Certified Addiction Counselor Course Information
Certified Addiction Counselor training, along with work experience and supervision are the first steps in becoming an addiction counselor. The Certified Addiction Counselor represents one of the highest designations in the addictions field and is overseen by the Florida Certification Board. The CAC designation is also reciprocated in dozens of states throughout the US (as the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) designation), allowing credentialed individuals to become credentialed in other states without retaking qualification requirements.
With the addiction counselor training you receive at The Academy for Addiction Professionals, you’ll be well prepared for the Florida Certification Board’s exam. Below, you’ll find more information on the educational requirements to become a CAC.
Certified Addiction Counselor standards for certification
| Category: | Requirement: |
| Degree: | High School Diploma/GED, Associate/Vocational Degree, or higher |
| Related Work Experience: |
High School Diploma / GED: 6,000 hoursAssociates/Vocational Degree: 5,000 hoursNon-related Bachelor’s Degree or higher: 5,000 hoursRelated BAchelor’s Degree: 4,000 hoursRelated Master’s Degree or higher: 2,000 hours |
| Supervision: | 300 hours of direct supervision. A minimum of 10 hours must be documented in each of the professional practice dimensions. |
| Training: | 270 hours of training. At least 130 hours must be allocated, as specified, among each of the professional practice dimensions:
At least 120 hours must be allocated, as specified, in the following transdisciplinary foundations:
*At least 6 hours must be allocated in the following topic areas:
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| Criminal Background: | Must have a clean criminal history for a minimum of 3 years prior to application for certification, including release from all sanctions. |
| Recommendations: | 3 professional letters of recommendation for certification. |
| Code of Ethics: | Applicants must attest that they are bound by and will follow the FCB Code of Ethics in their professional practice. |
| Written Test: | Must earn a passing score on the Florida Specific Exam**If reciprocity is desired, must earn passing score on the International Exam**To see the exam requirements, click the following link: addiction exam. |
| Renewal: | 20 CEUs each year on June 30th |
If you’re looking for another course, you may also click one of the links below:
- CAP: Certified Addiction Professional
- MCAP: Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional
- CBHT: Certified Behavioral Health Technician
- CRSS: Certified Recovery Support Specialist
- CRRA: Certified Recovery Residence Administrator
- Continuing Education in Addiction
You can also learn more about addiction counselor salaries.
Financial aid and tuition reimbursement programs may be available to you. Please click here for more information.