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
Degree: High School Diploma/GED, Associate/Vocational Degree, or higher
Related Work Experience:
- High School Diploma / GED: 6,000 hours
- Associates/Vocational Degree: 5,000 hours
- Non-related Bachelor’s Degree or higher: 5,000 hours
- Related Bachelor’s Degree: 4,000 hours
- Related Master’s Degree or higher: 2,000 hours
Supervision: Supervision depends on your highest level of formal education: 300 hours – High School Diploma/GED; 250 hours – Related Associate of Arts Degree; 200 hours – Bachelor’s Degree in a related field; 100 hours – Master’s Degree or higher in a related field
Training: 300 hours of training as specified, among each of the professional practice dimensions:
- Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-occurring Disorders – 50 hours
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment – 50 hours
- Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral – 50 hours
- Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities – 30 hours
- Electives – 100 hours
*At least 6 hours must be allocated to counselor ethics and responsibilities
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, you must earn a 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