Certification / Re-Certification
Material on this website is in the public domain. We encourage you to download, print and use the documents in your prevention work. To open some the of
documents, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Please submit all forms, required documents and appropriate fees to:

MAPPA,
P.O. Box 609,
Linkwood, MD 21835-0609

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Why Become Certified?

  • Certification marks the professionals who are specialists in the field.
  • Certified professionals are recognized in state and national insurance legislation and in Federal
    Department of Transportation regulations.
  • Opportunity for peer networking, involvement and impact through MAPPA sponsored education
    conferences and committee work.
  • Certification increases professionalism of the field.
  • Employers may use the credential as a basis for hiring and advancement.
  • Some employers are requesting or requiring certification upon employment.
  • Freedom to move to another state within the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and
    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.

MAPPA has three levels of certification:

Certified Prevention Professional (CPP): This classification is for the professional who has a number of
years of experience in the field and typically functions at the supervisory level, supervising or
administering multiple prevention projects or programs. This professional uses specific knowledge and
skills to guide the work of others for the purpose of precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of
alcohol and other drugs. This is a Maryland specific credential that meets and exceeds the international
standards for CPS and is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity at the CPS level.

Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS): This classification is for the professional who facilitates and
promotes positive growth in self, specific populations (i.e. groups at risk developing drug and alcohol
problems), and the community at large. This professional uses specific knowledge and skills to design,
implement and evaluate programs aimed at precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of alcohol
and other drugs. This is an international credential that is recognized throughout the world via reciprocity.

Associate Prevention Specialist (APS): This classification is for the beginning professional or community
person who is learning prevention skills or facilitates and promotes positive growth in self, with specific
populations (i.e. after-school programs, church youth groups, etc.).  This individual uses specific
knowledge and skills to provide programs aimed at precluding or reducing problems caused by the use of
alcohol and other drugs. This is not an international credential and is not recognized by the IC&RC as
reciprocal.  





To prepare for the IC&RC Exam required for CPP and CPS individuals may obtain Prevention Candidate
Guides, Study Guides and Role Delineation Studies through the IC&RC Website.  

To apply to take the IC&RC/AODA Prevention exam: Call Maryland Addictions Professional Certification
Board at (866) 537-5340 and let them know you are applying to take the Prevention exam. Candidates who
do not pass the exam must follow the same procedures again to re-take the test.