18VAC115-30-40: Prerequisites for certification by examination for substance abuse counselors

A. Every applicant for certification as a substance abuse counselor by examination shall pass a written examination approved by the board. The board shall determine the passing score on the examination.

1. If an applicant fails to achieve a passing score within two years of board approval to sit for the examination, the applicant shall reapply according to regulations in effect at that time.

2. An applicant who has applied twice and has not passed the examination shall not be approved to retake the examination, unless the applicant can provide evidence of extenuating circumstances for failure to pass the examination within the four-year period.

B. Every applicant for examination for certification by the board shall:

1. Meet the educational and experience requirements prescribed in 18VAC115-30-50 and 18VAC115-30-60;

2. Submit the following to the board:

a. A completed application form;

b. Official transcript documenting coursework and attainment of a bachelor's or post-baccalaureate degree;

c. Official transcripts or certificates verifying completion of the didactic training requirement set forth in subsection B of 18VAC115-30-50;

d. Attestation of supervisor's education and experience as required under 18VAC115-30-60 if supervised experience was not previously approved by the board;

e. Verification of supervision forms documenting fulfillment of the experience requirements of 18VAC115-30-60;

f. Verification of any other health or mental health license or certificate ever held in Virginia or in another jurisdiction. In order to qualify for certification by examination, the applicant shall have no unresolved action against a license or certificate. The board will consider history of disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis;

g. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB);

h. The application processing and initial certification fee; and

i. Attestation of having read and understood the laws and regulations governing the practice of substance abuse counseling in Virginia.