Substance Abuse Certificate Program

Practical information and skills to help human service professionals make real differences in the lives of substance abusers

The Substance Abuse Certificate Program supplements your professional clinical training by providing pertinent information to help you respond more effectively to people with alcohol and other drug problems. It is a comprehensive series of 6 one-day courses. We strongly recommend that you take the courses in sequence. You may also attend individual programs without working towards the certificate.

This certificate program benefits those who are considering entering the substance abuse field. This program does not certify you to counsel alcohol and other drug abuse clients. But the hours earned can be applied to certification through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

How will you benefit?

• You will acquire comprehensive, research-based information about substance abuse
• You will learn effective ways to respond to substance abusers and their families
• You will gain confidence when working with people who abuse substances
• You will learn how to directly apply the information and skills to your work setting
• You may fulfill up to 36 approved hours toward the 360 hours of specialized substance abuse education for the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
• Note: Please refer to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at www.dsps.wi.gov for further information and requirements to become a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone take these classes?
Yes, the program is designed to help professionals from a wide range of fields acquire the basic education and skill building they need to work more effectively with persons who have substance-use disorders. There are no prerequisites. Counselors, nurses, school personnel, clergy, psychologists, and military personnel have attended and benefitted from the program.

Do I have to take all six classes in order?
No. Although we would prefer that you do, we understand that time and money constraints sometimes make this impossible. Since the series is taught twice each calendar year you can take up to two years to complete the classes to earn the Certificate of Completion.

Do I have to register and pay for all six classes at once?
No, you can register prior to each workshop. You must pay in advance by check or credit card or send an agency purchase-order prior to attending the workshop.

Can I take some of the courses without committing to the whole Certificate Program?
Yes. If you are not seeking the Certificate of Completion you can take any individual class. Later, if you decide to complete the Certificate Program, the classes will count towards that goal.

Does this Certificate Program certify me to become a Substance Abuse Counselor?
No. The course is approved for 36 hours toward the 360 specialized hours of substance abuse education. For more detail on requirements refer to the WI Dept of Safety and Professional Services at www.dsps.wi.gov

How will this course help me in my career?
People report that the Certificate has given them the edge in their agency when layoffs occurred, helped them be hired over someone else who had no specialized training in this area, or allowed them to branch out to new clients through their agency or private practice. People regularly enroll from out of state.

Continuing education

CEUs: 0.6 (6 hours) are awarded from the UW-Madison for full participation.

Social Workers: The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professional Development and Applied Studies, (PDAS), (provider number #1042) is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), (800-225-6880) through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. PDAS maintains responsibility for the program.

WI, IA, MI and MN Boards of Social Work recognize ACE programs.

IL Registered Social Worker Continuing Education Sponsor #159.000243.

Counselors: PDAS is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors. PDAS adheres to NBCC continuing education guidelines (Provider #5990).

WI Psychologists, and Marriage and Family Therapists: Qualifies as an accredited university continuing education course relevant to professional practice.

WI Substance Abuse Counselors: Qualifies as a continuing education course consisting of relevant subject matter taught by qualified presenters.

Educators: This program may qualify towards your Professional Development Plans (PDPs).

Other professions: Completion of each program qualifies for continuing education hours. Contact your own board or organization for specific continuing education requirements.

General information

Times: Registration 8:30 am; workshops run 9 am-4 pm each day

Fee: $140 each class. The fee includes instruction, materials, breaks, CEUs and a non-refundable administrative fee of $20.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not attend, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692.

Location: All programs take place at the Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. in Madison, Wisconsin on the beautiful UW-Madison campus. Information about overnight accommodation can also be found on our information page. For more information about visiting the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, see the campus information and visitor center Web page.

For more information: If you have any questions, contact Anne Voxman at 608-263-7023 or call our toll free number 800-442-2617. Join the mailing list for this program by e-mailing your name and address to avoxman@dcs.wisc.edu.