Qualified Mental Health Associate
New QMHA certification applicants:
QMHA-R Degree Path
QMHA Registration and Certification is for individuals working at state approved mental health programs or are seeking employment at state approved mental health programs.
This application is only for those who have a qualifying Bachelor's degree or higher
- Must provide official transcripts
- Must have supervisor complete a competency assessment
- Fee is waived from July 1st 2021 - June 30th 2022
Please make sure you have a Bachelor's Degree before opening this application.
Registration is required before being eligible to move into the testing phase for full QMHA-I Certification
If you open the wrong application, you will need to start the process over with the correct application.
Applicants need 1,000 hours of supervised experience as a QMHA-R before applying for testing. Please notify MHACBO via email when you qualify for testing.
Click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button below to begin your QMHA-R (Degree Path) Application
QMHA-R Non-Degree Path
QMHA Registration and Certification is for individuals working at state approved mental health programs or are seeking employment at state approved mental health programs.
This application is only for those who do not possess a Bachelor's Degree
- Must complete an Assessment Matrix, demonstrating a combined 3 years of Education/Work Experience
- Must have supervisor complete a competency assessment form
- Must submit official transcripts (if using college education)
- Must have supervision hours primary source verified by MHACBO
- Must provide copies of training certificates (If using CEUs)
- Fee is waived from July 1st 2021 - June 30th 2022
Registration is required before being eligible to move into the testing phase for full QMHA-I Certification
If you open the wrong application, you will need to start the process over with the correct application.
Applicants need 1,000 hours of supervised experience as a QMHA-R before applying for testing. Please notify MHACBO via email when you qualify for testing.
Click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button below to begin your QMHA-R (Non-Degree Path) Application
QMHA Testing
QMHA I Testing Requirements
- Verification of 1,000 supervised experience hours (earned after you become a QMHA-R), verified by a qualified QMHP supervisor who meets the requirements of a supervisor in OAR 309-019-0125.
- Successfully pass the QMHA I competency exam (available online). Exam fee: $165
QMHA II Testing Requirements
- Must possess a QMHA I Credential
- Verification of 4,000 supervised experience hours, verified by a qualified QMHP supervisor who meets the requirements of a supervisor in OAR 309-019-0125.
- Successfully pass the QMHA II competency exam (available online). Exam fee: $165
The QMHA Exams can be proctored in person, or remotely on your personal/work computer.
If you need a QMHA Testing Application added to your Certemy account, please open a chat with MHACBO.
QMHA Qualifying Degrees
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Addiction Counseling/Services
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Applied Behavioral Science
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Pre-Art Therapy, Art Therapy
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Behavioral Analysis
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Behavioral Biology
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Behavioral Psychology
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Behavioral Sciences
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Child Development
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Child and Family Studies/Services
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Cognitive Sciences
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Community Behavioral Health
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Community Mental Health
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Counseling (MH, Vocational, Pastoral, Criminal Justice, etc.)
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Counselor Education
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Early Childhood Development
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Education (with a focus in psychology, school counseling, and/or special education)
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Educational Psychology
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Exercise Science
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Family Development/Relations
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Forensic Psychology
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Gerontology
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Health and Human Services
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Health Psychology
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Human Development
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Human Services
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Mental Health
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Neuroscience (Cognitive/Behavioral)
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Nursing
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Occupational Therapy
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Organizational Psychology
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Play Therapy
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Psychiatric Rehabilitation
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Psychology
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Public Health/Community Health
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Rehabilitation
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Social Psychology
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Social Work-BSW
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Sociology degrees with an emphasis in Psychology
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Therapeutic Recreation
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Vocational Rehabilitation
Qualified Mental Health Associate II
Click here for QMHA Testing Overview & Study Guide
QMHA II - Advanced Certification in Case Management, Care Coordination & Jurisprudence
Requirements for certification:
- You must possess QMHA-I Certification to apply for QMHA-II Certification. QMHA-I Certification provides competency-based verification of the basic core competencies of qualified mental health associates. QMHA-II Certification provides verification of advanced mental health associate skills, including: Case-management, Care Coordination, and Jurisprudence (laws & regulations governing the delivery of services and rights of consumers).
- Verification of 4,000 supervised experience hours, verified by a qualified QMHP supervisor who meets the requirements of a supervisor in OAR 309-019-0125.
