Development Plan Requirements
Click on titles below to review requirements specific to each Development Plan.
Congratulations on your decision to enter into or return to the field of substance use disorders! If you are viewing this, you are likely becoming employed at a substance use disorder (SUD) services program, but you do not yet hold a credential from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP). A specialty credential is often required by State of Michigan funded contracts, State licensing, other payer source or quality assurance source, or employers. The Development Plan (DP) is an agreement between you and the employer indicating that you will take the steps necessary to obtain your full credential. As such, this guide is intended to provide an overview of the DP, a discussion of the requirement necessary to obtain the DP and, the most time-intensive part of the process, how you should spend your time in the DP to ensure that you are successful in achieving the goal – receiving your full credential.
MCBAP sets the competency standards for the substance use disorder profession in Michigan. We are a member board of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). Our mission is to provide public protection and promote quality services through certification of professionals engaging in the prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug problems and the assessment and treatment of addictions.
IC&RC is an international non-profit organization that promotes public protection by developing internationally recognized credentials and examinations for prevention,substance use disorder treatment, and recovery professionals. MCBAP is a member board of IC&RC.
Certemy is a cloud-based portal that allows candidates to conveniently upload all of the information required by MCBAP.
Certemy contains a number of modules that need to be completed. If a module is not complete, there is a white dot in the top left corner. Completed modules display a green dot. In order to be reviewed by MCBAP, all tabs must be completed, as indicated by the green dot. Below are examples of how the module icons display when incomplete and complete.
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Incomplete Module |
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Complete Module |
Development Plan
A DP is a time-limited agreement between an employee and their employer. It is not a credential. The DP is specific to the place of employment sponsoring the DP. It does not automatically transfer to other employers. It is designed for employees who do not yet hold a specialty credential from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP). The DP is a bridge to obtain either the limited credential (for counselors) or the full credential, both of which require the candidate to pass the IC&RC exam.
The DP requires the individual to work diligently to ensure that they obtain the appropriate work experience, additional education and supervision while adhering to the MCBAP code of ethics. The DP is time-limited and not renewable. If a candidate does not complete the full credential requirements before the expiration of the DP, this could place them in job jeopardy. If the DP expires, the individual may continue to prepare for a MCBAP full credential on their own. MCBAP does not require a DP to obtain a full credential.
Limited Certified Counselor
A limited certified counselor is a time-limited agreement between an employee and their employer for those working toward their CADC or CAADC. It is designed for employees who do not yet hold a specialty certification from MCBAP but have achieved many of the milestones toward certification, including passage of the IC&RC examination. The limited certification is a bridge to obtain the full certification.
The limited certification requires the individual to work diligently to ensure that they obtain the appropriate work experience, additional education and supervision while adhering to the MCBAP code of ethics. The limited certification is time-limited and not renewable. A candidate not completing the full certification requirements before the expiration could place their employment in jeopardy. If the limited certification expires, the individual may continue to prepare for a MCBAP full certification on their own. MCBAP does not require a limited credential to obtain a full credential.
Full Credential
A full MCBAP credential means that the individual has met all necessary requirements and has been conferred a full credential by MCBAP. The individual is responsible for meeting all requirements for renewal at regular intervals.
MCBAP does not require a DP prior to applying for a full credential. However, it is required by many employers. Check with your place of employment to learn the requirement specific to your agency. If they do not require a DP, you can work toward meeting all requirements for a full credential without entering a DP. You can find requirements for the full credential in the individual DPs noted above.
The DP is an agreement between you and the place of employment sponsoring your DP. It does not transfer to other programs or employers. If you do change employers, it is your responsibility to notify MCBAP to put it on “pause”. Once you have a new employer to sponsor your DP, you should file an updated DP application with MCBAP in Certemy. This may not change your overall DP schedule or expiration date.
Candidates who have recently become employed at a program providing substance use disorder (SUD) services that do not yet hold a specialty credential from MCBAP and who have not held that same DP in the past 7 years.
- Create an account in Certemy.
- Request your official education transcript be sent directly to MCBAP.
- To enter a DP at the GED/High School level, an individual must have completed the GED or graduated high school. To enter any level of DP at the associate’s level or above, an individual must have completed a minimum of 50% of hours required for degree completion.
- Secure a clinical supervisor with the appropriate credentials to agree to provide supervision.
- Submit a current, applicable job description.
- Attest and adhere to the MCBAP Code of Ethics.
- Obtain 6 hours of ethics courses (broken down as follows) taken within 90 days.
- 3 hours of professional boundaries education,
- 2 hours of professional code of ethics education, and
- 1 hour of substance use disorder confidentiality education (42 CFR)
- Live or work in Michigan at least 51% of the time.
- Submit payment.
