Certification / Re-Certification
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.
Please submit all forms, required documents and appropriate fees to:

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

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