Exam Forms & Information

Special Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities and/or religious obligations that require modifications in exam administration may request specific procedure changes, in writing, to RICB no fewer than 60 days prior to the scheduled exam date.  With the written request, candidate must provide official documentation of the disability or religious issue.  Contact RICB on what constitutes official documentation.  RICB will make arrangements for appropriate modifications to its procedures when documentation supports this need. Email info@vacertboard.org for more information and for the Special Accommodations Form. 

Retesting

Candidates who fail the examination can retest after a 90-day wait period from the date of their last examination. Candidates will be sent instructions and fee information. Candidates have three (3) opportunities to retake an examination. If a candidate fails the examination four (4) times, they must submit a study plan to RICB and wait one-year from the date of the final failed examination before they will be permitted to retest again.

EXAMINATIONS OVERVIEW

The main purpose of any certification and examination is public and consumer protection, not for protection of the professional. These processes ensure that a professional is competent and knowledgeable to provide services. Examinations are designed to demonstrate competence, therefore not everyone should or will pass.

Each examination offered by RICB is developed from a Subject Matter Expert (SME) developed Content Outline or Core Competencies. Examinations vary in length (number of question and time allotted to take the exam). All examinations are multiple choice.

Candidates for exams will be permitted to test only after their application is approved. This means that all requirements for the certification they are pursuing have been properly documented and met. Once an application is approved, the candidate will be emailed instructions to register for the examination. Exam scores are not released over the phone.

 

EXAM

FORMAT

TYPE

QUESTIONS

TIME 

EXAM GUIDE

Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Prevention Specialist (CPS)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

IC&RC

Computer Based

75

2 hours

Download Guide

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy

If testing at an approved testing site: Candidates are required to arrive on time for their examination. Candidates who arrive late will not be permitted to take the examination and will be charged cancellation/rescheduling fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule their examination less than five days prior to their scheduled date will be charged the full examination fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule more than five days before their scheduled date will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.

If testing by remote proctoring/at-home or at-office testing:  Candidates are required to start on time for their examination. Candidates who start late will not be permitted to take the examination and will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.  Candidates who cancel or reschedule their examination less than five days prior to their scheduled date will be charged the full examination fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule more than five days before their scheduled date will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.