According to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, in 2005 more than 182,000 people were arrested for DUI in California. Most states mandate alcohol abuse courses for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol to educate offenders about the risks of drinking and driving and provide tools to make better choices regarding alcohol. Instructors in such programs must have adequate training and often complete a certification exam in order to teach DUI classes.

Instructions

Check with your state about requirements. They vary from state to state. For instance, in Utah, only employees of agencies licensed by the state's Department of Human Services in substance abuse treatment can participate in training programs.

Obtain a degree, if necessary. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, and some states, such as Florida, require a bachelor degree.

Get work experience. Most states require at least two years of teaching or counseling experience. Some states have specific programs to help candidates for certification obtain such experience. Nevada, for instance, allows trainees to work under the supervision of a licensed instructor.

Complete additional mandatory training. Requirements vary greatly depending upon applicants' education and experience as well as the state granting the certification. Many states send trainees through the Prevention Research Institute Instructor course, a four-day training course that costs about $700 as of late 2010.

Pass the certification exam. Exams are typically computer-based and available in numerous proctored locations. Costs generally run about $75 to $150.

Fill out accompanying paperwork. Applicants may need to agree to submit to a background check, abide by a set of ethical principles and teach according to a set curriculum.