
Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies
Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies
This course consists of six (6) modules. Each module will be released throughout the year (2023). You will get an email as each module becomes avaialable. You MUST complete all 6 modules to receive a certificate of completion and credit for finishing the course.
The Introduction to Prevention Core Competencies for Prevention Professionals was designed to introduce practitioners to the essential competencies, knowledge, and skill to work in substance use and misuse prevention. It is based on the Prevention Core Competencies published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The course provides a foundation for service delivery based on prevention science and the use of evidence-based practices. It strengthens the understanding of effective planning and implementation approaches and encourages the pursuit of more specialized training and professional development.
- 1.Describe the key elements of prevention planning and evaluation.
- 2.Understand the core prevention professional knowledge, skills, and competencies.
- 3.Acknowledge the importance of research-based theories and processes that help explain and build effective prevention interventions.
- 4.Describe how evidence-based (EB) prevention strategies can be delivered across settings including the family, school, media, community, or workplace.
Prepared by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center National Coordinating Office (PTTC NCO) supported with supplemental funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Award No. 5H79SP081006.
Certificate of Completion Available

Ethics in Prevention Foundations: A Guide for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners (self-paced)
Ethics in Prevention Foundations: A Guide for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners
This 3-hour SELF-PACED course is based on the moderated Ethics in Prevention: A Guide for Substance Misuse Prevention Practitioners. This course is appropriate for anyone working in the field of substance abuse prevention. It covers key terminology, the six principles in the Prevention Code of Ethics, and a decision-making process to use when faced with an ethical dilemma.
This training was originally developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies task order #HHSS283201200024I/HHSS28342002T and updated in 2021 under the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network.
3.0 Hours Certificate of Completion Available
*Note: this is NOT the moderated course version and cannot be used as credit hours towards IC&RC’s prevention ethics education/training requirement for prevention specialist credentialing. You must pre-register with the PTTC for a moderated version. They are found in this category.

Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course)
Introduction to Substance Abuse Prevention: Understanding the Basics (Pre-SAPST Course)
This foundational course serves as the required, introductory module for the in-person Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST). This self-paced course offers practitioners new to the field of prevention, or working in related fields, an introduction to the history of prevention, key concepts and definitions, specific drug effects, and an exciting glimpse into the effects of substance use and addiction on the brain.
Participants will learn about: Basic terminology and facts; History of substance use and prevention in the United States; Addiction and the brain; and, Effects and health risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
This course was developed by the Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC).
5.0 Hours Certificate of Completion Available
*Note: this course is a required pre-requisite course for the in-person Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) but can be taken as a stand-alone course.