MORE ABOUT PROUD

Be PROUD Certified

PROUD has officially launched its NEW certification:

"Practitioners for the Recovery of Opioid Use Disorder (PROUD)" 

Now is the opportunity to be one of the first to receive this New State Certification.

The initial launch of the exam has been extended to the recipients of the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder /Workforce Development Training (MOUD/WDT) series certificate, and NOW this opportunity is available to EVERYONE!

In order to be eligible to sit for the very First Exam, you must review and complete the following requirements.

 Requirements for sitting for the "first" PROUD exam:

1. Must submit any state and/or national licenses and certifications that are relative to the field of substance use disorder and/or opioid use disorder. Credentials will be reviewed for eligibility. (If not licensed or certified, please review the Question/Answer section of this document).
2. Must complete the attached questionnaire for identifying information.
3. Must be able to take the exam during the designated time frame of January 2025 to February 2025. (The exam will be available via an on-site option or a virtual option).

Other Information to consider:

1. At this time, the exam is being offered "at no cost". However, there are limited slots for this offer.  After the slots are filled, there will be an associated cost to sit for the exam. 
2. A study guide is available for purchase. The cost of the study guide is $45.00. Study Guides are consistently being updated and changed. In order to be validated as applicable information, the study guide must be received directly from the Project Director, Joelyn Alfred. It is important to have the most updated copy for the designated exam. 
3. By taking the exam, you will be able to become an official PROUD Member. (This is a ~$145.00 value). The membership will allow for future discounts on all PROUD training, merchandise, etc.
4. If you are not a member of The Opioid Treatment Providers of Georgia (OTPG) and are reviewing this website, it is also recommended that you take this opportunity to sit for this exam. Future testing will require that each applicant is also a member of OTPG. Individual membership is ~$100.00 per year.

Common Questions:

What is the PROUD Certification?

Answer: The PROUD certification represents PROUD members of our organization that work together to educate all communities and all stakeholders. We stand PROUD in our ability to provide the linkage of Care for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to Anyone and Everyone. You can be PROUD too.
To become a certified PROUD member, it is strongly recommended that the Medications for Opioid Use Disorder /Workforce Development Training (MOUD/WDT) series is completed. The MOUD/WDT series is offered periodically throughout the year.

What if you have not completed the MOUD/WDT series?

Answer: You may still take the exam during the stated time frame, however, in preparation for the exam, you should purchase the PROUD Study Guide and refer to the other resource materials that are located on the Carelink of Georgia website. http://www.carelinkofgeorgia.org. Under the Programs tab, click on the Workforce Development tab to access the available resources.


What are some of the highlights of the MOUD/WDT training series?

Answer: State and Federal Regulations (SAMHSA); Drug Enforcement Administration; Accreditation; Pharmacology; Drugs & Narcotics; Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, etc.; Outlined Operations of an Opioid Treatment Program; Treatment Planning; Cultural Diversity; Infectious Disease, Biopsychosocial; Intake Assessment; Case Management; PAMI; Evidence Based Practices; GDFCS; Ethics; Record Keeping; Recovery Oriented Systems of Care; Family/Health; Group; Geographical Influences; Stigmas; Harm Reduction; Confidentiality-42 CFR; Quality & Performance Management; Theories; Peer Support; OUD & Pregnancy; Person Centered & Person Served Orientation; Medication Management; etc.

 What if I am not certified or licensed? 

Answer: If you are not state certified and/or licensed in the relative fields of opioid use disorder or substance use disorder, you can still be PROUD and take the exam now. Just plan to register for the next available MOUD/WDT series in order to meet the PROUD certification requirements. To obtain the  next training schedule, please use the "More" tab on the PROUD website 

and select "Contact Us".

What if I fail the exam?

Answer: If you fail the exam, you are welcome to take the exam as many times as requested.
If you fail the exam, and have not completed the MOUD/Training Series, prior to being approved to sit for additional exams, you will be required to register for the series.
Associated fees will be applicable for each time the exam is taken.

I want others to know about the next MOUD/WDT Training Series program and the PROUD certification. How can I share information about PROUD?

Answer: Please refer others to  http://www.carelinkofgeorgia.org and click on the "PROUD" Tab.


What To Do Now?

1. If you are interested in taking the PROUD exam from January 2025 to February 2025, you are able to schedule taking the exam now. Just complete the questionnaire that is located below.
2. Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire and related documents, you will receive validation for eligibility and/or a request for additional information.
3. Upon receipt of the completed questionnaire and related documents, you will receive further instructions that will be sent to the email address on file. 
4. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to use the contact us tab that is located under the "More" tab.