Find a Counselor Find a Course Register Get Started

Certified Addiction Specialist Certification Information

Thank you for your interest in becoming a certified addiction specialist. The CAS certification is a great first step toward a successful career in the addiction industry. The CAS certification requires no academic degree and less strict experience and continuing education requirements than the CAP and CAC certifications. Below, you’ll find more information on the basic requirements to take the CAS course and receive certification. If you’re looking for another course, please click one of the links below to see information on that particular course:

CAP: Certified Addiction Professional
CAC: Certified Addiction Counselor
CBHT: Certified Behavioral Health Technician
Continuing Education in Addiction

Financing is available – please click here for more information or contact us directly at 877.821.0001
Certified Addiction Professional standards for certification.

Category: Requirement:
Degree: No academic degree is required
Work Experience:
2,000 hours of direct experience in addictions field
Supervision:
100 hours of direct supervision. A minimum of 8 hours must be documented in each of the professional practice dimensions. The final 36 hours may be documented in any dimension.

Training:

 150 hours of training. At least 70 hours must be allocated, as specified, among each of the professional practice dimensions: 

• Clinical Evaluation – 10 hours
• Treatment Planning – 5 hours
• Referral – 5 hours
• Service Coordination – 5 hours
• Counseling – 20 hours
• Client, Family & Community Education– 5 hours
• Documentation – 5 hours
• Professional & Ethical Responsibilities – 15 hours

At least 74 hours must be allocated, as specified, in the following transdisciplinary foundations:

• Understanding Addiction/Treatment Knowledge-37 hours
• Application to Practice/Professional Readiness-37 hours

At least 6 hours must be allocated in the following topic areas:
• HIV/AIDS – 6 hours
• Domestic Violence – 2 hours
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.
To see the exam requirements, click the following link: addiction exam

Renewal:		 10 CEUs each year