A Certified Professional in Prevention has been trained in the science of substance use and abuse prevention. They have met the minimum standards for education/training, supervised experience, and passed the ICAP-Prevention exam.
The ICAP-Prevention exam is available in English, French & Spanish
Candidates can prepare for this exam by studying The Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Practitioners Course 10 (CORE).
A Certified Professional in Treatment has been credentialed and has been trained in the science of Substance Use Disorder Treatment. They have met the minimum standards for education/training, supervised experience, and passed the appropriate ICAP-Treatment level exam.
The ICAP-Treatment Level I, II, III, and IV exams are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Korean, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Portuguese, French, Bengali, Thai, Indonesian, Dari, Pashtu, Urdu, Burmese, and Russian. Candidates preparing for the ICAP-Treatment I exam are encouraged to study The Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) Basic Series.
Candidates preparing for the ICAP-Treatment exams are encouraged to study The Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) Basic Series for Level I, and the UTC Advanced Courses along with additional resources such as SAMHSA’s Knowledge Application Program (KAP) and NIDA’s Good Clinical Practice Resources.
A Certified Professional in Recovery Support has been trained in the best practices of supporting those in recovery of addiction.
The ICAP-Recovery Support exam is available in English.
Candidates can prepare for this exam by studying The Universal Recovery Curriculum (URC)
Kryterion, our testing partner together with NAADAC also offers general test-taking information:
To renew your ICAP credential every three years, you need to show that you're staying active and up to date in your field. Here’s what’s required:
You need 40 hours of continuing education.
What counts:
Courses or training on current SUD practices, clinical updates, or other relevant topics
At least 20 hours must be related to your specific credential area (e.g., Prevention, Treatment, or Recovery)
📄 Use the ICAP Guidance Sheet on Continuing Education (CEU Activity) for practical guide to help you plan, track, and document your Continuing Education (CE) activities for ICAP renewal
📄 CEU Template to track your hours.
You need to show you're actively working in the field.
What to provide:
A list of where you've worked since your last certification
A job description signed by your supervisor showing what you do
A reference from a different supervisor confirming you're working at the expected level
A statement saying you're not under investigation or disciplinary action
📄 Use the Job Plan Template and Reference Templates to help with this.
You also need to stay involved in the profession.
Examples include:
Joining professional organizations
Taking on leadership roles
Doing research or presenting at events
Supervising or mentoring others
📄 Use the Professional Development Template to list your activities.
If you’re not working directly with clients but still want to stay on the ICAP Live Register, you can renew by:
Completing CEUs related to training or supervision
Showing you still use evidence-based practices
Providing proof of mentoring or supervising others
📩 If this applies to you, email [email protected] and we’ll help you through the process.
All credentialed and/or certified professionals must subscribe to the ethical standards in the practice of their profession. Those failing to meet these ethical standards will be subject to disciplinary actions. Revocation and/ or other sanctions may be imposed for a variety of reasons, such as:
If you wish to report an ethical violation, email us at: [email protected]. Please put “Confidential” in the subject line and explain your case. It will be reviewed based upon CCA's policies & procedures.
Retired professionals may retain their credentialed status. Those professionals no longer employed in the SUD field of prevention, treatment and/or recovery support and who abide by the Ethical Guidelines for CCA may apply for retirement status. The Commission will issue a new credential and/or certification with the same number marked “RETIRED” in place of an expiration date. If, in the two years succeeding the receipt of the retirement credential, the individual decides they are going to return to paid work, they may reactivate their credentials and/or certification by following the procedures as for renewal of credential and/or certification. If you wish to apply for Retirement status, please email [email protected]. Please put Retirement Status in the subject line of the email and include in the body of the email your name and credential number.
