Top 11 Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the drug and alcohol counselor job market because they demonstrate that a counselor has achieved a certain level of knowledge and competence required to practice in this field. Certifications also show potential employers that the counselor has met rigorous standards set by professional organizations, such as state licensing boards or the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). These certifications can help counselors stand out in the competitive job market and give them an edge over other applicants. In addition, certifications may be required for certain positions or higher levels of responsibility. Having these credentials can open up more opportunities for counselors, as well as give them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Drug and Alcohol Counselors and discuss how they can help advance a Drug and Alcohol Counselor's career.

What are Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certifications?

Drug and alcohol counselor certification is a professional credential that is earned by completing a set of qualifications, including education, training and supervised clinical experience. This certification verifies that the individual has demonstrated knowledge, skills and abilities to work with individuals affected by substance use disorders.

Having drug and alcohol counselor certification can be beneficial in many ways. It can open doors to better job opportunities since most employers prefer those with this credential. It can also provide access to more advanced roles within the field, such as management or supervision positions. Additionally, having drug and alcohol counselor certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession, which may help when it comes to negotiating salary or benefits. Finally, having this certificate may make an individual more marketable when looking for jobs outside of the substance abuse field as well.

Pro Tip: When considering a drug and alcohol counselor certification, make sure to research the specific requirements for each state in which you plan to practice. Each state may have different requirements regarding educational background, experience, and licensing. Additionally, check with your professional association or certifying body to ensure that the certification is recognized by employers.

Related: What does a Drug and Alcohol Counselor do?

Top 11 Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Drug and Alcohol Counselors today.

1. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise of individuals who specialize in the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. The CADC credential is awarded by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), an international organization that sets standards for alcohol and drug counselors. To become certified, individuals must meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements.

The process of becoming a CADC typically takes two to three years. During this time, individuals must complete an approved training program or coursework in alcohol and drug counseling, obtain supervised work experience in the field, and pass the IC&RC’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam.

To get started on the path to becoming a CADC, individuals should contact their state's licensing board or certifying body to find out what requirements they must meet in order to be eligible for certification. They should also research approved training programs or courses in their area that are recognized by IC&RC. Once they have completed their education and gained sufficient work experience, they can then apply to take the IC&RC exam.

The cost of becoming a CADC varies depending on the individual's state or country of residence as well as any additional fees associated with taking the IC&RC exam. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for tuition for an approved training program or coursework plus any applicable exam fees.

2. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)

A Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved advanced knowledge and experience in the field of addiction counseling. To become a MAC, individuals must complete an approved master’s degree program in addiction counseling, pass the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) examination, and obtain licensure from their state board of behavioral health. The process typically takes two to three years to complete.

In order to become certified as a MAC, applicants must first complete an accredited master's degree program in addiction counseling or related field. This typically requires two to three years of full-time study, depending on the school and program chosen. After completing the degree program, applicants must take and pass the NCCAP exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a MAC varies depending on the school and program chosen. Most programs will require tuition payments as well as additional fees for textbooks and other materials. In addition, applicants may be required to pay a fee for taking the NCCAP exam.

Overall, becoming a MAC is an important step for those looking to advance their career in the field of addiction counseling. It can provide individuals with greater credibility and recognition within their profession while also helping them gain access to more opportunities for employment or advancement within their organization.

3. Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

A Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of clinical supervision. It is awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and is recognized by many states as a professional credential.

The CCS requires applicants to have a master's degree or higher in counseling or a related field, three years of post-master's supervised experience, and two years of clinical supervision experience. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the NBCC.

To get the CCS credential, applicants must first submit an application to the NBCC along with transcripts from their graduate program, proof of their supervised experience, and verification of their clinical supervision experience. Once approved, applicants will be allowed to register for the CCS exam. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes about four hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CCS credential varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an organization. For individuals, it costs $295 for the application fee plus $195 for each year that you have been providing clinical supervision services (up to five years). For organizations, it costs $395 for the application fee plus $195 per year (up to five years).

4. Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP)

Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP) is a certification program offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. The CCDP certification is intended to recognize those counselors who have demonstrated expertise in this specialized area of practice.

