Extensions, sabbatical status, answers to common questions and MHACBO's research reports.
Use the extension forms under Forms & Info. Each credential can have:
An expiration date cannot be extended beyond 120 days. If you are already on a 30-day extension and request the 120-day extension, your expiration date moves by the remaining 90 days.
Every MHACBO credential except the CRM can be expired for up to 2 years and still renew.
Registration places you on the MHACBO Registry and binds you to the MHACBO Code of Ethics. Registration for every MHACBO credential is completed in Certemy:
Candidate status is limited to 2 years and begins when you submit your registration materials to be placed on the MHACBO Registry. Under OAR 309-019-0125, a person has 2 years to complete MHACBO certification, or to hold a health or allied provider license issued by an approved state body (for example, the Board of Licensed Social Workers) with documentation of at least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment.
MHACBO registration is required within 30 days of beginning employment performing addiction treatment services, and full certification is required within 2 years of registration, unless you hold a health or allied provider license or registration from one of these state bodies and have documentation of at least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment:
More on the 2-year requirement: OAR 309-019-0125.
CADC candidate status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended by MHACBO.
Variance requests for an extension go directly to the Oregon Health Authority for approval. Please contact MHACBO for more information.
Use the sabbatical form under Forms & Info. Sabbatical costs $25 a year and is limited to 5 consecutive years.
To reactivate a certification that is on sabbatical, complete that credential's renewal.
To retake an exam required for certification, contact MHACBO to schedule the retake.
CADC I and CADC II candidates may instead ask to be certified through the Portfolio Review Process: you submit documentation of requirements that go above and beyond the standard requirements for testing. You must have attempted and failed the exam, and submit documentation supporting your request. Email mhacbo@mhacbo.org for information about Portfolio Review.
Complete the reciprocity application in Certemy: go to mhacbo.org/certifications and choose the Reciprocity tab. MHACBO primarily accepts the NAADAC and IC&RC national psychometric exams, and may accept an addiction-specific state psychometric exam that meets similar criteria. The exam behind each credential:
For the CPS and PRC, ask your current state to start the IC&RC reciprocity process to Oregon (if your state uses the IC&RC process).
Contact the new state for its reciprocity process; it will often ask which exam you took for your credential (the same list as above). MHACBO does not use the IC&RC reciprocity process for the CADC I, CADC II or CADC III. For the CPS and PRC, contact MHACBO to start the IC&RC reciprocity process to your new state (if that state uses the IC&RC process).