Steps to certification

The certification process is described below.

Contact the Certification Support Team to begin the certification process.

Obtain CARF’s Rating Elements for Certification of ASAM Level of Care (2026 Edition) to determine the extent to which the services at the location seeking certification (“Services”) can satisfy the rating elements during the survey.

Upon request, CARF will provide an application for certification via Customer Connect. In the case of recertification, an application is provided before expiration of the current certification. CARF will review the submitted application and may request additional information.

All certification fees are due and payable in full within ten calendar days of invoice.

CARF will schedule the survey to occur during the six months following completion of the application process. CARF uses reasonable best efforts to avoid scheduling on dates identified as problematic in the application and to provide notice of the specific survey date(s) at least 30 calendar days before the survey.

Following preparation by the organization, the survey will occur on the scheduled date(s) in the manner described in CARF’s survey guidance. After the survey, all communications should be directed to the Certification Support Team.

CARF will determine the certification decision based on the survey and issue the decision letter, Plan of Action form, and certificate (if applicable) approximately six to eight weeks after the survey.

Within 90 days of issuance of certification, the organization must submit a completed Plan of Action via Customer Connect in the form provided by CARF. The form identifies any applicable rating elements not satisfactorily demonstrated during the survey. The completed Plan of Action must set forth the action that will be taken to address each rating element identified in the Plan of Action form.

A completed annual report must be timely submitted via Customer Connect, in the form provided by CARF. The report certifies that the Services at all times have the capacity to deliver the certified Level(s) of Care and are in compliance with all applicable terms and conditions of certification. A report is due on the first and second certification anniversary dates.

During the term of certification, the organization must also timely report to CARF certain events that occur within or may affect the certified Services. Some situations may require further actions to be taken, as determined in CARF’s sole discretion. Information about the events listed below, whether temporary or permanent, must be reported to CARF within 30 days of their occurrence:

Change in leadership.
Change in ownership (e.g., asset transfer, statutory merger, consolidation, or stock or membership transfer).
Change in organization name.
Change in mail and/or email address.
Relocation.
Change of Level(s) of Care.
Cessation of Services.
Change of licensure status.

Reporting forms are available in Customer Connect by navigating to “Resources” and selecting “Ongoing Communication Forms.” Please contact the Certification Support Team for more information.