Certification

Certification is a form of credentialing a voluntary regulation of a profession. It is the process by which a non-government organization grants recognition to persons who have met certain standards defined by that organization. Certification is designed to promote and maintain integrity and quality.

The DCB certification was developed by and for substance abuse and other behavioral health professionals. Delaware has established the following process by which a professional is measured and tested. It is a peer review system which assesses and evaluates specific knowledge and skill areas as well as the competencies of those providing substance abuse services to the client and significant others. In return for meeting and fulfilling certification requirements, the certified professional obtains a tool for marketing his/her skills and competencies.

Purposes of Certification

     · For the Patient/Client  

To assure competent professional services to the client; to improve quality of service being provided to the client and family members.

· For the Public

To assure professional competency which will meet standards required for licensing, accreditation, and third-party payers.

· For the Certified Professional

To provide a respected, marketable credential of professional competency; to enhance the role of the professional.

· For the Profession

To provide a method whereby the highest professional standards can be established, maintained and updated.

Why Become Certified?

· Certification marks the professionals who are specialists in the field.

· Certified professionals are recognized in the Federal Department of Transportation regulations for providing assessments and the DE Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor requirements.

· Certification increases professionalism of the field.

· Employers use the credential as a basis for hiring and advancement.

· Many employers are requesting or requiring certification upon employment.

· Freedom to move to another state within the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and automatically be granted the state's credential/license.  Click here for additional details for reciprocity.

· Recourse for the client who may have been treated incompetently or unethically by a certified professional.
 

Applications

Recertification

This application is for certified professionals that need to renew their credential.

Expiration Date Change Request Form

This form is to change the expiration date of a secondary credential to match that of the original credential.

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction counselor primarily involved in providing direct alcohol and other drug abuse treatment services. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Associate Addiction Counselor (CAAC)

This classification can be a temporary or permanent credential. 

Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP) and Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate (CCDP Diplomate)

This classification is viewed as the title for the addiction or mental health professional involved in providing co-occurring disorders treatment services. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

This credential is for the alcohol and other drug abuse clinical supervisor. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.