CERTIFIED INDIGENOUS ADDICTIONS SPECIALIST (CIAS)
LEVELS I, II AND III
The Certified Indigenous Addiction Specialist (CIAS) certification is for professionals who are working with addicted individuals and their families. The CIAS credential offers culture-based approaches to treatment.
Certified specialists must demonstrate deepened competencies to respond to a large range of needs pertaining to mental wellness, age, gender, substance(s) of use and abuse, co-morbidity issues as well as language and culture and they must be able to provide sensitive responses to these needs.
The approach to treatment may involve the use of medications, behavioral therapy (such as individual or group counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy), or a range of culturally-based activities.
- Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level I
- Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level II
- Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level III
Laddering Opportunities
The ICBOC horizontal laddering certification system allows Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialists (CIAS) to switch their certification to that of a Certified Indigenous Addictions Prevention Specialist (CIAPS): the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge, skills, will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to first satisfy the standards and requirements of the new certification, in particular in terms of the education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
Note:
It is possible at any point in the laddering process to switch to an equivalent level of certification as a certified Indigenous addictions prevention specialist, as the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge and skills will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to first satisfy the standards and requirements of the new certification, in particular in terms of the education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
The ICBOC vertical laddering certification system allows certified Indigenous addictions specialists at Level I to upgrade to the next higher level of certification, as they accumulate years of work experience, and a more substantial portfolio of education and training. It is, however, mandatory to satisfy all the standards and requirements of the higher certification, in particular in terms of counselling education, training and practice, and of the 12 core functions.
Upgrading to Level IV or to Professional Certification as a Clinical Supervisor
Once they reach their certification at level III, addictions specialists may choose to upgrade to level IV, which is based on the acquisition of an expertise in one (or several) topics directly related to their professional practice. Alternatively, they can reach for the ICBOC certification as a clinical supervisor.
Future Certifications
It is also important to recognize the special competencies required to intervene in the area of tobacco addiction and other behavior/processes. Over time, ICBOC will develop professional certifications suited to workers in these areas.
More information about this certification is available by clicking on the links below, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or further information.
Documents:
2023 ICBOC Application Package for Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level I-II-III
Summary of Standards and Requirements for Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level I
Summary of Standards and Requirements for Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level II
Summary of Standards and Requirements for Certified Indigenous Addictions Specialist Level III