(1) Counselors certified in other states may apply for a Montana endorsement certification. Certificates issued will specify "endorsement certificate" and indicate the state issuing the original certificate. The examinations may be waived if the applicant:

(a) meets the current Montana education requirements;

(b) documents 2000 hours (one year) supervised chemical dependency counseling experience in a chemical dependency treatment setting in another state;

(c) holds a current state certificate, in good standing, from another state; and

(d) shows successful completion of an examination process comparable to the Montana examinations (must have successfully completed a written examination and an oral examination) .

(2) Individuals certified by branches of the military government may submit an application for Montana endorsement by providing documentation specified above and the current military certification. Applicants must also furnish the certification and examination requirements for the specific branch of the military.

(3) To apply for endorsement in Montana, the applicant must:

(a) complete the three page application for certification;

(b) attach documentation of education and required 2000 hours experience in a chemical dependency treatment setting in another state;

(c) provide a copy of the current certificate and standards required for certification by the certifying state, including a description of the examinations completed; and

(d) submit a completed registration form and pay the Montana registration fee.

(4) Individuals certified by a nationally recognized addiction organization prior to February 1, 1997 may submit an application for certification by exam. The educational requirement may be waived and the applicant may participate in the oral and written examination if the applicant:

(a) holds a current certificate, in good standing, from a nationally recognized addiction organization;

(b) has completed 270 contact hours of specific chemical dependency and counseling courses. These are contact hours that may be obtained through academic course work, approved workshop training or approved home study courses. The 270 hours must include minimum hours in each of the following areas:

(i) chemical dependency assessment and

patient placement (must include chemical

dependency assessment, biopsychosocial testing,

diagnosis, referrals and patient placement)�����������������������������������������������������������������30 hours

(ii) counseling�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������45 hours

(iii) pharmacology (must include drug

classification, effects, detoxification and withdrawal)��������������������������������������������������12 hours

(iv) ethics (ethics for addiction counselors)���������������������������������������������������6 hours

(v) alcohol and drug studies��������������������������������������������������������������������������30 hours

(vi) treatment planning and documentation�������������������������������������������������15 hours

and

(vii) multicultural competency - knowledgeable of

and sensitive to the cultural factors and needs of

diverse populations and demonstrate competency

in applying culturally relevant skills���������������������������������������������������������������������������������12 hours

and

(c) has completed 1000 hours (six months) supervised chemical dependency counseling experience in a chemical dependency treatment setting.

(5) To apply for this certificate by examination in Montana, the applicant must:

(a) complete the three page application for certification and pay the Montana application fee;

(b) attach documentation of 270 education hours and the required 1000 hours supervised work experience in a chemical dependency treatment setting; and

(c) provide a copy of the applicant's current national certificate.

(6) This certification by exam shall be available to applicants for a period of two years from October 27, 2000. All applicants after that date must apply for certification according to the requirements of the current statutes and rules.