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NDS

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Nicotine Dependence Specialist (NDS)

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

Why obtain the NDS credential?

  • Position yourself for career advancement and increased salary potential.
  • Distinguish yourself as a practitioner who has specialized in nicotine dependence assessment and treatment. 
  • Position yourself for career advancement and increased salary potential.
  • Demonstrate to clients, employers, and 3rd party payors your commitment to quality care by verifying through certification the skills and competencies you have developed through years of work experience and coursework. 
  • The NDS credential reflects a commitment of the highest ethical standards for Substance Use Disorders/Addiction professionals. 
  • The U.S. Department of Labor expects the demand for Substance Use Disorders/Addiction counselors to grow by 22% by 2024.  

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in a healing art (i.e., substance use or mental health disorders, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology etc.) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Current credential or license in a healing art (i.e., substance use or mental health disorders, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology, etc.) issued by a state or credentialing authority.
  • At least three years full-time or 6,000 hours of employment in a health care profession (i.e., substance use or mental health disorders, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology, etc.).
  • At least 270 contact hours of education and training in healing art.
    • Must include at least 40 hours of Nicotine-specific education.
    • Must include at least six hours of ethics training
    • Must include at least six hours of HIV/other pathogens training within the last six years. 
  • Passing score on NDS examination.

Application Requirements

  • Copy of Bachelor's Degree or higher transcript from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Evidence of current credential or license in a healing art (i.e., substance use or mental health disorders, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology etc.) issued by a state or credentialing authority.
  • Evidence of three years full-time or 6,000 hours of employment in a healing art (i.e., substance use or mental health disorders, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology etc.).
  • Evidence of at least 270 contact hours of education and training in healing art. 
    • Must include at least 40 hours of Nicotine-specific education.
    • Must include at least six hours of Ethics education and training within the last six years.
    • Must include at least six hours of HIV/other pathogens training within the last six years. 
  • Submission of a signed statement that the candidate has read and adheres to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics.
  • Payment of non-refundable application/certification fee.

Fees

Renewals

  • NDS Renewal Application
  • Evidence of a current state-issued credential/license in a helping profession (i.e., substance use disorder, nursing, respiratory therapy, or pharmacology).
  • 40 hours of continuing education every two years (20 hours must be Nicotine-specific and 20 hours of other behavioral health-related topics).
  • Provide work history for the two years prior to renewal.
  • Submission of a signed statement that the candidate has read and subscribes to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics.
  • Payment of $200.00 non-refundable renewal application/re-credentialing fee. See full list of costs and fees.


Apply or Renew Today!

Download Initial Application   Download Renewal Application

Review NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics

NDS Written Examination

The written national credentialing examination is tailored to test the applicant on his or her projected knowledge based on experience, education and training.  

Examination Details

The following skill groups are evaluated in the examination, and an applicant for national 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
  9. physiology adnd psychopharmacology 

The Certification Examination for Nicotine Dependence Specialists (NDS) consists of 200 multiple-choice, objective questions with a total testing time of three hours.  The examination tests candidates’ knowledge in the areas of nicotine dependence (30%), counseling (20%), and intervention planning (50%).

Testing Schedule

All NCC AP examinations are now available throughout the month at a date and location convenient for you! You now have more flexibility and opportunity to get your national credential than ever before. Locate a Testing Center in Your Area

Test Preparation Materials

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