May 17, 2008 

Certification will be granted contingent upon documentation of eligibility, submission of all required application materials, successful completion of the appropriate examination, and payment of all fees. The following outlines the application, review and approval process:

1. Read the entire Illinois Model for Certified Associate Addictions Professionals thoroughly. (Model and Application available for download here)
   


2. Fill out all parts of the application. Print legibly or type application.
   


3. A current job description is required. The job description must be on agency letterhead, dated and signed by the applicant and supervisor and must reflect actual job duties and responsibilities.
   


4. Attach all required documentation to support employment (i.e., current job description).
   


5. Sign, date, and obtain a notary signature for the Code of Ethical Conduct.
   


6. Verify the completeness of the application by using the "Checklist" in the model.
   


7. When the application is complete, mail all materials to IAODAPCA, Inc. - 401 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702. Applications will not be accepted by fax or e-mail.
   


8. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be notified of the next available date for the written examination.
   


9. Upon passing the written examination, the applicant will be invoiced for your certification fee.
   


10. Once payment is received the certification will be issued.
    

Upon receipt, the application and materials will be screened by IAODAPCA for completeness and correctness. The results may be one of the following:

• Application Approved - The application meets all application standards and the applicant is now eligible to be scheduled for the written examination.
  


• Application Pending - Some of the materials need clarification, submission, or resubmission of any part of the application. The applicant will be notified in writing of the problem(s). Within one year of the application date, corrected materials must be submitted to IAODAPCA or the application will be destroyed resulting in reapplication.
  


• Application Denied - Certification standards were not met resulting in denial of application.
  

When an applicant is denied certification, questions the results of the application review, questions examination results, or is subject to an action by IAODAPCA that the applicant deems unjustified, the applicant has the right to inquire and appeal. If, after having been provided an explanation or clarification of the action of IAODAPCA, and the applicant still thinks that an action taken is unjustified, he or she may appeal. The applicant may appeal the decision within 30 days of receipt of the notice of denial, or any other action deemed unjustified, by sending a certified letter to the Executive Director of IAODAPCA.

This system is accountable to other professionals. The credentials are independent, private, freestanding and self-supporting. The profession determines and maintains its own standards.

To maintain the high standards of the professional practice and to assure continuing awareness of new knowledge in the field, IAODAPCA requires all CAAPs to renew their credential every two years. It is the responsibility of each CAAP to maintain his or her credential. Any failure to act is the responsibility of the CAAP. The CAAP is to notify IAODAPCA in writing of any change of address.

IAODAPCA will send a notice that the CAAP is due for credential renewal no fewer than 30 days prior to the expiration date. At the time of credential renewal, 40 continuing education units and the credential renewal fee are due. If 45 days have passed from the expiration date without payment of the credential renewal fee and/or submission of continuing education units, the certification shall be terminated. Non-responsiveness to credential renewal notices will result in termination of the CAAP status.

• Hold a current and valid CAAP issued by IAODAPCA.
  


• Maintain knowledge of the discipline through 40 continuing education units (CEUs) received within the two-year credential renewal period, as well as pay the biennial fee. Of these 40 hours, 28 hours must be in education specific to alcohol and other drug abuse/dependence as related to the CAAP domains; the other 12 hours must be in ethics and/or professional boundaries.
  


• Submit documentation on the required continuing education form provided by IAODAPCA with notice of credential renewal and attach certificates of attendance, transcripts, or other proof of attendance.
  


• Pay the biennial registration fee.
  

If more time is needed, extensions may be requested. The CAAP may request up to six, 30-day extensions. Extensions must be requested in writing, detailing the specific reasons for the request. To request an extension a CAAP must include the biennial fee plus $5.00 per month. Extensions will not be granted beyond six months. If at the end of six months of extensions the CAAP has not met the requirements for credential renewal, the certification will be terminated.