- Successfully pass the QMHA-II competency exam (available online). Exam fee: $165
If you wish to upgrade your QMHA-I certification to QMHA-II, call MHACBO staff, email (mhacbo@mhacbo.org), or open up an online chat during normal business hours and request to have the QMHA-II application placed in your Certemy account,
QMHA II - Renewal Information
Things
Qualified Mental Health Professional
Click here for QMHP Research-based Competencies
Click here for QMHP Exam Study Guide
QMHP-R Registration
QMHP Registration and Certification is for individuals working at state approved mental health programs or are seeking employment at state approved mental health programs.
QMHP-Registrant has a bachelor’s degree in nursing (and active Oregon State Nursing License), occupational therapy or a graduate degree in behavioral science that is approved and accepted by our agency for the delivery of professional mental health services.
- Must provide official transcripts
- Must have supervisor complete a competency assessment
- Fee is waived from July 1st 2021 - June 30th 2022
Please make sure you have an approved degree before opening this application.
Registration is required before being eligible to move into the testing phase for full QMHP-C Certification. After completing full QMHP-C certification, recertification occurs every two years. Certified QMHP-Cs must submit 40 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training.
Applicants need 1,000 hours of supervised experience as a QMHP-R before applying for testing.
If you open the wrong application, you will need to start the process over with the correct application.
Click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button below.
QMHP Qualifying Degrees
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Applied Behavioral Science
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Art Therapy
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Behavioral Analysis
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Behavioral Psychology
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Behavioral Sciences
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Child Development
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Child and Family Studies/Services
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Cognitive Sciences
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Community Behavioral Health
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Community Mental Health
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Counseling (MH, Vocational, Pastoral, etc.)
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Counselor Education
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Early Childhood Development
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Education (with a focus in psychology, school counseling, and/or special education)
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Educational Psychology
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Family Development/Relations
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Forensic Psychology
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Health Psychology
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Human Development
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Marriage and Family Therapy
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Mental Health
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Music Therapy
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Play Therapy
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Psychiatric Rehabilitation
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Psychology
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Rehabilitation Counseling
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Social Psychology (or some Sociology degrees with emphasis in Psychology)
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Social Work
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Therapeutic Recreation
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Vocational Rehabilitation
New QMHP certification applicants may apply in October 2019
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - I
CADC Registration - CADC Candidacy
Registration with MHACBO will place a CADC Candidate on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration is completed and maintained inside of online certification software, Certemy. Please read over the following steps, and then click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button at the bottom of this page.
- Registration requires the following 4 steps:
- Complete the Application Registration and Demographics Step inside of Certemy
- Sign the MHACBO Ethics Agreement inside of Certemy
- Submit a photo copy of your ID inside of Certemy
- Pay $75 registration fee inside of Certemy (waived until Oct 1st 2022)
CADC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, unless the following conditions apply. MHACBO requires a letter from the Candidates current supervisor when a CADC Candidate requests an extension
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Candidate registered but never performed billable addiction treatment services
- Candidate left the field before 2 years were up, and is now returning to the field
- Candidate is in substantial compliance but is awaiting testing date or MHACBO receipt of testing scores
MHACBO Registration is required within 6 months of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
CADC I - Associate Proficiency Level
After you complete the CADC-R Application inside of Certemy, a CADC testing application will be assigned to your Certemy account for you to begin working on. If you do not have a CADC testing application inside your Certemy account, please email mhacbo@mhacbo.org to request a testing application. Please indicate the level you wish to test for.
The CADC I requires education, supervised experience hours and successful completion of a written examination. The CADC I does not require an Associates Degree. The combination of education, supervised experience hours and examination approximate the Associate Proficiency Level as outlined in the Academic Proficiency Levels (CSAT, NFATTC, 1999).
- 150 Education Hours - Please see our Education Form for more details regarding course requirements.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. MHACBO requires the following 6 Core Courses as part of the 150 Education Hours
- Basic Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Group Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Alcohol & Drugs of Abuse Pharmacology
- HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction
- Counseling Ethics
- Clinical Evaluation ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria 2 and DSM Substance Abuse Disorders)
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. MHACBO requires the following 6 Core Courses as part of the 150 Education Hours
- 1,000 Supervised Experience Hours in the Addiction Counselor Competencies - Please see our Supervision Form for more details.
- Must meet OAR 415/ISSR standards for Clinical Supervisor Qualifications in Addiction Treatment and must possess advanced addiction counselor certification. Accepted credentials include CADC II, CADC III, MAC, NCAC II, CDS II, CDS III, C-CATODSW, CDP or other state’s advanced addiction counselor addiction counseling certifications utilizing professional psychometric examinations.
- NCAC I National Certification Exam
- Passing score on the NCAC I professional psychometric national certification examination from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. Please see our Testing Composition overview for additional exam details
Graduate degreed licensed mental health professionals can also access certification directly through NAADAC or its sister organization NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors).
