Credentials

CPS Provisional Application

📋 CPS Provisional/Upgrade Pathway Eligibility Requirements

Before you apply, please review the CPS Provisional/Upgrade Standards, Requirements & Application Guide carefully. It’s your responsibility to ensure all requirements are met and instructions are followed.

A complete provisional application includes the following:

  1. Online application and fee payment
  2. Proof of formal education and CPS training

📲 Application Process

  • All applicants must have an active FCB account.
  • The CPS-P application is submitted online through your FCB account.
  • You must:
    • Answer all application questions.
    • Upload training documentation.
    • Pay the required application fee.

📂 CPS-P Required Forms and Supporting Documents

Applicant-Provided Form and Documentation

  • High School Diploma/GED or higher
  • CPS Training Verification Form
    • Must provide training certificates for each training listed on the Training Verification Form.

⏳ CPS-P Timeframes and Deadlines

  • Once the application fee is processed, your application is routed for initial review.
  • You will receive a status update within 30 days, including any pending requirements.
  • The timeline for full review depends on the completeness and quality of submitted documents.
  • Applicants have 12 months from the date the application is assigned to meet all requirements, including passing the exam.
  • If more time is needed, an extension fee may be paid to continue the process.

💻 CPS-P Exam Information

Applicants must achieve a passing score on the IC&RC Prevention Specialist exam.

Applicants are approved to register for the CPS exam only after all application materials are reviewed and accepted by the Board.

The Candidate Guide for the IC&RC Prevention Specialist Exam provides details about the multiple-choice Prevention Specialist (PS) exam.

🏅 CPS-P Credential Award Process

  • Your CPS-P credential is issued for a 12-month period once a passing exam score is recorded.
  • You will receive an award notification via email, which includes:
    • Immediate access to print your wallet card from your FCB account.
    • Instructions for verifying your certification online.
  • A physical wall certificate is not issued until the CPS-P Upgrade application is approved.

🕒 Provisional Period

Before the 12-month provisional period expires, you must:

  • Complete the work experience and supervision requirements.
  • Identify three individuals to provide a letter of recommendation in support of your CPS-Upgrade application.
  • Download and provide mandatory verification forms and Letter of Recommendation Forms to the appropriate people to complete and submit to the Board on your behalf.
  • Apply for the CPS-P Upgrade through your FCB account.
  • You must
    • Answer all application questions.
    • Upload training documentation.
    • Pay the required application fee.

📂 CPS-P Upgrade Required Forms and Supporting Documents

Verification Forms and Supporting Documentation

⏳ CPS-P Upgrade Timeframes and Deadlines

  • Application Deadline: You must submit your online upgrade application before your CPS-P credential expires.
    • Once the application fee is processed, your application is routed for initial review.
    • You will receive a status update within 30 days, including any pending requirements.
    • The timeline for full review depends on the completeness and quality of submitted documents.
  • Additional Time to Complete Requirements: After submitting your application, you have an additional 60 days to fulfill all upgrade requirements.

📋 Requesting a Provisional Extension

If you need more time beyond the 60-day period:

  • You may request a provisional extension.
  • Only one provisional extension will be granted. If you do not meet the requirements within this extension period, your provisional credential will expire, and you must submit a new application.
  • Your extension request must be submitted at least two weeks before your CPS-P expiration date.
  • The FCB will evaluate and either approve or deny your request based on the specific circumstances provided.
  • If approved, the provisional extension allows an additional 6 months to complete the upgrade process.

🏅 CPS Credential Award Process

  • Your CPS credential is awarded once all upgrade documents are approved
  • You will receive an award notification via email, which includes:
    • Immediate access to print your wallet card from your FCB account.
    • Instructions for verifying your certification online.
  • In addition, you will receive the following by U.S. Mail:
    • A physical wall certificate.
    • A letter of congratulations.
    • Information on maintaining your credential.

⚠️ Important: Please ensure that your mailing address is up to date in your FCB account to avoid delays in receiving your materials.

🔄 Renewal and Maintenance

  • The CPS credential is valid for 12 months and always expires on June 30.
  • To renew, you must complete 20 continuing education (CE) hours annually.
    • CEs must relate to one or more CPS domains: Planning and Evaluation; Prevention Education and Service Delivery; Communication; Community Organization; Public Policy and Environmental Change; or Professional Responsibilities
  • The Board sends a renewal notice 60 days before the renewal period opens.
  • Late renewal is available with additional fees and CE requirements.