YES

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.

YES

NO

YES

YES

NO

YES, as long as it is clearly documented and relevant.

YES

NO, employment must be paid and supervised.

YES

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.

YES

YES

YES, phone the PCB Office @ 717-540-4455 to inquire about a specific state.

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.

NO, but he/she must be knowledgeable in addiction.

YES, if a test is required you will be notified of future dates, locations and times after approval of application.

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

YES

There are two methods to recertify. You can use the online recertification process or you can download the PDF of the Recertification Application – both are on the Recertification page. To use the online recertification method, you must be a registered user of the website. PCB must approve all online accounts. Email info@pacertboard.org letting us know you want to be a registered user on the website and we will activate your online account.

Recertification requirements per credential and fees are listed in the Recertification Application.

The earliest you can recertify is three months prior to your expiration date.

Use Verify a Credential. Just put in your last name and your credential will appear showing credential held, issue date, expiration date, and credential status.

No, training certificates are not to be sent in with your Recertification Application. Instead, you will list the trainings you have received over the two-year time frame. If you are randomly selected for a recertification audit, you will be notified in writing and at that time you will be required to submit photocopies of your training certificates. If you send in copies of your certificates of completion for trainings with your Recertification Application, these will not be reviewed at the time of your recertification and will be discarded.

Yes, but waiting until the day your credential expires does not allow any room for error in recertifying in the event you run into issues, particularly if you are attempting to recertify online. It is highly recommended that you do not wait until the day your credential expires.

Certificates are only printed about every 7-10 business days so allow at least that much time.

Social Security Numbers are used as a unique identifying number as many certified professionals have the same or very similar names. You are only required to include the last four digits.

Yes, employment is not a requirement for recertification.

Yes, however you must be sure that they include your name with or on the check. If it is not included, we have no way to match it up with your Recertification Application. Your recertification will not be processed until payment is received.

Yes, but know that faxing is an unreliable technology. Even if you get a confirmation that your fax went through, you should email info@pacertboard.org to confirm receipt.

Email notifications are exclusively used. If we do not have a current email address for you, you will not receive any notice. You are responsible for notifying us if your email address changes. Further, it is always the responsibility of the certified professional to be aware of an expiring credential and to take the necessary steps to recertify on time, regardless of any formal notification.

Acceptable documentation is required to change a name of a certified professional. Documentation can include a copy of a marriage license, divorce decree, etc. Click here for the Name Change Form.

Yes, you may change a subsequent credential expiration date to match the expiration date of your primary (first) credential. Click here for the Expiration Date Change Form.

Look at your certificates and find your issue date. The credential you earned first, is your primary credential.

We do not offer extensions. Since January 1, 2026, a credential that is not renewed by its expiration date shows as expired. You can still recertify for six months after your expiration date, with an additional late fee. After six months, contact PCB to reapply.

Recertification for those who are retiring is optional. An optional Emeritus Status has been established for those who wish to remain connected to PCB.

Yes, a three-hour ethics training is required every two years to recertify for all credentials EXCEPT the CRS and CFRS. CRS/CFRS requires 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours in confidentiality every two years.

There is no limit to the number of hours that are online.

The Recertification Application includes a description of the education/training hours required for each credential. Reviewing the application at least several months prior to your recertification date will help determine if your earned hours are in line with recertification requirements.

Yes. In the PCB database, to include the credential verification page, your credential will show as expired.

Yes, you may use the recertification process/application for six (6) months from your expiration date.

You will have to contact the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and request a re-application form so that you can reapply for the credential(s).

Yes. Once a credential becomes expired, if the person recertifies within the first six (6) months, there is a $75.00 fee in addition to the recertification fee.

There is no additional fee however, when a person is required to re-apply for a credential the cost has always been and will continue to be the same cost of the initial certification. (For example: to obtain your initial credential as a CPS, you pay a fee of $150.00, so the fee is the same if you ever have to re-apply.)(Example 2: to obtain your initial CAADC credential, you pay a fee of $375.00, so the fee is the same if you have to re-apply). This rule is the same for all credentials.