CADC I - Renewal Information
The CADC renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CADC I requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
To ensure sufficient time to process your renewal packet, please submit renewal form at least 2 weeks before expiration.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body or education provided within Oregon state approved addiction treatment agencies. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Category I: Alcohol & Drug Counseling Education - Minimum 20 hours
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Education
- Treatment Planning
- Dual Diagnosis
- Special Populations in A&D Treatment
- Counseling Methodologies focusing on Substance Abuse
- Relapse Prevention
- ASAM
- Methadone
- ATOD Prevention
- Addiction Specific Ethics (Mandatory Reporting, CFR 42
- Motivational Interviewing
- Etc...
- Optional - Category II: Counseling Education - Maximum 20 hours
- Managed Care
- Counseling Survivors of Trauma
- Psychiatric Disorders
- General College Psychology Coursework
- Social Work Coursework
- General Behavioral Health Software Training
- Ethics
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $175 is required
- All 40 hours can be alcohol and drug specific training.
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - II
CADC Registration - CADC Candidacy
Registration with MHACBO will place a CADC Candidate on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration is completed and maintained inside of online certification software, Certemy. Please read over the following steps, and then click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button at the bottom of this page.
- Registration requires the following 4 steps:
- Complete the Application Registration and Demographics Step inside of Certemy
- Sign the MHACBO Ethics Agreement inside of Certemy
- Submit a photo copy of your ID inside of Certemy
- Pay $75 registration fee inside of Certemy
CADC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, unless the following conditions apply. MHACBO requires a letter from the Candidates current supervisor when a CADC Candidate requests an extension
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Candidate registered but never performed billable addiction treatment services
- Candidate left the field before 2 years were up, and is now returning to the field
- Candidate is in substantial compliance but is awaiting testing date or MHACBO receipt of testing scores
MHACBO Registration is required within 6 months of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
CADC II - Baccalaureate Proficiency Level
After you complete the CADC-R Application inside of Certemy, a CADC testing application will be assigned to your Certemy account for you to begin working on. If you do not have a CADC testing application inside your Certemy account, please email mhacbo@mhacbo.org to request a testing application. Please indicate the level you wish to test for.
A Minimum of a B.A./B.S. Degree (or equivalency - a minimum of an AA degree/90 college credits, and a combination of academic courses with specialized training and experience in the Addiction Counseling Competencies commensurate with baccalaureate degree credit/hour requriements, with a minimum of 300 Alcohol & Drug Specialty Education Hours.
- 300 Education Hours - Please see our Education Form for more details regarding course requirements.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- Basic Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Group Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Alcohol & Drugs of Abuse Pharmacology
- HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction
- Counseling Ethics
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Clinical Evaluation ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria 2 and DSM Substance Abuse Disorders)
- Coexisting Disorders, or Multiple Diagnosis, or Dual Diagnosis, etc.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 4,000 Supervised Experience Hours in the Addiction Counselor Competencies - Please see our Supervision Form for more details.
- Must meet OAR 415/ISSR standards for Clinical Supervisor Qualifications in Addiction Treatment and must possess advanced addiction counselor certification. Accepted credentials include CADC II, CADC III, MAC, NCAC II, CDS II, CDS III, C-CATODSW, CDP or other state’s advanced addiction counselor addiction counseling certifications utilizing professional psychometric examinations.
- NCAC II National Certification Exam
- Passing score on the NCAC II professional psychometric national certification examination from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. Please see our Testing Composition overview for additional exam details
- Written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam
- The Jurisprudence Exam Application will be assigned to your Certemy account after you take and pass the NCAC II Exam.
- Once candidates have passed the NCAC II Written Examination, the counselor will be granted CADC I certification along with instruction on how to sign up for the written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam. Upon successfully the Exam, the counselor will be granted full CADC II certification.
- The Jurisprudence Exam Application will be assigned to your Certemy account after you take and pass the NCAC II Exam.
Graduate degreed licensed mental health professionals can also access certification directly through NAADAC or its sister organization NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors).
CADC II - Renewal Information
The CADC renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CADC II requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
To ensure sufficient time to process your renewal packet, please submit renewal form at least 2 weeks before expiration.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body or education provided within Oregon state approved addiction treatment agencies. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Category I: Alcohol & Drug Counseling Education - Minimum 20 hours
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Education
- Treatment Planning
- Dual Diagnosis
- Special Populations in A&D Treatment
- Counseling Methodologies focusing on Substance Abuse
- Relapse Prevention
- ASAM
- Methadone
- ATOD Prevention
- Addiction Specific Ethics (Mandatory Reporting, CFR 42
- Motivational Interviewing
- Etc...
