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Nicotine Dependence Specialist (NDS) PDF Print E-mail

A voluntary national credential that provides foundational knowledge of tobacco addiction, develops skills and strategies for tobacco addiction counseling and examines related recovery and wellness issues.

 

Download the NDS Certification Application and Instructions


Why should you obtain the NDS Certification?

The Nicotine Dependence Specialist credential promotes competency in nicotine dependence treatment by:

  1. Promoting the formal recognition of the professionalism of nicotine dependent specialists.
  2. Providing a national standard of requisite knowledge in nicotine dependent treatment.
  3. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet the standards established by the NAADAC Certification Commission.
  4. Encouraging continued professional growth in nicotine dependent treatment for the purpose of improving the quality of care to people with addictions.
  5. Establishing, measuring and monitoring the level of knowledge required for certification in nicotine dependent treatment.
  6. Assisting employers, labor unions, government entities, health care providers, educators and other practitioners, as well as the public, in identifying qualified nicotine dependent specialists.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Completion of an 85 hours of tobacco or nicotine dependence specific training
  • Passing score on the 150 question written examination
  • Forty hours of continuing education every three years for credential renewal

Application Requirements

  • Evidence of 85 hours of specific tobacco education and additional documentation of training and education for specific field
  • 270 contact hours of education and training in health care profession
  • Evidence of three years of employment in the health care profession, such as nursing, respiratory therapist, or pharmacist and evidence of current certification or licensure in the health care profession
  • Documentation of supervised work experience
  • Payment of non-refundable application/certification review fee.

Certification Costs

Examination Details

The written national credentialing examination is tailored to test the applicant on his or her projected knowledge based on experience, education and training.  The following skill groups are evaluated in the examination, and an applicant fornational certification should be well versed in each of these topic areas:

  1. treatment admission (screening, intake and orientation)
  2. clinical assessment
  3. ongoing treatment planning
  4. counseling services (individual, group, family, crisis intervention and client education)
  5. documentation
  6. case management
  7. discharge and continuing care
  8. legal, ethical and professional growth issues

The Tobacco Addiction Specialist (TAS) written examination consists of 175 multiple-choice, objective questions, which test candidates’ knowledge in the areas of nicotine dependence (50%), counseling (25%), co-occurring disorders (15%) and intervention planning (10%).

Testing Schedule

Examinations are given nationwide (and abroad) multiple times per year.  Application deadlines are sixty (60) days prior to the test date.

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Test Preparation Materials