We are well aware that trainings are being canceled or postponed during this health emergency situation which may result in difficulties recertifying credentials on or before expiration dates. You have up to one year beyond your expiration date to recertify your credential so there is no need to request an extension or waiver.  Further, RICB will waive the extra lapsed fee for any certified professional who is late recertifying their credential.  When you are able, you will simply recertify as normal. Your current expiration date cannot be extended so your credential will lapse if you are unable to recertify on or before the expiration date.  However, you can still recertify your lapsed credential up to one year beyond your expiration date. You may use online trainings for some or all of your recertification hours.

There are two fee waivers currently in place for qualified professionals who are applying for or recertifying select certifications:

1. Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH) is covering Peer Recovery Specialist credentialing fees for a limited time! This benefit is currently due to expire March 14, 2023 but may be extended. 

2. Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) is covering credentialing fees and retest fees for qualified professionals who work at eligible HCBS providers for the following credentials: PADC, CADC, CAADC, CCS and CCHW. This benefit is currently due to expire March 31, 2025 or prior to that date if the funds are fully spent.

To access either of these benefits, simply prepare your certification or recertification application and email (info@ricertboard.org) or mail it to the RI Certification Board. Please note: if you hold other credentials through RICB, you still must pay the fees associated with that credential(s). 

RICB offers three certifications that are prerequisites for licensing: CADC, CAADC & CCS.

In order to obtain OR renew your license, your CADC, CAADC and/or CCS must remain active and in good standing. Licenses are renewed in October of even years. License renewal is done through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Chemical Dependency Licensing Board. RICB does random checks throughout the year to verify those who are licensed have also renewed their certification(s). If a professional is found to be out of compliance, their name will be submitted to the Licensing Board.

Licenses (LCDP & LCDCS) are obtained through the Department of Health, Board of Chemical Dependency Professionals. Questions regarding the licenses should be directed to the Department of Health. For more information on licensing, visit the Department of Health's Chemical Dependency Profession website. 

RICB is dedicated to consumer protection through offering competency-based credentials to behavioral and community health professionals. RICB maintains ethical standards and procedures for practice for its professionals. They also advocate for and represent these competencies and standards to stakeholders.