CARES Exam
The CARES Exam is administered multiple times throughout the year, typically within several weeks of each Academy.
Because many people who attend the Academy have not taken a test of any kind in 10 or 20 years, it is not unusual for them to have fear around the exam. However, it is possible to remain a CARES in good standing, and maintain certification, without passing the exam (but without the ability to bill Medicaid for Certified Peer Specialist–Addictive Disease services).
CARES who prepare for the exam by reviewing the CARES Academy Manual carefully report little difficulty in passing the exam. However, it is a thorough test of the material covered in the Academy, and CARES who do not prepare for it have frequently had to retake the test in order to pass it.
CARES have one full year following their Academy to pass the CARES exam. CARES will be given three (3) opportunities to pass the exam within one full year from the date of completion of the CARES academy. If a CARES does not pass the exam within that one year time period, that CARES will no longer be eligible to become certified as a CPS-AD. Any CARES who wish to become certified as a CPS-AD and were unable to pass the CARES exam within the year time period, will be required to reapply to the CARES Academy. The fee for participating in the CARES Academy for a second time is $500.00. Please reach out to the CARES team with any questions you may have about this policy.