The maximum time allotted for a full time employee are as follows:
- CADC-DP – 3 years
- CAADC-DP – 3 years
- CCS-DP – 3 years
- CPRM-DP – 1 year
- CPS-DP – 2 years
- CCJP-M-DP – 3 years
You are responsible for making needed progress toward your full credential in order to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame. In fact, you are strongly encouraged to seek to achieve the full credential as quickly as possible to benefit yourself as well as your employer.
A MCBAP DP is a time-limited, one-time opportunity to gain employment prior to having completed the needed professional specialty certification. It is not intended to be extended, renewed, or repeated.
If the DP expires before you have completed and submitted all the requirements in the application process for your specialty credential, you may have a gap in your professional status which could affect your employment.
Those working part time may be given additional time on their DP and may contact MCBAP for more information on how to do so.
If you do not complete the full certification process before your DP expires, you may continue to prepare for the MCBAP certification on your own schedule. However, your position with your employer may be affected in the interim.
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CADC is 3 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts | Official copies of high school transcripts/diploma or GED must be sent to MCBAP. |
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3. CPRC or CPRM Documentation | Individuals applying without a degree in behavioral health, must be certified by MCBAP as a Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM) or an MDHHS State Certified Recovery Coach for at least two years before being eligible for the CADC DP. |
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4. Current Work Location | This step will be completed by Human Resources or your supervisor. |
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5. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a SUD Supervisor hold the CCS, a CCS-M, or a CCS development plan. |
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6. Job Description | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in the formal job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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7. Ethics Education |
Ethics education must have occurred within 90 days and must include:
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8. Additional Education Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, the applicant will need to obtain 180 hours of education specific to substance use and 120 additional education hours (related or specific) in order to earn the full CADC. |
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9. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CADC. |
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10. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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11. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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12. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors. |
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13. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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14. Next Steps | Attestation of understanding that once the credential has been conferred, renewal is required on either a 2 or a 3 year cycle. Once the renewal cycle is chosen, it is locked in for the duration of the credential. |
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15. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CADC is 3 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts |
Official transcripts from school, college or university in a degree accepted for this credential are required to be emailed electronically or mailed directly to MCBAP. Accepted degree programs include:
For applicants with an international degree, a credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service is required. We require using a credential verification service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of approved evaluators, please visit NACES.org. If the transcript is in a language other than English, the transcript must be translated. |
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3. Current Work Location | This step will be completed by Human Resources or your supervisor. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a SUD Supervisor hold the CCS, a CCS-M, or a CCS development plan. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in the formal job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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6. Ethics Education |
Ethics education must have occurred within 90 days and must include:
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7. Additional Education Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, the applicant will need to obtain 180 hours of education specific to substance use and 120 additional education hours (related or specific) in order to earn the full CADC. |
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8. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CADC. |
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9. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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10. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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11. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors. |
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12. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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13. Next Steps | Attestation of understanding that once the credential has been conferred, renewal is required on either a 2 or a 3 year cycle. Once the renewal cycle is chosen, it is locked in for the duration of the credential. |
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14. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CAADC is 3 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts |
Official transcripts from school, college or university in a degree accepted for this credential are required to be emailed electronically or mailed directly to MCBAP. Accepted degree programs include:
For applicants with an international degree, a credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service is required. We require using a credential verification service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of approved evaluators, please visit NACES.org. If the transcript is in a language other than English, the transcript must be translated. |
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3. Current Work Location | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a SUD Supervisor hold the CCS, a CCS-M, or a CCS development plan. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted documentation will be the formal job description provided by the place of employment. |
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6. Ethics Education |
Ethics education must have occurred within 90 days and must include:
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7. Additional Education Requirement | Attestation of understanding that the applicant will need to obtain 186 hours of education, 180 specific to substance use disorders and an additional 6 in ethics education in order to earn the full CAADC. |
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8. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CAADC. |
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9. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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10. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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11. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors. |
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12. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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13. Next Steps | Attestation of understanding that once the credential has been conferred, renewal is required on either a 2 or a 3 year cycle. Once the renewal cycle is chosen, it is locked in for the duration of the credential. |
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14. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CCS is 3 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
CCS-DP NOTE: A current, active CADC or CAADC credential issued by MCBAP is required to apply. Michigan only credentials are not eligible for a CCS.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts | If it has not already been received by MCBAP, an official transcript from one of the following: Master’s degree or higher: Counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, marriage and family therapy, psychology, social work, addiction studies, marriage and family therapy. |
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3. Current Work Location | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a CCS-DP Supervisor hold the CCS, CCS-M, LMSW, LPC, or LP. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted documentation will be the formal job description provided by the place of employment. |
