Initial Certification

Take Your First Step Toward Certification

If you're applying for certification for the first time, ABCAC makes the process clear and accessible. Each credential includes clear requirements, step-by-step application guidance, and access to study materials and exam registration.

Choose Your Cert Path Visit the Store

IC&RC Recognized
Arizona Based
1,200+ Certified

The application process

1Choose the credential that matches your goals.
2Complete the general and supplemental application forms.
3Submit your documents through the ABCAC portal (preferred) or by email.
4Pay your application & exam fee.
5Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration (watch for an email from SMT within 7 days — check your spam).

Full Application & Exam — $375.00 Remote Proctored Option

Already passed the IC&RC exam? Certification-only fee

Already paid? Submit your application and documents online.

Begin Your Application

Credentials

Explore your certification path

CAC — Certified Addiction Counselor

For individuals beginning their career in addiction counseling. Validates foundational knowledge in substance use disorders, behavioral sciences, and practical counseling experience.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 200–250 hours of addiction and behavioral sciences education, and 2 years / 4,000 hours of work experience.

CADAC — Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor

For professionals with a bachelor's degree and extensive field experience. Recognizes advanced competency in assessment, treatment planning, and client care for individuals with substance use disorders.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree, 200 hours of addiction and counseling studies, and 3 years / 6,000 hours of work experience.

AADC — Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor

The highest-level credential for licensed professionals with a master's degree. Signifies advanced clinical expertise in diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention — ideal for supervisory, clinical, or leadership roles.

Requirements: Master's degree, 180 hours of education in alcohol and drug counseling, and 2,000 hours of supervised work experience.

CCS — Certified Clinical Supervisor

For experienced addiction professionals who provide oversight, mentorship, and clinical guidance to other counselors. Validates high-level competence in supervision, leadership, and program development.

Requirements: Current AODA credential at the reciprocal level or higher, 10,000 hours of counseling experience (adjusted by degree level), 4,000 hours of clinical supervisory experience, and 30 hours of education specific to clinical supervision.

CCJP — Certified Criminal Justice Professional

For professionals working at the intersection of the criminal justice and substance use treatment systems — correctional settings, courts, and community supervision programs.

Requirements: Specific educational and experiential requirements aligned with the criminal justice and substance abuse fields — contact ABCAC for details.

CPRS — Certified Peer Recovery Specialist

For individuals with lived experience in recovery who support others on their journey. Emphasizes advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethical practice.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 46 hours of education in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethics, and 500 hours of supervised practical experience.

CPS — Certified Prevention Specialist

For professionals dedicated to preventing substance use and promoting community wellness through education, outreach, program planning, and policy advocacy.

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, 120 hours of prevention-specific education (including 6 hours of ethics), 2,000 hours of supervised prevention experience, and 120 hours of direct supervision.

Submitting your documents

For the fastest processing, submit your completed certification documents through the ABCAC portal. Alternatively, email your documents to abcac@abcac.org — include your full name and the credential you're applying for in the subject line. Questions? Call 480-980-1770.