The CCDP certification requires applicants to complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and meet other requirements as specified by the NBCC. Applicants must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. They must also have two years of post-master’s experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

In order to obtain the CCDP certification, applicants must successfully complete the following:

• Complete an approved training program that meets NBCC standards;
• Pass the CCDP exam;
• Submit proof of professional liability insurance;
• Submit verification of at least two years of post-master’s experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders;
• Submit proof of continuing education credits in accordance with NBCC guidelines; and
• Agree to abide by NBCC ethical standards.

The cost for obtaining the CCDP certification varies depending on the training program chosen, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500. In addition, there is a one-time fee of $200 for taking the exam. The entire process generally takes between six months to one year to complete.

5. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who has been trained and certified to provide counseling services. LPCs are qualified to diagnose, assess, and treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, and relationship problems. They also provide guidance on life skills development, career planning, and other areas of personal growth.

The requirements for becoming an LPC vary from state to state but typically include a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university; completion of a supervised clinical experience; passing the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE); and obtaining licensure from the state in which they practice.

The amount of time it takes to become an LPC depends on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take between two to five years to complete all the necessary steps.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience as well as the specific requirements in their state. Costs may include tuition for school courses; fees for exams such as the NCMHCE; fees for licensing applications; supervision costs; and continuing education costs.

6. National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I and II (NCAC I & II)

The National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) Level I and Level II certifications are credentials offered by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). The NCAC I is a basic-level credential that requires the completion of a minimum of 60 hours of education in addiction counseling, including 10 hours of supervised clinical experience. The NCAC II is an advanced-level credential that requires the completion of a minimum of 120 hours of education in addiction counseling, including 20 hours of supervised clinical experience.

To obtain either certification, applicants must meet eligibility requirements such as having a high school diploma or GED, passing a criminal background check, and completing an approved training program. After meeting all requirements, applicants must then pass a written exam administered by NAADAC to become certified.

The cost for obtaining either certification varies depending on the training program chosen. Generally speaking, it can range from $400 to $1,000 or more for both certifications combined. It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to complete both certifications depending on the individual’s schedule and commitment to studying.

7. International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)

The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) is an international, non-profit organization that sets standards for the prevention, treatment, and recovery professions. It provides a voluntary certification process for professionals in the fields of alcohol and drug counseling, prevention, and recovery support services. The IC&RC is made up of member boards from around the world who have adopted its standards of practice.

The IC&RC certification process is designed to ensure that certified professionals have met certain minimum requirements in terms of education, training, and experience. It also requires that they adhere to a code of ethics and demonstrate their knowledge by passing an exam. The IC&RC offers two levels of certification: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC).

The length of time it takes to get IC&RC certification depends on the individual's level of experience and qualifications. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete the process. To get started, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a degree in a related field or completing a specific number of hours of supervised clinical experience. They must then submit an application along with required documentation such as transcripts or proof of work experience. Once their application has been approved, they can register for the exam which is administered at designated testing centers throughout the year.

The cost for IC&RC certification varies depending on the level being sought and whether or not an individual qualifies for any discounts or waivers. Generally speaking, fees range from $100 - $400 USD depending on the type of certification sought.

8. Certified Addiction Professional (CAP)

Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge in the field of addiction and substance use disorder treatment. It is an internationally recognized credential that is accepted in many jurisdictions around the world.

The CAP exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as assessment, treatment planning, counseling, pharmacology, ethics, professional practice standards, and other related areas. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in a human services field or related discipline with two years of supervised experience in addiction treatment or prevention services.

The cost of taking the CAP exam varies depending on the jurisdiction where it is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $200 and $400 to take the exam. The exam can be taken either online or in person at an IC&RC testing center. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from start to finish.

9. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)

Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is a professional certification that is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field of substance abuse counseling. This certification requires individuals to have a minimum of an associate’s degree in human services, psychology, or a related field. Additionally, applicants must complete 180 hours of approved training in substance abuse counseling and pass an examination administered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).

The process of becoming certified as a CSAC typically takes between 6-12 months, depending on individual circumstances. In order to become certified, applicants must first meet all educational requirements and complete the required training hours. Once these requirements have been met, applicants can register for the IC&RC exam and submit their application for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSAC varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. Generally speaking, it will cost approximately $300-$400 for the IC&RC exam fee, plus any additional fees associated with completing the required training hours or any other necessary materials/fees.

