The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) works to protect the public by providing competency-based credentialing to human service professionals.
ICB is a private, non-profit organization that promotes standards for addictions professionals. ICB shall protect the welfare of the public by improving the quality of healthcare service provided by writing and publishing standards, evaluating experience and education, reviewing each application for the respective credential, and upgrading those standards. ICB's professional standards meet or exceed all international standards for practitioners.
The ICB endorses the concept that the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse or dependency is a specialty field requiring performance by competent and professional individuals.
The Certified Prevention Specialist combines both a broad-based prevention knowledge and a distinct knowledge base with human service skills to deal with the unique attitudes and behaviors associated with the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse/dependence. Knowledge and skill bases may be acquired through a combination of specialized training, education, and supervised (mentored) work experiences.
The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium sets the minimum criteria for a Prevention Specialist. Member Boards, such as ICB, may require additional standards that reflect local mandates, regulations, and/or best practices.
Please review the Illinois Model for the Certification of Prevention Specialists to learn more about the requirements and process for becoming a Certified Prevention Specialist in Illinois. Additional information, including the Prevention Specialist Application and the IC&RC CPS Candidate Guide, can be found on the ICB website.
ICB Website
Resources to assist with the certification process include:
Other Continuing Education Resources include:
National Prevention Conferences include: