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.
·Recourse for the
client who may have been treated incompetently or unethically by a certified
professional.
Applications
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 is viewed
as a bridge towards becoming a CADC that has a duration of three years and may
not be renewed.
CADC Recertification
This application is for CADC’s
that need to renew their full credential.