- Optional - Category II: Counseling Education - Maximum 20 hours
- Managed Care
- Counseling Survivors of Trauma
- Psychiatric Disorders
- General College Psychology Coursework
- Social Work Coursework
- General Behavioral Health Software Training
- Ethics
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $175 is required
- All 40 hours can be alcohol and drug specific training.
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor - III
CADC Registration - CADC Candidacy
Registration with MHACBO will place a CADC Candidate on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration is completed and maintained inside of online certification software, Certemy. Please read over the following steps, and then click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button at the bottom of this page.
- Registration requires the following 4 steps:
- Complete the Application Registration and Demographics Step inside of Certemy
- Sign the MHACBO Ethics Agreement inside of Certemy
- Submit a photo copy of your ID inside of Certemy
- Pay $75 registration fee inside of Certemy
CADC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, unless the following conditions apply. MHACBO requires a letter from the Candidates current supervisor when a CADC Candidate requests an extension
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Candidate registered but never performed billable addiction treatment services
- Candidate left the field before 2 years were up, and is now returning to the field
- Candidate is in substantial compliance but is awaiting testing date or MHACBO receipt of testing scores
MHACBO Registration is required within 6 months of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
CADC III - Graduate Proficiency Level
After you complete the CADC-R Application inside of Certemy, a CADC testing application will be assigned to your Certemy account for you to begin working on. If you do not have a CADC testing application inside your Certemy account, please email mhacbo@mhacbo.org to request a testing application. Please indicate the level you wish to test for.
A Minimum of a Masters Degree
- Master's degree or higher in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects (social work, mental health counseling, marriage & family, psychology, medical doctor) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning
with a minimum of 300 Alcohol & Drug Education Hours.
- 300 Education Hours - Please see our Education Form for more details regarding course requirements.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body/state licensure. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- Basic Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Group Counseling Skills (distance learning temporarily accepted until 12/31/2022)
- Alcohol & Drugs of Abuse Pharmacology
- HIV/AIDS Risk Assessment & Risk Reduction
- Counseling Ethics
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Clinical Evaluation ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine Patient Placement Criteria 2 and DSM Substance Abuse Disorders)
- Coexisting Disorders, Multiple Diagnosis, or Dual Diagnosis, etc.
- Theories of Addiction Tx, or Addiction Tx Best Practices, or Science-based Addiction Tx Approaches, etc.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body/state licensure. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6,000 Supervised Experience Hours in the Addiction Counselor Competencies - Please see our Supervision Form for more details.
- Must meet OAR 415/ISSR standards for Clinical Supervisor Qualifications in Addiction Treatment and must possess advanced addiction counselor certification. Accepted credentials include CADC II, CADC III, MAC, NCAC II, CDS II, CDS III, C-CATODSW, CDP or other state’s advanced addiction counselor addiction counseling certifications utilizing professional psychometric examinations.
- MAC National Certification Exam
- Passing score on the MAC professional psychometric national certification examination from the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors/ Please see our Testing Composition overview for additional exam details
- Written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam
- The Jurisprudence Exam Application will be assigned to your Certemy account after you take and pass the MAC Exam.
- Once candidates have passed the MAC written Examination, the counselor will be granted CADC I certification along with instruction on how to sign up for the written Jurisprudence Ethics Exam. Upon successfully completing the Exam, the counselor will be granted full CADC III certification.
- The Jurisprudence Exam Application will be assigned to your Certemy account after you take and pass the MAC Exam.
Graduate degreed licensed mental health professionals can also access certification directly through NAADAC or its sister organization NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors).
CADC III - Renewal Information
The CADC renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CADC II requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
To ensure sufficient time to process your renewal packet, please submit renewal form at least 2 weeks before expiration.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body or education provided within Oregon state approved addiction treatment agencies. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Category I: Alcohol & Drug Counseling Education - Minimum 20 hours
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Education
- Treatment Planning
- Dual Diagnosis
- Special Populations in A&D Treatment
- Counseling Methodologies focusing on Substance Abuse
- Relapse Prevention
- ASAM
- Methadone
- ATOD Prevention
- Addiction Specific Ethics (Mandatory Reporting, CFR 42
- Motivational Interviewing
- Etc...