It will still be required for you to contact PCB and request a reapplication, and the fees will remain the same. In addition, you will be required to complete the new application, which requires training hours be included. (For example: If it is mandated that you were to obtain 20 training hours/CEUS over the two-year period (to recertify); then that is what must be submitted with the reapplication.) Just because your credential expired, you are still required to have obtained training/education.

Familiarize yourself with PCB's Codes of Ethics. This will give you a point of reference when in doubt. The most obvious red flag could be your "gut" so follow your gut" may be helpful. If it does not sit well in your gut, then you are probably correct in your assumption. Talk to your supervisor. Always err on the side of caution. Once you have exposed your concern to your supervisor, it becomes a shared responsibility, and they can advise you further. If you still need some clarity, you can always contact PCB for further instruction or assistance.

It is always recommended that you speak directly to your colleague as per the PCB Code of Ethics. However, this is based on your professional relationship with the individual. If it is someone you feel comfortable talking to and have a good working relationship with, then attempt to address it with them first by showing them the rule within the PCB Code of Ethics you feel they may have violated. This will give them the benefit of addressing your concerns. If there continues to be no change, then follow your agency's organizational hierarchy protocol for additional direction.

You should take any concerns you may have to your supervisor immediately. State only the facts and provide any related documents you may have that substantiate your concerns. Be specific when giving information and, if possible, include dates, times, and/or places when issues or situations were discovered or observed.

You can contact PCB at info@pacertboard.org or visit the Ethics pages where you will find additional information related to filing an ethics complaint or submitting an ethics question for a response.

Client exploitation comes in many forms and is often characterized by behavior on the part of the certified professional that takes advantage of the client/consumer, typically for selfish purposes. When the professional relationship evolves into a “dual relationship,” boundaries between the certified professional and the client/consumer become compromised, leaving the client/consumer vulnerable to the influences of the professional. Potentially exploitive types of dual relationships because of violated boundaries include but are not limited to the following examples: sexual/romantic relationships, development of personal friendships, expectations of gifts, monetary gain, exchange of services, social media/technology use and/or favors from clients/consumers. The sensitive balance in the professional relationship becomes jeopardized because of the blurred boundaries and/or the professional’s unethical behavior.

Complaints must be submitted in writing using PCB’s ethics complaint form or a letter with as much detail as possible. Complaints cannot be anonymous and must contain the name and contact information of the person filing the complaint. Verbal or anonymous complaints to PCB cannot be accepted. Evidence is necessary to accompany complaints. Otherwise, the complaint is hearsay, and the PCB Ethics Committee cannot act on complaints that are hearsay.

Complaints must be filed within four years from date the offense occurs. Complaints that occurred longer than four years will be returned to the complainant.

If the person against whom I'm filing an ethics complaint has a PCB credential and a professional state-issued license, can I assume that one agency will communicate the complaint to the other or should I file the complaint with both organizations? If the certified professional works in a licensed treatment facility, should I also file a complaint with the licensed facility and/or the Division of Licensing?

If the certified professional against whom you are filing an ethics complaint also holds a professional license, you may also file a similar complaint with that licensing board. PCB typically does not forward a complaint against a certified professional on to another licensing board. If the certified professional against whom you are filing an ethics complaint works in a state licensed treatment facility, you may also file a similar complaint with that licensed facility and/or the Division of Licensing.

There are many pros and cons as well as possible consequences related to reporting a violation. However, there are an equal number of positive outcomes as well.

PROS: Consumers are protected; Agency is safer from possible legal action; Staff could receive help, including trainings that could prevent future violations.

CONS: Relationships are damaged; Possible retaliation from colleague or agency; Person reporting becomes an outcast and is ostracized by the team.

There are policies in place that protect employees from harassment that could be displayed or imposed on or towards the reporter.

You can obtain a copy of the PCB Codes of Ethical Conduct on the Ethics page. The PCB Office can also mail, email, or fax you a copy. There are specific Codes of Ethical Conduct for each credential used by PCB.

