Initial Certification
ABCAC makes initial certification clear and accessible with straightforward requirements, guided application steps, study resources, and exam-registration support.
Explore Your Certification Path
ABCAC offers credentials in addiction counseling, recovery support, prevention, criminal justice, and clinical supervision. Each pathway includes clear requirements, application guidance, study-material direction, and exam-registration support.
Select the credential that matches your goals and let ABCAC guide you from your first application through document review, payment, and exam-day success.
Application Process
Complete each step in order to avoid delays and keep your certification review moving.
Compare the seven ABCAC pathways and select the credential that matches your education, experience, and career goals.
Provide your contact details, credential type, testing preference, location, accommodations, and AZBBHE approval information.
Upload the general and credential-specific forms, education records, experience verification, and supporting documents.
Choose in-person testing, remote-proctored testing, or certification-only processing if you already passed the IC&RC exam.
ABCAC reviews your completed file. When testing applies, watch for an SMT scheduling email within 7 days and check your spam folder.
Certification Information
Review the education and experience requirements before starting your online application.
Designed for professionals beginning their career in addiction counseling. The CAC validates foundational knowledge in substance use disorders, behavioral sciences, and practical counseling experience.
High school diploma or GED, 200–250 hours of addiction and behavioral sciences education, and 2 years or 4,000 hours of work experience.
General application plus the CAC supplemental application.
Recognizes advanced competency in assessment, treatment planning, and client care for professionals with a bachelor’s degree and extensive addiction-counseling experience.
Bachelor’s degree, 200 hours of addiction and counseling studies, and 3 years or 6,000 hours of work experience.
General application plus the CADAC supplemental application.
ABCAC’s highest-level counseling credential for licensed professionals with advanced clinical expertise in diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention.
Master’s degree, 180 hours of education in alcohol and drug counseling, and 2,000 hours of supervised work experience.
General application plus the AADC supplemental application.
For individuals with lived recovery experience who support others through advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethical peer-based guidance.
High school diploma or GED, 46 hours of education in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethics, and 500 hours of supervised practical experience.
Certified Peer Recovery Specialist application.
For experienced addiction professionals who provide oversight, mentorship, and clinical guidance while supporting quality care and workforce development.
A current reciprocal-level AODA credential, qualifying counseling experience, 4,000 hours of clinical supervisory experience, and 30 hours of clinical-supervision education.
Certified Clinical Supervisor application.
For professionals providing addiction services within correctional settings, courts, community supervision programs, and other justice-involved systems.
Education and experience aligned with criminal justice and substance-use treatment. Contact ABCAC for credential-specific guidance.
Certified Criminal Justice Professional application.
For professionals preventing substance use and promoting community wellness through education, outreach, program planning, and policy advocacy.
High school diploma or GED, 120 hours of prevention-specific education including 6 ethics hours, 2,000 hours of supervised prevention experience, and 120 hours of direct supervision.
Certified Prevention Specialist application.
Complete the general and credential-specific forms, upload required documents, and submit payment.
Use recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams for your credential and IC&RC exam.
Schedule through Prometric after pre-registration and watch for an SMT email within 7 days.
The fastest process is to submit your completed application and supporting documents through the secure member portal. Make sure every file is clear, complete, and labeled with your full name.
You may also email documents to abcac@abcac.org. Include your full name and credential in the subject line. Questions? Call 480-980-1770.
Choose Digital or Paper ApplicationView Secure Payment OptionsApplication & Exam Fees
Choose the payment option that matches your testing plan. Payment confirms your intent to complete the certification process and starts official review and scheduling.
Open Secure Payment PageFull application processing and IC&RC exam at an approved Arizona testing center.
Continue with In-Person PackageFull application processing with a secure remote-proctored IC&RC exam.
Continue with Remote PackageFor applicants who already passed the applicable IC&RC exam.
Continue with Certification OnlyHelp Shape the Profession
If you possess expertise in behavioral or mental health, we warmly invite you to apply to join the ABCAC Board of Directors. Your insight and leadership can help shape the future of addiction-counselor certification in Arizona.
Express Interest
Initial Certification FAQ
Review the most common questions about eligibility, pricing, submission, and timing.
Still need help? The ABCAC team can guide you to the right certification, testing, or renewal pathway.
Create your application, upload your documents, and let ABCAC guide the next step.