- Optional - Category II: Counseling Education - Maximum 20 hours
- Managed Care
- Counseling Survivors of Trauma
- Psychiatric Disorders
- General College Psychology Coursework
- Social Work Coursework
- General Behavioral Health Software Training
- Ethics
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $175 is required
- All 40 hours can be alcohol and drug specific training.
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor - I
CGAC Registration - CGAC Candidacy
Registration with MHACBO will place a CGAC Candidate on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration is completed and maintained inside of online certification software, Certemy. Please read over the following steps, and then click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button at the bottom of this page.
- Registration requires the following 4 steps:
- Complete the Application Registration and Demographics Step inside of Certemy
- Sign the MHACBO Ethics Agreement inside of Certemy
- Submit a photo copy of your ID inside of Certemy
- The CGAC-R is a free credential
CGAC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, unless the following conditions apply. MHACBO requires a letter from the Candidates current supervisor when a CADC Candidate requests an extension
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Candidate registered but never performed billable addiction treatment services
- Candidate left the field before 2 years were up, and is now returning to the field
- Candidate is in substantial compliance but is awaiting testing date or MHACBO receipt of testing scores
MHACBO Registration is required within 6 months of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in problem gambling treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
CGAC I - Initial Certification
The CGAC Testing application will be assigned to you after you complete the CGAC-R Certification in Certemy.
The CGAC requires credentialing, education, supervised experience hours and successful completion of a written examination. Education and/or Credentialing Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the behavioral health field such as license or certification in a recognized behavioral health field (i.e. psychology, addictions, clinical social work). Educational coursework for degree requirement must include the following:
- Basic Counseling Skills
- Group Counseling Skills
- Counseling Ethics
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Coexisting Disorders, or Multiple Diagnosis, or Dual Diagnosis, etc
- 30 Hours Problem/Compulsive Gambling Education. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. A minimum of 2 hours is required in following categories:
- Gambling Client Assessment/Intake
- Gambling Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Gambling Counseling (Individual, Group, Family)
- Gambling Case Management
- Professional Responsibility and Ethics
- Crisis Intervention
- Co-occurring Disorders
- 500 Hours of Supervised Experience in the Gambling Addiction Counselor Domains Experience
- Experience may include any gambling specific counseling services rendered in the Four Domains; Clinical, Documentation, Administrative and Client Advocacy. (1 Full Time Month = 160 experience hours).
- Included in the experience must be a minimum of 100 hours as a gambling counselor delivering direct treatment to problem/disordered gambler and significant others.
- 24 hours of face-to-face, telephone, email, or other electronic communication clinical supervision from a qualified problem gambling treatment certification clinical supervisor.
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated)
- International Certification Examination for Gambling Counselors
- Passing score on the International Certification Examination for Gambling Counselors professional psychometric national certification examination from the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board
CGAC Recertification
Recertification occurs every two years. Certified CGACs must submit 40 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training and update their certification file with any changes (address, phone, email, etc.).
CGAC - Renewal Information
The CGAC requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Category I: Gambling Counselor Education - Minimum 20 hours
- Gambling Conferences
- Gambling Trainings
- Gambling Epidemiology
- Gambling Counseling Science-based Best Practices
- Gambling Pathology
- etc...
- Optional - Category II: Counseling Education - Maximum 20 hours
- Managed Care
- Counseling Survivors of Trauma
- Psychiatric Disorders
- General College Psychology Coursework
- Social Work Coursework
- General Behavioral Health Software Training
- Ethics
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $175 is required
- All 40 hours can be alcohol and drug specific training.
- ACCBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Gambling Consultants and Supervisors
Requirements for being a disordered gambling treatment certification clinical supervisor/consultant are:
1) Two years practicing as a CGAC Il.
2) Ten hours of training specific to clinical supervision/consultation, supported by CEU documentation.
For additional information on becoming a Gambling Consultant/Supervisor please email Richard Johnson or call (971)235-2954
Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor - II
CGAC Registration - CGAC Candidacy
Registration with MHACBO will place a CGAC Candidate on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration is completed and maintained inside of online certification software, Certemy. Please read over the following steps, and then click the "Start Certification with Certemy" button at the bottom of this page.
