APPLY FOR CREDENTIALLING AS A NICOTINE TREATMENT SPECIALIST
Who is a Nicotine Treatment Specialist?
A Nicotine Treatment Specialist (NTS) is a professional with the skills, knowledge and training to provide effective, evidence-based interventions, education, research, health promotion and policy for tobacco dependence across a range of intensities. The NTS may be a psychologist, general practitioner, pharmacist, nurse, researcher, or drug and alcohol counsellor and may work in hospitals, community health centres, medical and dental practices, smoking clinics, telephone quitlines, drug and alcohol treatment programs and mental health centres or work independently. The NTS may engage not only in providing treatment but also in education and research activities about tobacco dependence.
Why apply for professional credentialling with ASVCP?
Credentialling with ASVCP is free for APSAD members and provides a mechanism to formally recognise Nicotine Treatment Specialists working in Australasia. Once credentialled, Nicotine Treatment Specialists receive a certificate of credential.
Standards for Credentialling as a Nicotine Treatment Specialist
The following criteria must be met for this category:
- Current APSAD Individual or Individual Reduced-Fee member.
- A current registered qualification in nursing/ medicine/ pharmacy/ AOD/ physiotherapy/ psychology/ health education or relevant qualifications as deemed suitable by the committee.
- A minimum of 1 year work in the field of smoking cessation.
- Work a minimum of 4 hours per week or 16 hours per month of smoking cessation-related work (this includes research, education, training or treatment) per week.
- Successful completion of a smoking cessation training course.
- Stated commitment to adhere to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
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 (hereon the Standards) 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 ASVCP-SIG Credentialling Committee reviews training programs for inclusion on the APSAD website. Training programs which meet the Standards will be recognised by the ASVCP-SIG Credentialling Committee and listed on the APSAD website. Health professionals applying for credentialling as a Nicotine Treatment Specialist must demonstrate the successful completion of an ASVCP-SIG endorsed training program and relevant experience. NTS applying for continuing their credentialing every year need to demonstrate continued professional development in the relevant area of practice.
Before applying for credentialling as a Nicotine Treatment Specialist we recommend reading the Core Competencies.
How to apply for Nicotine Treatment Specialist Credentialling?
To be able to apply for credentialling, applicants must be a current member of APSAD. If you are interested in applying for the NTS credential and are an existing APSAD member please complete the NTS Application Form online.
If you are not currently a member, you can apply for membership, then complete the NTS application form.
ASVCP NTS Credentialled members must earn a minimum of 10 CPD points annually and remain a financial member of APSAD to renew their ASVCP Nicotine Treatment Specialist Credential.
To renew your NTS Credential download and complete the CPD Activity Table then complete the CPD Renewal form - make sure you upload your completed activity table.
Evaluation of Applications
The ASVCP-SIG Credentialling Committee approves applications in accordance with Membership Application Guidelines. The ASVCP SIG Credentialling Committee comprises four members with qualifications and over five years' of experience in the delivery of smoking cessation interventions. The Credentialling Committee will assess all applications based on the information provided. The Committee reserves the right to seek additional material if necessary. The recommendations of the Committee are sent to ASVCP-SIG Chair for approval. Successful applicants will receive a certificate of credentialling. Explanations for non-acceptance will be made and are provided to applicants when notified in writing of the outcome.
Disclaimer and Insurance
APSAD does not in any way endorse the individuals who have been Credentialled, nor does APSAD verify qualifications, licenses, practice areas or suitability. In no event shall APSAD be liable for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the fact that a person has obtained the NTS Credential.
APSAD does not advise on professional indemnity insurance and has no responsibility for any additional insurance requirements or costs. Applicants should seek separate advice regarding any public liability and professional indemnity insurance requirements, which may be associated with the successful award of a credential.