10. Clinical Supervisor Credential for Substance Abuse Professionals (CS-CSAP)

The Clinical Supervisor Credential for Substance Abuse Professionals (CS-CSAP) is a credential offered by the National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). It is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in providing clinical supervision to substance abuse counselors. The CS-CSAP credential is designed to help employers identify qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about the principles of clinical supervision and have the skills necessary to provide effective supervision.

To qualify for the CS-CSAP credential, an individual must meet certain educational, training, and experience requirements. This includes having a master's degree in counseling or a related field, completing at least 30 hours of NAADAC-approved clinical supervisor training, and having at least two years of supervised experience in providing substance abuse treatment services.

The process for obtaining the CS-CSAP credential takes approximately 6-8 weeks from start to finish. To get started, individuals must first submit an application packet which includes an application form, supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of training completion, and payment of the application fee ($125). Once all required materials have been submitted, applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks if they have been approved for the credential.

The cost of obtaining the CS-CSAP credential is $125 for the initial application fee plus any applicable renewal fees. Renewal fees are due every two years and must be paid in order to maintain active status on the NAADAC registry.

11. Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Addictions Counseling (BC-ACC).

Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Addictions Counseling (BC-ACC) is a professional certification offered by the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders (AAHCPAD). This certification is designed to recognize addiction counselors who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the field of addictions counseling. The BC-ACC credential denotes a high level of achievement and expertise in the areas of assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention, case management, and referral for individuals with substance use disorders.

It typically takes two to three years to obtain the BC-ACC credential. To become certified as a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Addictions Counseling (BC-ACC), an individual must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by AAHCPAD. The educational requirements include: completion of a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university; completion of a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical experience; and successful completion of at least 30 hours of continuing education related to addictions counseling within the past five years.

The cost for obtaining the BC-ACC credential varies depending on which organization administers it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to take the exam and another $100-$200 for application fees. In addition, individuals may need to pay additional fees for study materials and other resources needed to prepare for the exam.

Overall, becoming Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Addictions Counseling (BC-ACC) is an important step towards becoming a qualified addiction counselor. It demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical skills in this field, as well as dedication to providing quality care to those suffering from substance use disorders.

Do You Really Need a Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your goals and aspirations. If you are seeking a career as a drug and alcohol counselor, then the answer is likely yes. Obtaining a drug and alcohol counselor certificate can help to demonstrate your knowledge and ability to provide effective counseling services in this field. It can also open up career opportunities that may not be available without it.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, or if you simply want to gain more knowledge about the subject, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. In such cases, taking courses or attending workshops related to addiction counseling may be sufficient.

In either case, it is important to understand that having a certificate does not guarantee success in the field of drug and alcohol counseling. A successful counselor must possess certain qualities such as empathy, compassion, patience, resilience, good communication skills, and an understanding of addiction treatment theory and practice. Without these qualities—regardless of whether or not one holds a certificate—the chances of becoming a successful drug and alcohol counselor are slim.

Related: Drug and Alcohol Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Drug and Alcohol Counselor Certifications

Q1. What qualifications do I need to become a drug and alcohol counselor?

A1. To become a drug and alcohol counselor, you should have at least an associate's degree in a field related to counseling, psychology, or social work. In addition, most states require that counselors obtain certification from the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).

Q2. How long does it take to get certified as a drug and alcohol counselor?

A2. The time it takes to complete the certification process depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and your state’s requirements. Generally, it takes between 6 months and 2 years to become certified as a drug and alcohol counselor.

Q3. What is the cost of becoming a drug and alcohol counselor?

A3. The cost of becoming certified as a drug and alcohol counselor varies depending on the type of certification you pursue and any additional training or courses required by your state. Generally, costs can range from $500-$3000 USD.

Q4. Are there continuing education requirements for drug and alcohol counselors?

A4: Yes, most states require that counselors maintain their certifications through continuing education credits every two years in order to remain licensed or certified in their field.

Q5: What is included in the NAADAC exam?

A5: The NAADAC exam includes questions related to substance abuse counseling theory, assessment techniques, treatment planning, documentation practices, ethical guidelines, referral procedures, client advocacy skills, group dynamics knowledge, crisis intervention strategies, cultural competency skills and professional development topics such as supervision practices or legal responsibilities related to addiction counseling.