- Registration requires the following 4 steps:
- Complete the Application Registration and Demographics Step inside of Certemy
- Sign the MHACBO Ethics Agreement inside of Certemy
- Submit a photo copy of your ID inside of Certemy
- The CGAC-R is a free credential
CGAC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended, unless the following conditions apply. MHACBO requires a letter from the Candidates current supervisor when a CADC Candidate requests an extension
- Extenuating Circumstances
- Candidate registered but never performed billable addiction treatment services
- Candidate left the field before 2 years were up, and is now returning to the field
- Candidate is in substantial compliance but is awaiting testing date or MHACBO receipt of testing scores
MHACBO Registration is required within 6 months of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in problem gambling treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
CGAC II - Initial Certification
The CGAC Testing application will be assigned to you after you complete the CGAC-R Application in Certemy
The CGAC requires credentialing, education, supervised experience hours and successful completion of a written examination. Education and/or Credentialing Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in the behavioral health field such as license or certification in a recognized behavioral health field (i.e. psychology, addictions, clinical social work). Educational coursework for degree requirement must include the following:
- Basic Counseling Skills
- Group Counseling Skills
- Counseling Ethics
- Counseling Diverse Populations
- Coexisting Disorders, or Multiple Diagnosis, or Dual Diagnosis, etc
- 60 Hours Problem/Compulsive Gambling Education. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. A minimum of 2 hours is required in following categories:
- Gambling Client Assessment/Intake
- Gambling Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Gambling Counseling (Individual, Group, Family)
- Gambling Case Management
- Professional Responsibility and Ethics
- Crisis Intervention
- Co-occurring Disorders
- 2000 Hours of Supervised Experience in the Gambling Addiction Counselor Domains Experience
- Experience may include any gambling specific counseling services rendered in the Four Domains; Clinical, Documentation, Administrative and Client Advocacy. (1 Full Time Month = 160 experience hours).
- Included in the experience must be a minimum of 100 hours as a gambling counselor delivering direct treatment to problem/disordered gambler and significant others.
- 24 hours of face-to-face, telephone, email, or other electronic communication clinical supervision from a qualified problem gambling treatment certification clinical supervisor.
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated)
- International Certification Examination for Gambling Counselors
- Passing score on the International Certification Examination for Gambling Counselors professional psychometric national certification examination from the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board
CGAC Recertification
Recertification occurs every two years. Certified CGACs must submit 40 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training and update their certification file with any changes (address, phone, email, etc.).
CGAC - Renewal Information
The CGAC requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Category I: Gambling Counselor Education - Minimum 20 hours
- Gambling Conferences
- Gambling Trainings
- Gambling Epidemiology
- Gambling Counseling Science-based Best Practices
- Gambling Pathology
- etc...
- Optional - Category II: Counseling Education - Maximum 20 hours
- Managed Care
- Counseling Survivors of Trauma
- Psychiatric Disorders
- General College Psychology Coursework
- Social Work Coursework
- General Behavioral Health Software Training
- Ethics
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $175 is required
- All 40 hours can be alcohol and drug specific training.
- ACCBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Prevention Specialist
CPS
150 Prevention Education Hours are required.
- All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- ATOD Pharmacology/Epidemiology
- ATOD Prevention Education Curriculum trainings or Training of Trainers (TOT)
- Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training (SAPST)
- Community Mobilization / Coalition Building / Systems Thinking/Planning
- General prevention topics
- Cultural Competence/ Humility
- Facilitation/presentation skills training
- Prevention ethics including confidentiality
- 2,000 Supervised Experience Hours in the Prevention Domains TM (c. ICRC/AODA)
- 120 Hours of Experiential Learning and Evaluation by a Prevention Supervisor (or CPS Consulting Supervisor/Mentor)
- Ethics Agreement (signed and dated)
- National Criminal History Check
- ICRC Prevention Specialist Certification Exam
- Passing score on the CPS professional psychometric national certification examination from the International Certification Reciprocity Consortium
- Recommended study materials: PreventionCertificationStudyGuide.pdf (internationalcredentialing.org), and CANDIDATE GUIDE (internationalcredentialing.org)
CPS Recertification
Recertification occurs every two years. Certified CPSs must submit 40 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training and update their certification file with any changes (address, phone, email, etc.).
CPS - Renewal Information
The CPS renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CPS requires 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 40 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- 40 Hours of Prevention Continuing Education
- General Substance Abuse Prevention Education
- Prevention Conferences
- Prevention Evidence Based Practices
- Etc...
- A renewal fee of $150 is required
- If you are dual certified as a CADC, the renewal fee for CPS is reducded to $100
- ACCBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Recovery Mentor
CRM
The Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) requires an OHA approved addiction peer training program (peer delivered services).
Education and/or Credentialing Requirements:
- You must submit proof of an OHA approved addiction training program - Click here for a list of AMH approved trainings
- Approved Oral Health Training (use browsers other than Chrome) - Free Course Available Here
- Oral Health Training is also available in Spanish - Training – Juntosnw
- Must be in recovery from substance use dependence and have a minimum of 1 year (temporarily reduced from 2 years to 1 year) recovery.
