Prevention Credentials - Learn More | Ohio Coaching and Mentoring Network

Prevention often overlaps with or is part of the work of many different professions and community efforts. How prevention is defined, and the level of efficacy can vary depending on background, experience, and understanding of a person. The Ohio prevention credentials establishes a universal and thorough understanding of prevention and evidence-based practices. Credentials provide a trusted measure of professional credibility to the public, employers, and funders. To receive an Ohio prevention credential individuals/professionals must demonstrate competency through experience, education, supervision, and the passing of an examination.

The process of Ohio Certified Prevention credentialing is administered by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board

Getting Started

The Ohio Certified Prevention credentialing process can be complicated and time consuming. The OCAM Network is available to answer any questions and provide support during this process. Please reach out to info@ocamnetwork.org or rjones@prevention-first.org for any questions or concerns.

Are you doing prevention work?

If you are currently delivering prevention services, we strongly advise you to apply to receive your prevention credentials! Individuals who deliver prevention services can be community members, volunteers, or paid professionals.

What are prevention services?

Prevention services are a comprehensive, multi-system set of individual and environmental approaches that maximize physical health, mental well-being, and promote safety. Prevention services occur BEFORE the onset of a behavioral health disorder/diagnosis.

Examples of prevention services:

Leading/participating a community anti-drug coalition
Leading/participating a suicide prevention coalition
Providing prevention education such as Life Skills Training, Project Towards No Drug Abuse, Sources of Strength

Questions about prevention services?

Contact info@ocamnetwork.org or rjones@prevention-first.org

Levels Ohio Certified Prevention Credentials

Registered Applicant (RA)

18 years of age or older
High School Diploma or GED
Complete Professional Development
2-year certification
Required supervision by one of the following: OCPS, OCPC, CHES, MD, OD, RN, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, licensed psychologist, professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, LISW, SW, licensed school counselor

Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA)

18 years of age or older
High School Diploma or GED
100 hours of prevention related experience (paid/volunteer)
45 hours of prevention education in specified content areas
Required supervision by one of the following: OCPS, OCPC, CHES, MD, OD, RN, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, licensed psychologist, professional clinical counselor, professional counselor, LISW, SW, licensed school counselor

Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OCPS)

Associate degree or higher
One year (2,000 hours) prevention related experience (paid/volunteer)
120 hours of prevention education in specified content areas
120 hours of practical experience in the six performance domain areas
Required supervision by one of the following: OCPS (for most, but not all scope of practice), OCPC, CHES, RN, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, LISW
Pass the ICRC International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC) Prevention Examination