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Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) Training Opportunities
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) Certification
This page was created by RM-PHTC and is meant to serve as a resource for individuals seeking the CPS certification. If you are applying for the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) certification via COPA, this page contains information relating to upcoming required trainings & additional trainings to fulfill additional hours. See below for more information.
COPA requires 120 total clock hours within each of the categories below if you are applying for the CPS certification. For all training hours completed, COPA requires a certificate of completion. Contact the Training Organization directly for this if you are unsure about whether a training provides a certificate of completion or email confirmation (You can save the email confirmation as a PDF and submit). For more information and qualifications for this certification and to access the CPS Certification Manual see the COPA website.
COPA Required Training Categories
- SAPST (31 hours)
- Ethics In Prevention (6 hours)
- Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) (24 hours)
- Additional/Other Prevention Trainings (59 hours)
Below is a list of opportunities for each training category.
SAPST In Person Trainings (Total 31 Hours)
The SAPST training is intended as an introductory level course for prevention practitioners. The goal of SAPST is to develop the basic knowledge and skills needed by substance misuse prevention practitioners to plan, implement, and evaluate effective, data-driven programs and practices that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness. The SAPST is intended as an introductory level course; throughout the course of their careers, prevention practitioners will need additional and more advanced workforce development opportunities beyond the SAPST.
This training includes the following:
- Innovative training that blends a 3 day, in-person training
- Grounded in current research and SAMHSA's Strategic Prevention Framework
- Provides Foundational knowledge and skills necessary to implement effective, data-driven prevention interventions that reduce behavioral health disparities and improve wellness
After successful completion of this training, participants will receive the following:
- Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics module (SAMSHA, 5 hours - link will prompt you to create a HealtheKnowledge account for the course)
- Increasing Impact through Comprehensive Substance Misuse Primary Prevention module (CDPHE/RM-PHTC, 1 hour)
- Shared Risk & Protective Factors and Substance Misuse 101 module (CDPHE/RM-PHTC, 1 hour)
- 20 live training hours + 1 hour for Wellness Wheel Activity + 1 hour for Virtual Introduction Padlet Activity
View SAPST Training Hours Outline Here
***Please note that in the event that there are fewer than 10 registrants, this training may be postponed to give everyone the best learning experience.***)
Register for Upcoming Training
SAPST Online Course
These online course offerings will be modeled after the SAPST In-Person Training Curriculum.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
SAPST Online Course February 29th - March 12th 2024, more information TBA
SAPST Online Course May 2nd - May 14th 2024, more information TBA
Register for Upcoming Training
Ethics In Prevention (Total of 6 training hours)
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Ethics in Prevention December 4th - 15th, 2023
ATOD (Total of 24 training hours)
Opioid Use Prevention and Pain Management CME Learning Modules (self-paced modules, ~1 hour each). The following modules have been approved by COPA for ATOD hours.
Additional/Other Prevention Trainings (59 hours)
Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful tool to share your community's prevention efforts with others. Through storytelling, a community coalition, non-profit, local organization, etc. is able to capture the audience's attention through experiences, words, and emotions. In turn, storytelling can lead to impactful changes in a community. In this module, you will learn best approaches to storytelling as well as gain skills to craft your own community's prevention story. This bonus 1-hour self-paced module will support your understanding and learning as a prevention practitioner.
Once you complete this module and all assignments, you will be prompted to complete a survey to receive a emailed confirmation of completion.
Prevention Course Catalog
This catalog contains a list of self-paced trainings to support your prevention skills. These curated prevention trainings are offered through various training partners. A certificate of completion or completion confirmation email is not guaranteed at the end of the course. If you are in need of a certificate you will need to reach out to the Training Developer directly.
"We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities to engage fully. Please let us know of any accommodations that will assist your full participation."
Questions? Email registration.rmphtc@ucdenver.edu.