who hold a degree; the additional 120 hours can be spread out across the defined domains.
A list of the six IC&RC Prevention Domains can be found on our website.
How many CEUs are required for recertification?
Recertification for the Prevention Specialist is required every two years. To fulfill recertification
requirements, candidates must complete an additional forty (40) hours of continuing education in the
area of ATOD prevention. All continuing education for recertification must be within that two year period.
Of the 40 required hours, 6 hours must be from an approved ethics training. Recertification ethics trainings can include any ATOD‐related ethics workshops.
Recertification materials are available for download on our website.