- Certificate of Completion for MHACBO CRM Ethics Quiz
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated)
- Background check with exclusionary criteria of ORS 443.004/0AR 407-007-0277 Crimes (conviction, attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation for any of the crimes) regardless of how long ago the conviction occurred: • ORS 163.095, Aggravated murder • ORS 163.115, Murder • ORS 163.375, Rape I • ORS 163.405, Sodomy I • ORS 163.411, Unlawful sexual penetration I • ORS 163.427, Sexual abuse I
- 40-hour Peer Mentor Certificates will not be accepted by OHA, if it is dated more than 3 years from today's date
CRM Recertification
Recertification occurs every two years. Certified CRMs must submit 20 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training and update their certification file with any changes (address, phone, email, etc.).
CRM - Renewal Information
The CRM renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CRM renewal requires 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 20 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Approved Oral Health Training - Free Course Available Here
- Oral Health Training is also available in Spanish - Training – Juntosnw
- SUD Peer Education - 20 hours
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment or Peer Services Education
- Dual Diagnosis
- Special Populations in A&D Treatment and Recovery Support Services
- Relapse Prevention
- ASAM
- MAT, Harm Reduction
- ATOD Prevention
- Addiction Specific Ethics (Mandatory Reporting, CFR 42, etc.)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Etc.
- A renewal fee of $100 is required
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Recovery Mentor II
CRM II - Certified Recovery Mentor II (Previously called the PRC - Peer Recovery Counselor)
This is a national credential and can be easily transfered between other states/countries who use the IC&RC PR (Peer Recovery) exam and national reciprocal process.
National Educational Standards
- H.S. Diploma/GED
- 80 Hours of Peer Support Training
- 40 Hour Oregon Health Authority Accredited A&D Peer Specialist Training
- 40 Hours of advanced training in: Motivational Enhancement, Assertive Outreach and Jurisprudence Ethics
National Reciprocial Status
- Completion of the CRM II credential will grant national reciprocal status between jurisdictions using the IC&RC Peer Recovery (PR) exam. National reciprocal status allows a person to easily transfer their credential between states/countries who also use this process. Currently, more than half of U.S. States hold national reciprocity for the CRM II. For a full list, please click here
National Examination
- Professionally, legally, scientifically defensible psychometric national examination based on IC&RC Role Delineation standards for Peer Recovery Counselors©. Professional proctoring and exam security through ISO-Quality Testing ensures identity of examination candidates and integrity of exam procedures. Please click here for information regarding the exam composition, testing information and practice testing questions
National Internship Standards
- A prerequisite of 500 Supervised Internship Hours in the IC&RC Peer Domains© including 25 Hours of direct supervision under a qualified supervisor under OAR309 standards for state approved addiction/co-occurring programs
- Advocacy
- Mentoring & Education
- Recovery & Wellness Support
- Ethical Responsibility
Oregon Background Check, Lived-experience & Code of Conduct
- Background check with exclusionary criteria of ORS 443.004/0AR 407-007-0277 Crimes
- Must be in recovery from sustance use dependence and have a minimum of 2 years recovery.
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated)
PRC - Renewal Information
The CRM II requires 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 20 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- Approved Oral Health Training - Free Course Available Here
- Oral Health Training is also available in Spanish - Training – Juntosnw
- SUD Peer Education - 20 hours
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment or Peer Services Education
- Dual Diagnosis
- Special Populations in A&D Treatment and Recovery Support Services
- Relapse Prevention
- ASAM
- MAT, Harm Reduction
- ATOD Prevention
- Addiction Specific Ethics (Mandatory Reporting, CFR 42, etc.)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Etc.
- A renewal fee of $100 is required
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor
The Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor (CGRM) requires an OHA approved 40-hour addiction training program, spoecifc to gambling or an SUD addiction training program with supplemental OHA approved peer training.
The CGRM Application is now processed through Certemy, our online certification software. Please click the button below to begin working on the application.
Education and/or Credentialing Requirements:
- You must submit proof of an OHA approved gambling addiction peer training, or supplemental OHA approved gambling peer training in addition to an OHA approved SUD addiction peer training.
- This gambling peer training can only, currently, be aquired through VPGR, for more information, please email pgvoices@comcast.net
- Approved Oral Health Training (use browsers other than Chrome) - Free Course Available Here
- Oral Health Training is also available in Spanish - Training – Juntosnw
- Must have 2 years of recovery from gambling addiction.
