The success of prevention programs relies heavily on a competent, well-trained, ethical and highly professional workforce of Prevention Specialists. Credentialing ensures that professionals have undergone development of competency requirements which includes the demonstration of knowledge through experience, education, supervision, and rigorous exam to qualify to deliver evidence-based prevention programs. Here are three reasons why you should consider obtaining your Prevention Specialist credential:
- To demonstrate skill, knowledge, and competency to funders, clients, and the community – Credentialing is a formal process that utilizes an established series of guidelines to ensure [communities] receive the highest level of support from professionals who have undergone the most stringent scrutiny regarding their ability to practice evidence-based programming. Credentialing also assures the funders and communities that they are being provided support by professionals whose qualifications, training, certification, and ability to practice are acceptable. Credentialing also ensures that all Prevention Specialists are held to the same standard. Being able to show a level of competency and professionalism in your field can be a defining trait in the work we do in prevention. It shows that you are held to a higher standard amongst your peers and leaders within prevention. This means a lot!
- To distinguish yourself through a commitment to lifelong learning and career growth – Prevention is a science, and as we all know, science goes through constant change and improve. The requirements of credentialing for the Certified Prevention Specialist credential means that you will have to improve your skills through professional development and continuing education. This shows that you have dedicated yourself to constant development and your commitment to growing and developing the prevention field for now and hopefully for years to come.
- For personal challenge and self-improvement – Everyone loves a challenge! The Prevention Specialist credential offers a professional challenge that allows one to not become stagnant in their career, but constantly chase career goals which they may find personally fulfilling and which may will be beneficial not only to the individual but also to their community and priority populations.
Patel R, Sharma S. Credentialing. [Updated 2021 Oct 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519504/
