Certification & Testing Support
Apply for initial certification, renew your credentials, register for IC&RC exams, earn CEUs, and transfer your credential through reciprocity. One trusted place for Arizona's addiction counseling professionals.
And growing every year across clinical, prevention, and peer support domains.
Through IC&RC, ABCAC offers credential reciprocity with boards in 57 U.S. and international jurisdictions.
Maintained among active certificate holders since 2022.
Keep your credentials active affordably every two years.
Our services
Clear pathways, trusted standards, and practical support from your first application through every renewal.
Apply for initial certification in addiction counseling, peer recovery, prevention, or supervision, recognized by IC&RC.
Go to Certification PageABCAC provides IC&RC certification exams and supports licensure testing through AZBBHE.
Go to Testing PageMaintain your credentials with clear recertification pathways and access to endorsed CEU opportunities.
Go to Renewal PageMove your credential to Arizona or transfer to another IC&RC member board with our streamlined reciprocity services.
Go to Reciprocity PageWhy It Matters
Addictions counselors help people reclaim their lives from substance use disorders. They provide support, education, and treatment planning to individuals, families, and communities. Whether working in hospitals, recovery centers, or private practice, these professionals guide clients through one of the most important transformations of their lives.
Credentials
Whether you're just starting out, advancing your clinical skills, or supporting others through lived experience — ABCAC offers the credential that aligns with your path.
For entry-level professionals working directly with clients in addiction recovery.
For experienced counselors specializing in alcohol and drug abuse treatment.
For master's-level clinicians with advanced practice skills.
For individuals in recovery who want to support others as certified peers.
Criminal Justice, Prevention, or Supervision tracks.
Certification management
Align staggered ABCAC credential expiration dates into one easier renewal cycle. Pay a one-time $15 fee for each month an earlier credential moves forward.
Simpler credential management
Fewer renewal dates to track
ABCAC is transitioning to a digital certificate system. Beginning immediately, paper copies of certificates will no longer be automatically mailed. All certification recipients will receive an official digital certificate upon approval or renewal.
If you would like a printed copy of your certificate, one can be requested for a $25 processing and mailing fee. If you have questions, contact our office at abcac@abcac.org or submit your request through the ABCAC portal.
This change allows ABCAC to deliver certificates faster, reduce administrative processing time, and support environmentally responsible practices.
Testimonials
Real experiences from professionals who trusted ABCAC with their certification journey.
“Syncing my certifications with ABCAC was super easy. I just selected the number of months I needed, submitted my form, and it was all handled quickly. Now I only have one renewal date to remember — total game changer!”
“Scheduling my exam with ABCAC was incredibly easy. I picked a time that worked for me, got clear instructions, and felt fully supported throughout the process.”
“Scheduling my exam was so easy, and Sierra was incredibly patient and helpful. She answered all my questions and made the whole process stress-free. I really felt supported.”
Knowledge Center
Current, plain-language resources for Arizona addiction professionals—from choosing a credential and preparing for testing to maintaining certification and strengthening practice.
Everything you need to become an addiction counselor in Arizona: the licensure ladder, ABCAC certification, exams, hours, costs, and the fastest path to your first job.
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US overdose deaths fell sharply in 2024 and 2025 — but Arizona's went up. Here's what the data shows, who's most affected, and why Arizona is a national outlier.
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There's no FDA-approved medication for meth addiction — but there is a treatment with strong evidence behind it. Here's why contingency management deserves a bigger role in Arizona.
Read articleBrowse all articles on certification, testing, ethics, treatment, and career growth.
ABCAC FAQ
Straight answers to the questions Arizona certification candidates ask most.
Still need help? The ABCAC team can guide you to the right certification, testing, or renewal pathway.
If you possess expertise in behavioral or mental health, we extend a warm invitation for you to join our board of directors. Your insights are invaluable, and your leadership helps shape the future of addiction counselor certification in Arizona.
Apply Now
Ready for your next step?