Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training

Prerequisites for National Certification as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist

The criteria for becoming a NCTTP were initially developed collaboratively by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, national expert reviewers, tobacco treatment professionals and the University of Medicine and Dentistry - Tobacco Dependence Program, which are described in the New Jersey Guidelines for Tobacco Treatment. The New Jersey guidelines outline prerequisites and training objectives that must be met before a health-care provider is considered a certified tobacco dependence treatment specialist. These include evidence-based tobacco specific assessment, counseling, and treatment knowledge and skills. These guidelines have in part been integrated into the new standards for competencies being developed by the Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence.
In order to obtain Certification, candidates must have a Masters or above in the Human Services field with one year of full-time counseling or health care experience, OR, a Bachelors in Human Services with two years of full-time counseling or health care experience, OR a CADC/LCADC/ nursing OR other recognized health related qualification, with four years of full time counseling or health care experience. The NCTTP is not an independent clinical practice credential and should only be used for work within health care or counseling settings.

There are no specific prerequisite requirements to participate in the 4-Day National Certificate Tobacco Treatment training course. Many health professionals find the material and information learned during the course extremely valuable in their daily activities, regardless of their interest to pursue certification.

NEW CERTIFICATION & RECERTIFICATION PROCESS AS OF October 2017

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, now offers a National Certificate in Tobacco Treatment Practice.

Successful completion of our Rutgers- Tobacco Dependence Program NCTTP course fulfills the training requirement for the National Certificate. We will provide you with the appropriate documentation following the completion of the training. The National Certificate also requires passing an examination; however, this requirement is waived for anyone who submits their application prior to April 15, 2018.  Please see NAADAC's website for additional information about the national certificate, or contact Yao Kouassi at ykouassi@naadac.org or Claribel Beltrez at beltrecl@sph.rutgers.edu.