Legacy Standards & Process

Legacy windows have closed. This information is for reference only.

Legacy (once known as Grandfathering) standards are a temporary sub-set of the Prevention Specialist credential’s full certification standards (Standard). Legacy standards are typically set when a new credential is opened for application for the express purpose of allowing persons who have long been “doing the work” to earn the credential without meeting the credential’s full certification standards.

Legacy standards focus on degree, training, and experience requirements and omit the exam requirements. No designation will allow the public to determine if a PS credential was earned under Legacy or full certification standards.

MPCB will only open the Legacy window in three nonconsecutive 30-day increments for a total of 90 days, and it is only available to professionals with approximately 5 years of prevention experience. During the active Legacy period, the applicants must submit proof of the requirements listed below using the online Certemy application software within the MPCB’s established time frame. As previously stated, at their discretion, MPCB will open in three nonconsecutive 30-day increments for a total of 90 days. This will allow for more applicants who qualify for Legacy standards the time to gather documentation for verification in the application. Once the Legacy 90-day period has closed the last time, it will not be reopened.

Requirements for Legacy Status

  1. High school education or equivalence and attain the age of 18.
  2. Completion of Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST), Native American SAPST, or Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) National Coalition Academy training within the last 7 years.
  3. Completion of Ethics in Prevention Course within the last 2 years.
  4. 10,000 documented hours of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) prevention – work experience (paid or volunteer) within the last 7 years.
  5. 120 hours of prevention related education/training, half of which is related to Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs (ATOD).*
  6. Signed Agreement to abide by the MPCB Code of Ethics.
  7. Fees: $75.00 for application and $150.00 for certification.

*A detailed breakdown of required education/training topics can be found in the certification manual.