STANDARDS FOR A CERTIFIED ADDICTIONS COUNSELLOR

An aboriginal addictions worker may be certified for either of three (3) levels of knowledge and competence: Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist I, Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist II or Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist III.

The basic difference between levels I and II is in the length of supervised training and/or work experience, and in the amount of education acquired. There is no waiver or substitution for the one-year full time supervised work experience as an addictions counsellor.

It is not mandatory that applicants attain certification as an Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist I, before being certified as an Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist II or III.

The decision as to what level of certification you will be awarded rests solely with the Board and is based on a thorough assessment of the application forms and supporting documents that you provide.

In developing a system of certification, our Certification Board must, of necessity, be vested with broad powers to assess the applicant; her/his work experiences, competencies and training.

The Certification Board may require additional information or evidence, in some cases, to clarify the applicant's qualifications. In the process of certification, applicants have the right to access the information from employers, coworkers, references or educational institutions.

Certification Board staff are required to respect the confidentiality of all submitted oral or written materials with respect to the application. Certification is awarded for a two-year-period.

Recertification is required every two years on the anniversary of the original certification. See the section on re-certification for greater detail regarding requirements.

Determination of certification level

The First Nations Wellness/Addictions Counsellor Certification Board currently grants three levels of certification:

Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist I,

Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist II

Indigenous Certified Addictions Specialist III.

The Registrar / Director of Standards reviews each application to determine the appropriate level of certification or to determine that the application does not meet the criteria and standards for certification.