RAS Renewal Requirements

Nationally Accredited
Nationally Recognized

Renewal Requirements for the
RAS Professional

Accredited

Renewal

CE Subjects

Fees

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The RAS Credential and Breining Institute are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)

Breining Institute was the
first certification agency accredited and approved
by the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs

Every two years
-
Continuing Education (CE) requirements:

RAS and M-RAS
40 hours in specific subjects (see list to the right)
-
RAS Interns (RASi)
40 hours in any related subjects, including courses taken toward qualifying for RAS exam
-
CWIS or CCDS
In addition to the 40 hours required for the RAS or M-RAS, must complete 10 hours of CE within the Specialty subject

Understanding Addiction
(at least 6 hours)
-
Treatment Knowledge
(at least 6 hours)
including 3 hours in
Communicable Diseases
-
Application to Practice
(at least 6 hours)
including 3 hours in
Special Populations
-
Professional Readiness
(at least 6 hours)
-
Ethics
(at least 3 hours)
-
Prevention of Sexual Harassment
(at least 3 hours)
-
Any other related subject
(which will bring your total to
40 hours)
-
A fuller description of the
CE Subjects can also be
found below.

On-time Renewal
$75 for on-time renewal
(on-time renewal is up to one year before your renewal date)
-
Late Renewal
$150 for late renewal
(late renewal is up to one year after your renewal date)
-
Renewal fees are the same for RAS, M-RAS and RAS Interns
-
There are no additional renewal fees for CWIS or CCDS, as they must retain their RAS or M-RAS to retain the specialty credential

	Use the links below to either Renew On-line

	On-line Renewal
	- or to print a Paper Renewal App

	Paper Renewal Application


	Need CE hours?

	On-line courses are discounted for RAS professionals. - $29 per 3-hour course discounted $8 for RAS only $21 per course - Select link below to get started

	On-line CE Courses

	Additional explanation of CE Categories
	Understanding Addiction (6 hours required) - includes understanding theories of addiction, recognizing social and cultural factors within which addiction exists, behavioral and physical effects of psychoactive substances, and recognition of potential for substance abuse disorders to co-exist with other medical and psychological disorders.
	Treatment Knowledge (6 hours required, including 3 hours in Communicable Diseases) - includes philosophies and practices of generally accepted models of treatment, recovery, relapse prevention and continuing care for addiction, the importance of family and community systems in the treatment and recovery process, recognizing the importance of ongoing study in clinical practice, and understanding of multidisciplinary, non-traditional or various approaches to addiction treatment. Communicable Diseases includes tuberculosis, HIV disease and Hepatitis C.
	Application to Practice (6 hours required, including 3 hours in Special Populations) - includes understanding diagnostic criteria for addiction treatment and placement, providing the appropriate treatment in consideration of a client's personal and cultural background situation, and familiarity with the acceptable range of medical and pharmacological resources available for treatment. Special Populations includes aging individuals; individuals with co-occurring disorders (e.g. alcoholism and mental illness); individuals with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); individuals with disabilities; diverse populations; individuals with cultural differences; individuals on probation / parole, etc.
	Professional Readiness (6 hours required) - includes personal and professional growth; understanding supervision in the delivery of client services; professional obligations to adhere to ethical standards; understanding of and participation in prevention as well as treatment programs; and understanding of procedures for handling crises or dangerous situations.

Career Track for the RAS Addiction Professional

Masters Level RAS

M-RAS Credential

- With a degree and extensive clinical experience, you may qualify for the advanced standing Masters Level RAS (M-RAS) Credential
- The cost is the same as obtaining the RAS Credential

More info > > >

RAS Specialty Certifications

CWIS or CCDS

Fully certified RAS with additional education and experience may be eligible for the CWIS or CCDS Specialty Credentials:
- Certified Women's Issues Specialist
- Certified Co-occurring Disorders Specialist

More info > > >

One Exam - Dual Certification

RAS and CDAAC

The RAS Exam is the testing requirement for the nationally-accredited Certified Drug Alcohol and Addiction Counselor (CDAAC) from the Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors

More info > > >