NAADAC Launches Tobacco Treatment Certification Program

NAADAC – The Association for Addiction Professionals, the University of Florida, and Patient Support International (PSI) have teamed together to offer the Tobacco Addiction Specialist credentialing program. The program provides foundational knowledge of tobacco addiction, develops skills and strategies for tobacco addiction counseling, and examines related recovery and wellness issues.

The credential is designed for certified or licensed counselors, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and other dedicated workers in the health care profession. To be eligible for the program, applicants must provide evidence of 500 hours of education/training in a healing art, evidence of three years of employment in the health care profession, documentation of supervised work experience, and evidence of current certification or licensure in the health care profession.

The certification program consists of an 85-hour, on-line training course, a 150-question test, and an oral examination. The total cost for the program is $1,500, which includes the training, the written and oral tests, a one-year membership in NAADAC, and a printed certificate, which is valid for two years. Since the training is Internet-based, there are no books or printed materials to buy.

Quick Facts:

Tobacco Addiction Specialist credential applicant requirements:
1. Evidence of 500 hours of education/training in a healing art;
2. Evidence of three years of employment in the health care profession;
3. Documentation of supervised work experience; and
4. Evidence of current certification or licensure in the health care profession.

**It takes approximately 45 days to process an application.

Tobacco Addiction Specialist certification requires completion of:
1. an 85 hour, on line training course;
2. a 150 question test (administered on-line); and
3. an oral examination (45 minutes, administered via phone through a toll-free number).

The total cost for the program is $1,500.00, which includes:
1. the 85 hour training course;
2. the 150 question test and oral examination;
3. a one year NAADAC membership; and
4. a certificate (must be renewed every two years).