A Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) is a credential for professionals working in the substance use disorder prevention field in Washington.

Depending on how many reviews we are working on, your application could take several weeks for us to even start. When you notify us that your folder is ready for review, you are simply put into the queue. We do not start reviewing your application as soon as we are notified. We have to review applications on a first come, first serve basis, and there could be 20 applications ahead of you. We understand that this is frustrating, but our board has no paid staff. All of the peer reviews are done on a volunteer basis, and it is difficult to recruit volunteers to do this work. Our goal is to be transparent about this process. When you notify us, going forward, we will tell you how many reviews are ahead of you, and give you a timeframe on when you can expect to hear back.

The CPP and APP credentials focus on substance use disorders prevention.

You are in the right place! The PSCBW website is the best place to learn about how to become a CPP. https://www.pscbw.com/cpp-certification-process-chart This chart helps simplify the steps to gain a CPP.

Typically yes, you must be working in the field of substance use prevention to apply for a CPP credential. As part of your CPP (or APP) application, you will be required to submit documentation of your employment in the prevention field.

Simply put, if your CPP has not yet expired, you will be completing a renewal application. If your certification has lapsed, aka expired, you will be completing a recertification applicationThe applications are very similar, and neither are required to take the Prevention Specialist Exam again. Once you have passed the exam, you are done forever.

If you move, you can apply for reciprocity to be credentialed in your new state.Since the PSCBW is a Member Board of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), we follow their requirements in regard to reciprocity when a current CPP credential holder in good standing is planning on moving to another state. More information on this process can be found on website Reciprocity page: https://pscbw.com/cpp-reciprocity

No. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement.

No, you cannot. If your CPP expires, you must remove the credential from any websites you may be listed on, from your email signature, and you must not include it if speaking at conferences, etc. al Once your CPP has lapsed or expired, ethically you can no longer identify yourself as a CPP until your credential has been reinstated.

Prevention Specialist (PS) is a universal term that the IC&RC established and is widely used. The Certified Prevention Professional (CPP) term is used in Washington. They are synonymous with each other.