Eligible examination candidates may request an Examination Registration Form by contacting the Credentialing Unit by emailing to [email protected]. The Exam form includes information on requesting a reasonable accommodation. CASAC Advanced Counselor certification can be earned by meeting the CASAC requirements, having a bachelor’s degree, and completing the 30-hour Clinical Supervision Foundations I and II training. While you can spend years working to become a LAADC, the professional rewards are well worth it if you want to advance to the top of the substance abuse counseling field. Although it’s not a CADC certification, most aspiring drug and alcohol counselors will need to start by getting their RADT certification before moving on to CADC training.
- Note that some states may require a certain number of credits in particular courses, augmented by elective credits in specific areas.
- For any courses to be considered, applicants must submit copies of all certificates of completion or transcripts verifying completion.
- Each practicum course is synchronous—students and the professor meet via Zoom for two consecutive hours every other week during the quarter (5 meetings each quarter).
- Your exam results will be uploaded to your Credentialing Gateway account within four to five weeks of the examination.
Distance learning can also save you on travel, accommodation and other expenses related to campus learning. Institutional accreditation provides quality assurance to prospective students like you. Organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education measure schools against a set of industry standards. Moreover, an expert advisory board of experienced professionals and educators reviews and verifies Forbes Advisor Education content to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Addiction Professionals Scholarship Program
In addition to basic certification, you may also want to consider pursuing additional specialty certifications or training. For example, the CCAPP offers certifications in specialized areas such as co-occurring disorders and trauma and Prevention Specialists. There are many specialty substance abuse counseling certifications available as you advance in your career and perhaps determine an area of specialty or focus for your career. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-earning substance abuse counselors work for religious organizations, which pay an average annual salary of $86,480.
Located in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, Crown College began as the Alliance Training Home in 1916. More than a century later, the school has over 40 online programs, including an online MA in alcohol and drug counseling. You cannot identify yourself as a CASAC-T or CASAC-P or function at that level in an OASAS Certified or funded setting until you receive your certificate from OASAS.
A substance abuse counselor provides treatment to those in need of treatment whom …
Applicants must also complete 6 hours of ethics training and then 6 hours of HIV/other pathogen training within the 6 years prior to application. Finally, applicants must provide passing scores on the NCC AP’s NCAC Level II exam, pay a non-refundable initial credentialing fee of $235, and then be prepared to pay $200 every two years after that for licensure renewal. Renewals must also include evidence of 40 CEU hours, a verifiable work history for the past two years, and a signed statement affirming adherence to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics.
The only exceptions are Montana, North Dakota and Alaska, which have unique state requirements. While online programs have many advantages, distance learning might not suit all learners. In a program with a heavy practical component like addiction counseling, students who learn best in interactive and engaging environments might prefer in-person or hybrid programs.
Related Careers
You can register for the exam as part of the application for the CCMHC or can document a passing result gained through a state licensure process or other administration. Our Self-Paced Program is the same as our Accelerated Program but students receive all coursework upon admission and can complete the course and practicum course in anywhere from 3 to 18 months. Students have access to all coursework as soon as they enroll and are able to set personal goals for program completion. The night before the exam, get a good night’s sleep and eat a healthy meal. Bring all of the necessary materials, including your identification, pencils, and erasers.
Certification is evidence that standards of knowledge, skill competencies, and experience have been met. It works toward giving behavioral health care professional greater visibility, not only in the United States, but internationally. Education requirements for substance abuse counselors vary based on certification or license, job description, or place of employment. At a minimum, counselors in this field must graduate from high school or have a GED. Earning an undergraduate degree is common, leading to more advanced certification or licensure and better job prospects. Many states require at least a master’s degree for addiction counselor licensure, so most prospective addiction counselors should pursue master’s degrees in the field.