Substance Use Disorder Professionals.
 
A substance use disorder professional is a person certified in substance use disorder counseling who assists others with substance use disorder in their recovery. 
 
In order for the Secretary of Health to issue a substance use disorder professional certificate, an applicant:

• must complete an approved educational program or complete alternate training that meets established criteria;
• must successfully complete an approved examination, based on core competencies of substance use disorder counseling; and
• must successfully complete an experience requirement, which varies depending upon the education level of the applicant.

Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainees. 
 
A substance use disorder professional trainee (SUDPT) certification allows applicants to work towards the education and experience requirements for certification as a substance use disorder professional.  An SUDPT provides substance use disorder assessments, counseling, clinical services, and case management to patients consistent with the trainee's training under a state regulated agency and approved supervision.
 
In order for the Secretary of Health to issue an SUDPT certificate, an applicant: 

• must submit a declaration that the applicant is enrolled in an approved education program and actively pursuing all other relevant experience requirements.  This declaration must be updated with the trainee's annual renewal;
• must practice only under the supervision of a certified substance use disorder professional.  The first 50 hours of any face-to-face client contact must be under direct observation and all remaining experience must be under supervision in accordance with rules adopted by the Department of Health; and
• may only renew a trainee certification four times.

Apprenticeships Under the Department of Labor and Industries.
The Department of Labor and Industries is responsible for appointing a regulatory apprenticeship council, which authorizes apprenticeship programs, sets program standards, and establishes other requirements, through agency rulemaking.  Approved apprenticeship programs in Washington range from positions in aerospace, construction, and energy efficiency services.

As an alternative to participation in an approved education program, an applicant for a substance use disorder professional certification or a substance use disorder professional trainee certification may participate in an approved apprenticeship program.  An apprenticeship program must be registered and approved by the Department of Labor and Industries, reviewed by the Substance Use Disorder Certification Advisory Committee, and approved by the Secretary of Health (Secretary).  The educational requirements for an approved apprenticeship must be defined by the Secretary.  All education requirements credited by an approved education program for participants in an apprenticeship program must meet or exceed competency requirements established by the Secretary.  The Department of Health may adopt any rules necessary for implementation of substance use disorder professional apprenticeship programs.

Alternate training for a substance use disorder professional credential must be "completed" instead of "successfully completed."