Prevention Domains

The following are the six prevention domains and their core functions as determined by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The domains and core functions are designed to measure an individual’s competency in the field of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) Prevention.

Domain 1: Planning & Evaluation

Weight on Exam: 30%
Associated Tasks:

• Determine the level of community readiness for change.
• Identify appropriate methods to gather relevant data for prevention planning.
• Identify existing resources available to address the community’s needs.
• Identify gaps in resources based on the assessment of community conditions.
• Identify the target audience.
• Identify factors that place persons in the target audience at greater risk for the identified problem.
• Identify factors that provide protection or resilience for the target audience.
• Determine priorities based on comprehensive community assessment.
• Develop a prevention plan based on research and theory that addresses community needs and desired outcomes.
• Select prevention strategies, programs, and best practices to meet the identified needs of the community.
• Implement a strategic planning process that results in the development and implementation of a quality strategic plan.
• Identify appropriate prevention program evaluation strategies.
• Administer surveys or pre/post-tests at work plan activities.
• Conduct evaluation activities to document program fidelity.
• Collect evaluation documentation for process and outcome measures.
• Evaluate activities and identify opportunities to improve outcomes.
• Utilize evaluation to enhance the sustainability of prevention activities.
• Provide applicable workgroups with prevention information and other support to meet prevention outcomes.
• Incorporate cultural responsiveness into all planning and evaluation activities.
• Prepare and maintain reports, records, and documents about funding sources.

Domain 2: Prevention Education & Service Delivery

Weight on Exam: 15%
Associated Tasks:

• Coordinate prevention activities.
• Implement prevention education and skill development activities appropriate for the target audience.
• Provide prevention education and skill development programs that contain accurate, relevant, and timely content.
• Maintain program fidelity when implementing evidence-based practices.
• Serve as a resource to community members and organizations regarding prevention strategies and best practices.

Domain 3: Communication

Weight on Exam: 13%
Associated Tasks:

• Promote programs, services, and activities, and maintain good public relations.
• Participate in public awareness campaigns and projects relating to health promotion across the continuum of care.
• Identify marketing techniques for prevention programs.
• Apply principles of effective listening.
• Apply principles of public speaking.
• Employ effective facilitation skills.
• Communicate effectively with various audiences.
• Demonstrate interpersonal communication competency.

Domain 4: Community Organization

Weight on Exam: 15%
Associated Tasks:

• Identify the community demographics and norms.
• Identify a diverse group of stakeholders to include in prevention programming activities.
• Build community ownership of prevention programs by collaborating with stakeholders when planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention activities.
• Offer guidance to stakeholders and community members in mobilizing for community change.
• Participate in creating and sustaining community-based coalitions.
• Develop or assist in developing content and materials for meetings and other related activities.
• Develop strategic alliances with other service providers within the community.
• Develop collaborative agreements with other service providers within the community.
• Participate in behavioral health planning and activities.

Domain 5: Public Policy & Environmental Change

Weight on Exam: 12%
Associated Tasks:

• Provide resources, trainings, and consultations that promote environmental change.
• Participate in enforcement initiatives to affect environmental change.
• Participate in public policy development to affect environmental change.
• Use media strategies to support policy change efforts in the community.
• Collaborate with various community groups to develop and strengthen the effective policy.
• Advocate bringing about policy and/or environmental change.

Domain 6: Professional Growth & Responsibility

Weight on Exam: 15%
Associated Tasks:

• Demonstrate knowledge of current prevention theory and practice.
• Adhere to all legal, professional, and ethical principles.
• Demonstrate cultural responsiveness as a prevention professional.
• Demonstrate self-care consistent with prevention messages.
• Recognize the importance of participation in professional associations locally, statewide, and nationally.
• Demonstrate responsible and ethical use of public and private funds.
• Advocate for health promotion across the lifespan.
• Advocate for healthy and safe communities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current issues of addiction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current issues of mental, emotional, and behavioral health.