Involuntary Hold/5150 Training and Certification: The Process

Before joining our monthly training and testing process, please confirm that you are able to attend the live training component: you MUST attend this training when it’s scheduled in order to gain certification. Please make sure that you register for the training series that works for your calendar! There is a link below to the training page with upcoming training details.

If you are seeking 5150 certification or recertification, please confirm you are still eligible. The rules have recently changed. (See below for a link to details.) 

If you are attending for educational purposes only, Welcome! The eligibility requirements do not apply to you. 

Once registration for a month’s training series opens, DPH will distribute a link to the recorded training. When you open that link you will:  

1) Enter your identifying information and submit it,  

2) View a 55-minute recorded training, and  

3) Take a 15-question post-test and submit it.  

Note: You must complete all three of these steps in one sitting. If you exit the system before completing all three steps, you will have to start over when you return. Allocate 1.5-2 hours to complete this process.   

You must complete these steps and pass the post test at least two business days prior to the live training. 

More on the post-test: You must pass the post-test with a score of 80% or higher. This is crucial as it qualifies and registers you for the next part of the training. A link will be provided for a one-time retake if you do not pass the first time. Please note: you will be notified whether you passed or not on your computer screen immediately upon submitting your next results – please watch for that! These results are transmitted directly to DPH. 

The next step is to attend the live training (Part 2)! Set aside 2.5 hours for this training.

After participating in the live training, you will need to complete the Part 2 post-test. This test evaluates your understanding of the live session and is essential for completing the certification process. You must complete this test within 24 hours after the end of the live training. (Note: If the live training takes place on a Friday, you will have until the following Monday.) 

A link will be provided for a one-time retake if you do not pass the first time.   

If applicable, you can receive Continuing Medical Education credits and Continuing Education units for attending the Part 2 Live Training. This is specifically accredited by the California Medical Association for physicians and mental health designees involved in the training. In order to gain this credit, you may not be more than 10 minutes late to the start of the training or leave more than 10 minutes before the end of the training. 

After you have successfully completed both parts of the training and passed the two required tests, you will be eligible to receive your 5150 certification. Your agency/system’s certification list will be updated, a copy provided to your program’s Director or lead contact person, and 5150 cards will be issued to your agency for distribution. This process will take about two weeks. 

This certification is crucial for professionals who need to handle involuntary holds.  

Each of these steps is designed to ensure that participants are well-prepared and qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with 5150 certifications.