Can I substitute a bachelor’s degree or higher in a human service field for one year (2,000 hours) of work experience for CAC or CPS?
YES

What do you consider relevant education?
Relevant education is defined as education in psychology, sociology, human service, social work, chemical dependency, criminal justice, etc. Types of education would be college courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, lectures, institutes, agency in-service, PCB approved distance learning.

Is Board Approved education required for recertification?
YES

Are 3 college credits equivalent to 45 clock hours?
YES

Is there a time limit on obtaining education for use toward initial certification?
NO

Are official college transcripts, certificates of attendance, letters of attendance, etc. considered adequate documents of education?
YES

Should my college/university send transcripts directly to the PCB Office?
YES

Can life experience be substituted for any education or employment requirements?
NO

Can Education and /or Employment received out of Pennsylvania be used?
YES, as long as it is clearly documented and relevant.

Does employment have to be acquired within 7 years from the date of my application?
YES

Is volunteer work experience acceptable?
NO, employment must be paid and supervised.

Must I be currently employed in the profession for which I am applying at the time application for certification is made?
YES

Will I ever need to submit verification of previous employment, and what does that include?
YES, if you need to count those hours toward the employment requirement. Verification would be letters from former employers stating beginning and ending dates of employment; job title; number of hours worked per week; whether the position was supervised; and a brief description of duties and responsibilities.

Do I have to live or work in Pennsylvania to be eligible for most of the credentials offered by PCB?
YES

Do I need to have the most recent application before applying?
YES

If I am a Pennsylvania CAC, CAC Diplomate, CPS, CCS, or CCJP, is reciprocity available?
YES, phone the PCB Office @ 717-540-4455 to inquire about a specific state.

How do you define the term supervision?
It is supervised practical training in performing the core skill areas or domains, the time spent in face-to-face supervision, not the time performing the function. Supervision should be reflected in your actual work experience. Supervision is not education or training.

Does my supervisor need to be certified?
NO, but he/she must be knowledgeable in addiction.

Should I submit all documentation with full application and fee at the same time? 
YES, if a test is required you will be notified of future dates, locations and times after approval of application.

Is certification required by the state?
NO, it is a voluntary process and PCB is the only recognized resource in Pennsylvania that measures substance abuse and other behavioral health competency.