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.