TOPICS > Tobacco
Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification Program
Welcome to the American Lung Association of Maine's Tobacco Treatment Specialists program. We have organized a commission of professionals with expertise and experience in addiction and substance abuse; counseling; and tobacco treatment to oversee the exam and certify qualified individuals.
Tobacco treatment is based on the Clinical Practice Guideline: Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence (U.S. Public Health Service, June 2000).
The Guideline contains strategies and recommendations to assist tobacco treatment specialists and clinicians to deliver effective, evidence-based treatment for tobacco use and dependence.
Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS-C)
The Center for Tobacco Independence (CTI) brings together a team of highly qualified individuals who focus on linking smokers to the most effective methods to quit.
Training - sponsored by the Center for Tobacco Independence
Certification Process
The Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) is a trained health professional who specializes in the treatment of tobacco dependence as part of his or her professional role. The TTS demonstrates the knowledge and skills to provide current and effective treatment for tobacco dependence. The TTS also serves as a resource and consultant to other healthcare professionals. The TTS can also provide the most effective and appropriate treatment to special populations, e.g. patients with a variety of co-morbidities, chemical dependency, or pregnancy.
Purpose of Certification
- Provide quality assurance to clients, third party payers, employers, and referring health care providers
- Ensure best practice performance standards
Eligibility Criteria to Apply to Become Certified
Graduate of the 2-day Intensive TTS Training (Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine/Center for Tobacco Independence)
- Minimum of a 2-year degree in a health-related field such as but not limited to health education, mental health or nursing. A complete listing is on the application form.
- Documented 240 hours experience in intensive tobacco treatment within the last 3 years. (Refer to Practice Components of an Intensive Tobacco Treatment Intervention)
- Graduate of the 2-day Intensive Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training provided by the Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine
Certification Process
- Apply and pass the TTS written certification examination.
- Prepare and submit a case study to the Certification Commission upon successful completion of exam.
- Successfully present and discuss the case study before the Commission.
- The Commission will issue a 2-year certification upon satisfactory completion of this process.
Certification Examination
The exam consists of multiple choice and essay questions. It is based on the Clinical Practice Guideline, and on core competencies: Biology of Nicotine Dependence, Patient/Client Intake and Assessment, Counseling, Pharmacology of Tobacco Treatment, Treatment of Special Populations, Relapse Prevention, Organizational Needs.
Program History
The American Lung Association of Maine has been working in partnership with the Center for Tobacco Independence and the Bureau of Health to develop the new Maine Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification Program. This program was developed collaboratively by these organizations. A key program element is the separation that exists between the training provision and the certification process. The Center for Tobacco Independence is responsible for the training and the American Lung Association of Maine is responsible for the certification process. Because of this the Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification program models many other professional certification programs and avoids any conflicts that could result from a single entity being responsible for training and certification.