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6. Additional Education Requirement | Attestation of understanding that the applicant will need to obtain 30 hours of education in the IC&RC Clinical Supervisor domains. |
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7. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CCS. |
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8. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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9. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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10. Supervisor Registry | The supervisor registry is available for those agencies or CADC/CAADC candidates looking for clinical supervision. |
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11. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Clinical Supervisors. |
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12. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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13. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CPS is 2 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts |
Official copies of high school transcripts, GED or higher must be sent to MCBAP. For applicants with an international degree, a credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service is required. We require using a credential verification service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of approved evaluators, please visit NACES.org. If the transcript is in a language other than English, the transcript must be translated. |
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3. Current Work Location | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a CPS-DP Supervisor hold the CPS, CPS-M, CPC, or CPC-M. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted documentation will be the formal job description provided by the place of employment. |
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6. Additional Education Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, the applicant will need to obtain 24 hours specific to substance use prevention, 96 hours of related to or additional specific to substance use prevention and 6 hours of prevention ethics. |
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7. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CPS. |
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8. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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9. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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10. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Prevention Specialists. |
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11. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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12. Next Steps | Attestation of understanding that once the credential has been conferred, renewal is required on either a 2 or a 3 year cycle. Once the renewal cycle is chosen, it is locked in for the duration of the credential. |
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13. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CPRM is 1 year. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts |
Official copies of high school transcripts/diploma, GED or higher must be sent to MCBAP. |
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3. Current Work Location | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a SUD Supervisor hold the CCS, a CCS-M, or a CCS development plan. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted documentation will be the formal job description provided by the place of employment. |
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6. Additional Education Requirement |
Verification of 46 total education hours are required in order to apply for a DP. Of those:
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7. IC&RC Examination Requirement | Attestation of understanding that, during the development plan, successful passage of the IC&RC exam is required in order to earn the full CPRM. |
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8. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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9. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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10. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Peer Recovery Mentors. |
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11. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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12. Next Steps | Attestation of understanding that once the credential has been conferred, renewal is required on a regular cycle. |
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13. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
Maximum time allotted for a full time employee
The maximum time allotted for CCJP-M is 3 years. You are responsible to complete MCBAP certification requirements within the allotted DP time frame.
Certemy Steps
The steps below are provided to familiarize applicants with what is required to obtain the DP. Applicants are encouraged to review each section in Certemy to determine what materials will need to be gathered prior to beginning the application.
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1. Demographics | Enter your information as you would like it to appear on your certificate. |
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2. Official Transcripts |
Official transcripts from school, college or university in a degree accepted for this credential are required to be emailed electronically or mailed directly to MCBAP. Accepted degree programs include:
For applicants with an international degree, a credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service is required. We require using a credential verification service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For a list of approved evaluators, please visit NACES.org. If the transcript is in a language other than English, the transcript must be translated. |
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3. Current Work Location | Accepted work experience must be in the field of substance use disorder in the IC&RC domains. If all IC&RC domains are not indicated in job description, MCBAP may request a letter from the supervisor regarding how this knowledge will be gained. Must be as a paid or volunteer employee. |
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4. Clinical Supervisor | This step will be completed by an authorized agency supervisor. It is a requirement that a CCJP Supervisor hold the CCJP, CCJP-M, CCS, CCS-M, or CCS-DP. |
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5. Job Description | Accepted documentation will be the formal job description provided by the place of employment. |
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6. Additional Education Requirement |
Attestation of understanding that the applicant will need to obtain 200 hours in Dynamics of addiction behavior:
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7. Applicant Assurances | Candidate will acknowledge that all information in the application is true and correct and will meet the objectives for the full credential and understand the requirements of the development plan. |
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8. Data Collection Form | This data may be important in identifying the ongoing status of the substance use disorder in the workforce in the State of Michigan. |
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9. Code of Ethics | Attestation of reading and agreement to adhere to the Code of Ethical Standards for the Certified Criminal Justice Professionals. |
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10. Non-Refundable Application Fee | The Certemy application fee is non-refundable. |
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11. Next Steps | Choose renewal cycle. |
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12. MCBAP Staff Verification | Steps to be completed by MCBAP staff; no action required on the part of the candidate. |
Application
How to List Your MCBAP Credentials
MCBAP credential holders are encouraged to proudly list their credentials after their names. Your credentials show your training, experience, supervision, ethics, testing, and commitment to professional standards.
1. Start With This Order
Name
License or Highest Relevant Degree
Highest-Level/Supervisory MCBAP Credential
2. Examples
Situation
Example
3. Helpful Guidance
Licenses usually come before credentials.
Many professionals list their license rather than their degree because the license authorizes practice and is often more meaningful to the public.
If you do not have a license, you may list your highest relevant degree. Example: Jane Smith, BS, CPS
Supervisory credentials should generally be listed before the credentials they supervise.
Because CCS allows a professional to supervise others, including CAADCs, it should typically be listed before CAADC. Example: Jane Smith, LPC, CCS, CAADC
Credentials with equal scope may be listed in the order you prefer. For example, CPS and CPRM may be listed in either order based on your role, professional identity, or audience.
4. Important Note About Development Plans
- Correct: Jane Smith, CAADC-DP
- Incorrect: Jane Smith, CAADC
- The -DP must remain attached until the full credential has been awarded.
Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP)