What are Prevention Credentials?

What are Prevention Credentials? Prevention Education Supervision Request Mentoring Test Prep Prevention Resources Frequently Asked Questions

Defining 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.

If you are currently delivering prevention services, we strongly advise you to apply to receive your prevention credentials if you haven't already. Individuals who deliver prevention services can be community members, volunteers, or paid professionals.

The Ohio prevention credentials establish 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 passing an exam. The Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board administers these credentials.

Getting Started

There are four levels of Prevention Credentials:

Registered Applicant (RA)
Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant (OCPSA)
Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist (OCPS)
Ohio Certified Prevention Concultant (OCPC)

If you are interested in getting started in this process OCAM recommends the following steps:

1. Determine if you are providing prevention services/ if your job description fits the prevention scope of practice.

2. Determine who your prevention supervisor will be.

3. Review Education & Experience Requirments here

4. Create a professional development plan for how you will accomplish these requirements!

Please note that the OCAM Network is happy to set up a one on one meeting with a coach to walk you through this process. Contact info@ocamnetwork.org for more information!