Yes, anyone can file an ethics complaint. Typically, complaints are submitted by clients/consumers, former clients/consumers, co-workers, and treatment facilities. It is always best if the person filing the complaint has first-hand knowledge of the incident or allegations. Anyone who believes a person under the jurisdiction of the PCB Codes of Ethics and has potentially violated a Code may file a written complaint with the Ethics Committee. PCB may also initiate complaints internally. Only individuals certified by PCB or applicants for certification are subject to the codes of ethics. If you are considering filing a complaint, you are encouraged to use a complaint form. A complaint form is available on the PCB website. Complaints will be accepted in any form if they are in writing. The committee does not accept verbal or anonymous complaints.

A certified professional should promptly alert colleagues informally to potentially unethical behavior, and report violations of professional conduct when the certified professional has violated ethical standards and failed to take corrective action after the informal intervention. A certified professional is required under the code of ethics to report any uncorrected violation of the Code of Ethical Conduct within 90 days of the alleged violation. Individuals certified by PCB are required to cooperate fully and in a timely fashion with the ethics process. Failure to cooperate may constitute a violation of the ethics code and failure to report a violation may be grounds for disciplinary action.

When an ethics complaint is filed with PCB, the Executive Director will determine if there appears to be a violation of one or more of the rules within the Code of Ethical Conduct. If yes, they will begin an investigation process. Once the investigation process is completed, the findings will be thoroughly reviewed by members of the PCB Ethics Committee. The members of this committee will either agree with the findings and determine any disciplinary action, request additional facts surrounding the complaint, move to hold an ethics hearing, or dismiss the complaint for lack of substantial findings. The final decision rests with the members of the PCB Ethics Committee. All parties involved in the complaint are then informed about said decision.

Specifically, no. Understand that the role of the Ethics Committee is to investigate and sanction those who breach the PCB code of conduct based on evidence provided. Certification is a voluntary process. Therefore, the scope of a sanction is limited to the ability to hold certification. If the Ethics Committee has determined that a respondent has violated a code, sanctions may include: 1) Written Caution, which is a formal, private, non-publicized letter of warning that cautions against certain conduct or behavior. 2) Public Reprimand, which is a formal, written, and published reproof or warning to a respondent. 3) Suspension, which results in the temporary forfeit of PCB certification for a period of time (determined by the Ethics Committee). 4) Revocation, which results in the complete and permanent forfeit of PCB certification and any other certifications. If a respondent were to have a sanction imposed, it may impact their current employment. Also, the complaint may also be filed with other entities, which may have more of an impact on employment or vocation.

PCB cannot accept complaints against someone unless they have signed the code of ethical conduct which occurs first when someone applies for certification. Therefore, they must be an applicant or fully certified by PCB for an ethics complaint to be accepted and processed.

Employment is not a condition for filing an ethics complaint. If the person is an applicant for certification or fully certified, a complaint may be filed regardless of whether the person is employed at the time of the incident.

Try a different email address. You need to use the same email address for which you first established your account on the website. If you no longer have access to that email address, email info@pacertboard.org with an updated email address. If you still cannot login, please email us and we can assist you.

First, you must have an activated online account with us. Just because you receive emails from PCB does not mean you have an activated online account. If you do not have an activated online account with PCB, email info@pacertboard.org and ask for assistance. PCB must initiate this activation. If you do have an activated online account, try a different email address. You need to use the same email address for which you first established your account on the PCB website. If you no longer have access to that email address, email info@pacertboard.org with an updated email address. If you still cannot login, please email us and we can assist you.

Access to accounts on the PCB website are for certified professionals only. Trainings are not tracked through accounts. If you need to confirm registration or attendance at a PCB training, email info@pacertboard.org. In order to use the online Recertification Application you need to have an account on the PCB website. If you do not have an account, or you are unsure of your username, what email address you used to sign up, or your email address has changed, email info@pacertboard.org. You can also download the PDF version of the Recertification Application on the Recertification page.

Only PCB staff can update your contact information on your account. If you want to change any information, email info@pacertboard.org.