SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP

CHAIR:  Dr Ryan Courtney, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW University, Sydney

The aim of the APSAD Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group (ASVCP-SIG) is the promotion of optimal smoking and vaping cessation practice in Australasia by trained health professionals incorporating evidence-based practice with an ongoing learning objective. The ASVCP-SIG provides a forum for:

• Information sharing and dissemination on smoking and vaping cessation practice
• Identifying and discussing common points of interest
• Promotion of evidence-based smoking and vaping cessation interventions
• Networking
• Collaboration
• Advocacy
• Education

Who can register for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group?

Membership is open to all financial members of APSAD who have an interest in nicotine addiction and smoking cessation.

What are the benefits of registering for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group?

Registration entitles you to:

• Monthly webinar presentations
• Networking opportunities with access to the APSAD Smoking Cessation Listserv that will get you in touch with other smoking and vaping cessation professionals and Nicotine Treatment Specialists to discuss smoking cessation related topics.
• Information about courses, conferences and health promotion events.
• Plus all other APSAD Membership benefits.

How to register for the Smoking and Vaping Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group

If you are already an APSAD member email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request to be added to the Special Interest Group and listserv.

Interested in becoming a Nicotine Treatment Specialist?

Head to the Nicotine Treatment Specialist Credentialling webpage for more details and links to the application and renewal forms.

We also provide a list of training courses and professional development opportunities currently available. If there's a course we're missing, email details and links to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Credentialling Committee to review.

Core Competencies for Nicotine Treatment Specialists

The ASVCP-SIG aims to promote optimal smoking and vaping cessation practice by trained health professionals and recognises the need for national competency standards for nicotine cessation professionals. To achieve this aim, the ASVCP -SIG reviewed and updated the ASVCP Competency Standards in line with current clinical practice guidelines in 2024.

The revised ASVCP-SIG Competency Standards for Nicotine Treatment Specialists outline the key skills and knowledge required by credentialled professionals delivering evidence-based nicotine treatment interventions. They give training providers the minimum core content areas and learning outcomes for the development and delivery of tobacco/vaping dependence treatment training programs, and strategic health authorities with a framework against which to measure current and future performance.

The Smoking Cessation Professionals Special Interest Group recognises the RACGP Smoking cessation guidelines for Australian general practice.