CRSS Scholarships Available From FCB
The Florida Certification Board has announced that an extension of the Certified Recovery Support Specialist scholarship is now available starting July 1, 2020. This is the same scholarship program that was previously available through a grant from The Florida Department of Children and Families in the offices office of substance-abuse and mental health. This scholarship may be applied towards exams, renewals and reinstatement.
If you have recently completed all of your requirements to get the CRSS, we urge you to consider applying for the scholarship as it is awarded a first come first serve basis. Bear in mind it is based on financial need.
The scholarship can be applied to by clicking here.
Reopening of FCB Testing Centers
Many of our students have inquired about the status of Florida Certification Board testing sites. Due to COVID-19, many of the testing sites around Florida were closed, to ensure that no transmission was possible in the close quarters of the testing site. For several weeks, students were not able to take their exams or gain certification.
The good news is that as of the date of this blog post, June 18, 2020, several test sites have re-opened and with proper notification to the Florida Certification Board, students will be able to take their exams for certification.
Below, please find a list of testing centers that may be open and accepting new exam candidates.
Please confirm with the Florida Certification Board to ensure you have an appointment at the appropriate testing center. You may also check back on this post for updates on additional testing center openings.
What Addiction Certification Is Best for You?
Those considering a career in the addiction field often ask which certification is right for them. Of course, there is no right answer, as the decision largely depends on each student’s personal circumstances as well as their goals in the industry. However, we can broadly paint a picture that allows most students to work toward the certification that’s right for them.
The Difference Between a Certified Addiction Counselor and Professional
Just a few years ago, the Florida Certification Board had three counselor-level certifications including the Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP). Eventually the CAS was discontinued. Some time thereafter, the FCB introduced a mandate that CAPs were required to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to behavioral health. This seriously limited the number of applicants that could ultimately become a CAP.
Turning Your State Addiction Counselor Certification Into a National One
Many of our students are concerned about reciprocity between two states, however many do not realize that they can parlay their state certification, in some cases, into a national certification that is recognized across the United States.
Career Outlook for Those in Addiction Studies Courses
We often receive calls from prospective students interested in finding out more about career possibilities in the field of addiction once they have received their certification. It is a very difficult question to answer, but in this blog post, we will discuss the various considerations students should understand when choosing their certification.
Difference Between Certified Behavioral Health Technicians and Certified Recovery Support Specialists
When prospective students call us looking for an entry-level certification in the behavioral health industry, they have more often than not heard of the Certified Behavioral Health Technician or CBHT. Many times, however, they do not know much about the Certified Recovery Support Specialist or CRSS, or are not quite sure what exactly the CRSS does.
Career Spotlight: Advancing Your Career as a CBHT
The Certified Behavioral Health Technician or CBHT designation is more than a certification to make a few extra dollars in the treatment industry. Rather, it is a tangible manifestation of a person’s willingness and desire to improve themselves and to offer better care.
What You Need to Know About the IC&RC’s Domestic and International Reciprocity
The IC&RC or International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium is the definitive international and interstate credentialing and examination body for professionals in the treatment and recovery business. Ultimately, oversight bodies such as the IC&RC protect the public by adding a layer of protection by setting minimum standards for professional certification. However, the IC&RC also provides a very important service for treatment and recovery professionals.
How to Be the Best Substance Abuse Counselor to Every Client
You’ve taken your Certified Addiction Professional or Certified Addiction Counselor course and you have passed your Florida Certification Board exam with flying colors! it may have felt like a long time in the making, but now the real work begins.
Substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues do not differentiate between genders, cultures, sexual orientations or any of the traits that make us, as humans, unique. As a result, when you begin your career as an addiction counselor, you will meet clients of all backgrounds. Some will have substance abuse disorders, and others will have mental health issues and some will have both. As you are reading this, you may feel concerned that you won’t be able to be the best counselor to each and every one of these clients. However, as your training will have told you, you have less to worry about than you might think.
