factcertification.org

NCCA ACCREDITED PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

The FACT, or Forensic Addictions Corrections Treatment, certificate program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The program is designed to prepare substance abuse counselors for work with criminal justice clients. It is now a single-level program. This program is also approved by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP).

  1. Why do I need to be certified?

    Effective April 1, 2005, ADP issued new regulations regarding counselor certification. These new regulations state that by April 1, 2010 all program staff who provide counseling services (as defined in ADP Regulations Section 13005) shall be licensed, certified or registered to obtain certification pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with ADP Regulations Section 13000).
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  2. How do I begin the process toward FACT certification?

    If you have not already submitted an application, the first step is to register. The registration fee is $25.00. Registration declares your intent to become certified within five years. The ADP Regulations Section 13035(f), states that candidates will be registered by October 1, 2005 or within six months of the date of hire, whichever is later. Both the FACT registration and application forms are at www.factcertification.org. If you are close to completing the requirements for FACT certification, you may apply rather than register.
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  3. Will FACT accept registration from another AOD certifying agency?

    Yes, providing the agency is one of the certifying agencies approved by ADP, either in California or in another state; however, this does not change the date of your original registration with the previous agency.
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  4. Once I register, how long do I have to become certified?

    You have five years within which to complete all certification requirements (see below), then send in your completed application and non-refundable $200 fee for qualification review before registering for the exam.
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  5. What training do I need? Do I need to pay for the training?

    Courses include information in the following areas: Clinical Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Referral, Service Coordination, Counseling, Client, Family, and Community Education, Documentation, and Professional and Ethical Responsibilities. You may complete the coursework provided by UCSD or equivalent coursework from recognized and accredited institutions. UCSD CCARTA has launched a new curriculum containing 10 courses totaling 320 contact hours to meet the higher standard. Starting from October 2008 the courses are:

    1. Introduction to Addiction and Criminality
    2. Treatment and Recovery Management Strategies
    3. Motivational Interviewing
    4. Cognitive Behavioral Treatment
    5. Individual, Group and Family Counseling
    6. Therapeutic Community Theory and Practice
    7. Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders
    8. Culturally Competent Treatment
    9. Recovery Oriented System of Care
    10. Treatment Skills Practicum and Test Preparation

    All will be billed $50.00 per training day when space is available.
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  6. What work experience do I need?


    1. Complete a minimum of 160 documented hours of on-site supervised AOD training; under the supervision of an AOD counselor who has been licensed or certified. ADP Regulations, Section 13040(b).PLUS
    2. Complete 2,080 or more documented hours of paid or unpaid work experience providing counseling services in an AOD program prior to, after, or at the same time as completion of the education and training required above. ADP Regulations, Section 13040 (c).
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  7. What about the required exam?

    Once your application has been deemed complete, you will receive a written notice of approval and instructions for registering to take the exam. The exam is offered in March and October (month may change, please check on CAADE website) of each year in seven California locations. There is a non-refundable exam fee of $70. For detailed information about preparation resources and exam times and locations, see our website www.factcertification.org and CAADE website www.caade.org.
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  8. Does FACT offer Certification by Testing?

    Yes. At its discretion, and on a case by case basis, FACT offers the option of taking the exam without meeting all the UCSD training requirements (listed above). Applicants for this option must go through the same formal application process as those who are meeting the testing requirements, including the $200 application fee. Instructions and forms specific to this option are included in the application. Requirements regarding Certification by Testing are set forth in the ADP Regulations, Section 13025 : Five years work experience in a chemical dependency treatment environment within the last ten years OR a college degree (associates, bachelor’s or master’s) in the study of chemical dependency.
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  9. What about renewal for FACT certification?

    1. FACT certification is valid for two years, during which time you must accumulate 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), ADP regulations Section 13055.
    2. For FACT, 20 of those 40 CEUs must be relevant to the prevention, intervention, treatment, habilitation or rehabilitation of criminal justice clients. See our website for FACT approved trainings to meet this specific requirement.
    3. You will need to apply for renewal before your two year deadline by submitting a renewal application, with a $100 non-refundable application fee, documentation of your 40 CEUs, and a signed code of ethics.
    4. Only CEUs are acceptable, not Contact Hours. This means that those offering the training must be approved by one of the NCCA accredited or ADP approved certifying agencies to offer CEUs. You will usually need to pay for the CEUs.
    5. The renewal date of your certificate is determined with the completion of all the required documentation and renewal fees received by CCARTA. A backdated certificate would not comply with ADP regulation 13055 (l).
    6. If your certificate is expired for over twelve (12) months and you wish to be FACT certified again, you will need to apply for FACT certification as a new applicant and take the standard exam.
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  10. I am holding another AOD counseling certificate. How do I get FACT certified?

    If you are certified by a California ADP approved certifying agency or by another state, you will need to take two courses that address issues in criminal justice population in addiction treatment or equivalent coursework from recognized and accredited institutions. Upon completion of the training, you may apply for FACT certification. The final exam is waived for the applicant currently certified by a California ADP approved or NCCA accredited agency.

    For additional FACT related questions, send email to info@factcertification.org, or call (858) 334-4612.
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