Risk Reduction (DUI) Regulated Program FAQs

DUI Risk Reduction program for DUI schools and instructors.

  • 1. What is the process for becoming a certified Risk Reduction Instructor?

    Applicants must first apply with DDS and if approved will attend a 4-day new instructor training conducted by Prevention Research Institute (PRI). Download the Download this pdf file. DUI New Instructor application . Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division. All applicants are required to submit electronic fingerprints as part of the application process. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree or be a certified, licensed, or credentialed substance abuse counselor`

  • 2. What are the education and work experience requirements for a DUI Instructor applicant?

    The education/work experience requirements must be met by one of the following methods

    METHOD #1

    • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a human services related field including, but not limited to: Education, Chemical Dependence Administration, Community Mental Health, Counseling/Guidance, Criminal Justice, Nursing/Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Vocational Counseling, etc.

    METHOD #2

    • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study
     PLUS
    • 2 years of documented work experience (20 hours per week or more) teaching, counseling, or training

    METHOD #3

    • Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in any field of study
     PLUS
    • 3 years documented part-time experience as a teacher or trainer

    METHOD #4

    • At least 2 years of full-time work experience as a licensed, certified or credentialed substance abuse counselor and a copy of high school diploma or GED
    PLUS
    • 6 months documented experience as a group counselor or group facilitator
  • 3. How do I become certified as a DUI Instructor, Director, and/or Program Owner?

    You may visit the Risk Reduction (DUI) Regulated Program page for information and applications. All documents on the application checklist are required and must be included when applications are submitted to the Regulatory Compliance Division. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to DDS. All owners/corporate officers are required to submit electronic fingerprints as part of the application process. Please allow a minimum of 30 days for processing. Incomplete applications may result in further delays.

  • 4. How and when do I become recertified?

    Certifications are for a period of four years unless otherwise noted. Expiration dates are listed on the program and instructor certifications. The Download this pdf file. DUI Director/Instructor Recertification Application and the Download this pdf file. Program Recertification Application may be downloaded from our website. Please include all required documents on the application checklist when you submit it to the Regulatory Compliance Division. Fingerprinting is required for recertification. Instructors must submit documentation of at least 32 contact hours of approved continuing education, obtained during the certification period, of which a minimum of sixteen hours must be program-specific courses such as DDS-sponsored sessions or PRI-sponsored training. Instructors must also provide proof that they have instructed at least four (4) classes during the certification period. Directors must submit documentation of at least 16 contact hours of approved continuing education, obtained during the certification period, of which a minimum of eight hours must be program-specific courses such as DDS-sponsored sessions or PRI-sponsored training.

  • 5. I was fingerprinted when I initially became certified. Why do I need to be fingerprinted again for recertification?

    Fingerprints that are used for non-criminal justice purposes are only retained by the Georgia and Federal Bureaus of Investigation for a matter of days and then purged, hence the need to be re-fingerprinted. In addition, the decision to recertify an individual or entity must be based on current criminal history results.

  • 6. Will I receive a reminder about the expiration of my certification?

    All Renewal Reminder Notices to programs and instructors are only sent via email. As a result, it is imperative that DDS is notified immediately of any changes in email addresses. Please be mindful that DDS sends renewal reminder notices as a courtesy. Programs and instructors should be cognizant of their expiration dates and begin the renewal process within 30 to 60 days prior to that date.