- Code of Conduct (signed and dated)
- Background check with exclusionary criteria of ORS 443.004/0AR 407-007-0277 Crimes
CGRM Recertification
Recertification occurs every two years. Certified CGRMs must submit 20 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include 6 hours of Ethics Training and update their certification file with any changes (address, phone, email, etc.).
CGRM - Renewal Information
The CGRM renewal application is now inside of Certemy If you are unable to access your Certemy account, please open a chat and MHACBO will assist you.
The CGRM requires 20 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
- The 20 hours of continuing education must include the following. All education hours must be accredited or approved by a recognized/approved accreditation body. Education hours must include the topical areas of:
- 6 Hours of Ethics
- 2 hours of Suicide Prevention (click here for list of free/low cost courses)
- Approved Oral Health Training - Free Course Available Here
- Oral Health Training is also available in Spanish - Training – Juntosnw
- Category I: Gambling Counseling Education - 20 hours
- Gambling Treatment Education
- Treatment Planning
- A renewal fee of $100 is required
- MHACBO will accept virtually all counseling related Ethics Courses
Oregon - Reciprocity Information
CADC Reciprocity
MHACBO offers CADC reciprocity with all states who utilize the NAADAC or IC&RC National Psychometric Exams for their addiction counselors. MHACBO also accepts other state specific exams, but will need to review these exams on an individual basis.
Alcohol and Drug Counselors coming from IC&RC & NAADAC States:
- Please do not reach out to the state you are leaving to initiate the reciprocity process, the entire process can be completed through MHACBO. Please click the Start CADC Reciprocity Button with Certemy at the bottom of this page to open your application
- Please have an active certification in good ethical standing before starting this application
- Reciprocity fee is $175 and can be paid inside your online reciprocity application through Certemy
Alcohol and Drug Counseling leaving Oregon for other states:
- Please contact the board you are moving to and inquire about their reciprocity process.
- MHACBO can not initiate the IC&RC reciprocity process to the board you are moving to. Despite the information many boards will give you, asking you to please contact MHACBO to begin the process, this information is incorrect. MHACBO uses NAADAC exams for our CADCs, and therefore, we cannot intiate the IC&RC Reciprocity Process
- If you need an out-of-state verification, please email the form to mhacbo@mhacbo.org
- MHACBO charges $25 for out-of-state verifications. This fee can be paid under the Pay Fees tab at the top of the website.
CPS Reciprocity
MHACBO utilizies the IC&RC National Reciprocal Process for CPS (Certified Prevention Specialists), allowing your Prevetion Specialist credential to easily be transfered to and from other IC&RC states.
CPS who are leaving Oregon for another state
- Please check the IC&RC Member Board Directory to see if the state you are moving to is a PS (Prevention Specialist) board with the IC&RC
- If the board you are moving to does offer the PS exam, please email van@mhacbo.org to begin the process of transfering your credential to another state
- If the state you are moving to does not offer the PS exam through the IC&RC, please contact that state to inquire about their reciprocity process
CPS who are moving to Oregon
- Please check the IC&RC Member Board Directory to see if the state you are moving from is a PS (Prevention Specialist) board with the IC&RC
- If the board you are moving from does offer the PS exam, please contact the board you are leaving and request them to initiate the IC&RC Reciprocity Process for Prevention Specialists
- If the state you are moving from does not offer the PS exam through the IC&RC, MHACBO will not be able to grant reciprocity to you. Instead, you will need to click the "CPS" tab and begin a new CPS application with MHACBO
CRM II Reciprocity
MHACBO utilizies the IC&RC National Reciprocal Process for CRM IIs (Peer Recovery Counselors), allowing your credential to easily be transfered to and from other IC&RC states.
CRM IIs who are leaving Oregon for another state
- Please check the IC&RC Member Board Directory to see if the state you are moving to is a PR (Peer Recovery) board with the IC&RC
- If the board you are moving to does offer the PR exam, please email van@mhacbo.org to begin the process of transfering your credential to another state
- If the state you are moving to does not offer the PS exam through the IC&RC, please contact that state to inquire about their reciprocity process
CRM IIs who are moving to Oregon
- Please check the IC&RC Member Board Directory to see if the state you are moving from is a PR (Peer Recovery)
- If the board you are moving from does offer the PS exam, please contact the board you are leaving and request them to initiate the IC&RC Reciprocity Process for Peer Recovery counselors
- If the state you are moving from does not offer the PS exam through the IC&RC, MHACBO will not be able to grant reciprocity to you. Instead, you will need to click the "CRM II" tab and begin a new CRM II application with MHACBO