MHACBO Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an extension?
How do I register with MHACBO (CADC-R, CRM, QMHA-R, QMHP-R, etc)?
What is CADC candidate status?
How do I extend my CADC-R candidate status?
How do I file for sabbatical?
What happens if I failed the exam?
How does reciprocity work?
MHACBO Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an extension?
If you wish to file for an extension, please visit our Forms under the "Forms & Info" Section of our website. A person can apply for a free 30 day extension, and a $50 120 day extension for each credential. A persons expiration date cannot be extended beyond 120 days. If a person is currently on a 30 day extension, and they request a 120 day extension, their new expiration date will be extended by 90 days.
Registration with MHACBO will place an individual on the MHACBO Registry and bind them to the MHACBO Code of Ethics
- Registration for all MHACBO credentials is completed inside the Certemy software platform
- Please go to www.mhacbo.org/certifications
- Select the credential you wish to work towards
- Locate the button at the bottom that says "Start Application With Certemy"
- Create and verify your Certemy account
- Complete all steps inside Certemy to register
Candidate Status is limited to 2 years and begins once a candidate submits their registration materials to be placed on the MHACBO Registry. Under OAR 309-019-0125, a person has 2 years to complete MHACBO certification, or hold a health or allied provider license issued by an approved state body (ex. Board of Social Workers) and possess 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 the individual holds a health or allied provider license or registration issued by one of the following state bodies, and the individual possess documentation of a least 60 contact hours of academic or continuing professional education in substance use disorders treatment:
- Oregon Medical Board
- Board of Psychologsist Examiners
- Board of Licensed Social Workers
- Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
- Oregon State Board of Nursing
For more information on the 2 year requirement, please see OAR 309-019-0125
How do I extend my Candidate Status?
CADC Candidate Status is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended by MHACBO. Variance requests for extensions must go directly through Oregon Health Authority for approval. Please contact MHACBO for additional information
How do I file for Sabbatical?
If you wish to file for sabbatical status, please visit "Forms" under the 'Forms & Info" section of our website. The cost for sabbatical is $25 annually, with Sabbatical status limited to 5 consecutive years. If a person on sabbatical status wishes to reactivate their certification, they simply need to complete that credentials renewal packet.
What happens if I fail the exam?
If a person fails an exam required for certification, and wishes to reattempt the exam, they will need to contact MHACBO to schedule a retake. Alternatively, a person may request to become certified via the Portfolio Review Process (applicable to CADC I and CADC IIs only). The Portfolio Review Process is a process where we allow candidates to submit documentation of requirements that go above and beyond the standard requirements for testing. The candidate must have attempted and failed the exam, and submit documentation supporting their request for requesting a Portfolio Review. Please send an email to mhacbo@mhacbo.org to request information about the Portfolio Review.
How does Reciprocity work?
- Moving to Oregon
- If a person is moving to Oregon from another state, they will need to complete the form inside our Certemy software. Please go to www.mhacbo.org/certifications and select the "reciprocity tab" to begin the application. MHACBO primarilies accepts NAADAC and IC&RC National Psychometric Exams, but may accept addiction specific state psychometric exams if the exam meets our similar critera. Below are a list of the exams used for each credential.
- Moving from Oregon
- If a person is leaving Oregon, and moving to another state, they will need to contact the new state to request information about their reciprocity process. Often times, the state will request information on the exam you took to obtain your credential. MHACBO does NOT use the IC&RC reciprocal process for the CADC I, CADC II or CADC III. Below are a list of the exams used for each credential.
- CADC I = ADC Exam (IC&RC)
- CADC II = NCAC II Exam (NAADAC)
- CADC III = MAC Exam (NAADAC)
- CPS = PS Exam (IC&RC) - Please contact MHACBO to initiate the IC&RC reciprocial process to your new state (if state uses IC&RC reciprocal process)
- PRC = PR Exam (IC&RC) - Please contact MHACBO to initiate the IC&RC reciprocial process to your new state (if state uses IC&RC reciprocal process)