If you are testing for licensure:
Licensed Substance Abuse Technician – LSAT =ADC
Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor – LASAC = AADC
Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor – LISAC = AADC
If you have been approved by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners ABBHE, you are exempt from the 2000 clock hour requirements. Please note you are also eligible to become certified with ABCAC.
Licensure vs. Certification
Licensure
A license is a state’s grant of legal authority to practice a profession within a designated scope of practice. It is required in order to practice or to call oneself a licensed professional. Some states have a single license and some have a tiered system, and the names of licenses, as well as requirements, vary from state to state. Licensing can also be thought of as mandatory certification. Under a licensure system, states define by statute the tasks and function or scope of practice of a profession and provide that these tasks may be legally performed only by those who are licensed.
The majority, if not all, of U.S. states require individuals to meet a set of minimum standards of practice to work as a substance use disorder counselor or clinical supervisor. These requirements are in place because substance use disorder counselors and clinical supervisors have a unique relationship with their clients. Substance use disorder clients bring multiple health, economic, and family concerns into the treatment setting, requiring counselors and, by extension, their clinical supervisors to address many personal and confidential issues. Without demonstrated practice competencies and adherence to a code of professional ethics, such relationships have the potential to become harmful or inappropriate.
Certification
A certification is typically a voluntary process, although certification can be mandatory or required to practice in certain states. Certification is often provided by a private organization for the purpose of providing the public protection on those individuals who have successfully met all requirements for the credential and demonstrated their ability to perform their profession competently. It represents the achievement of a level of professional competency agreed by the international community as qualified to practice effectively. In some states, holding a certification can help a professional obtain a license. IC&RC certification can also allow a professional to more easily relocate to another IC&RC state or jurisdiction. Like a license, certification requirements can and do vary from state to state, but IC&RC ensures that its boards adhere to a set of minimum standards of competency.
Regulators and community treatment agencies have long required substance use disorder treatment professionals to hold a professional certification. With the advance of managed healthcare over the past several years, many governments have now adopted standards that parallel certification requirements for substance use disorder practitioners.
The benefits of becoming certified with ABCAC.
Becoming credentialed with ABCAC, the Arizona Board for the Certification Addiction Counselors, offers several benefits for individuals in the field of behavioral health. Here are a few reasons why someone might want to pursue ABCAC certification:
Professional Recognition: ABCAC certification is a recognized credential in the field of behavioral health. It demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that you have met the rigorous standards set by the board and have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice in your field.
Career Advancement: Holding an ABCAC certification can open up new opportunities for career advancement. Many employers prefer or require certification when hiring for certain positions or when considering promotions within their organizations.
Enhanced Competence: The certification process involves meeting specific educational and experiential requirements, as well as passing a comprehensive examination. This process helps to ensure that certified professionals have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in their respective areas of practice.
Ethical Standards: ABCAC certification requires adherence to a Code of Ethics, which promotes ethical conduct and professionalism in the field. By becoming certified, individuals commit to upholding these ethical standards, which can enhance trust and credibility with clients and colleagues.
Networking and Support: ABCAC provides a community of professionals who have gone through the certification process. This network can offer valuable support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration with other certified professionals in the field.
One of the benefits of becoming credentialed with ABCAC is the potential for reciprocity to many other states in the United States through IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium). IC&RC is an organization that facilitates the transfer of credentials between jurisdictions that use IC&RC products. While not all certifications and licenses are eligible for reciprocity, professionals holding an ABCAC certification may have the opportunity to transfer their credentials to other IC&RC Member Boards in different states. It is important to note that the specific requirements and processes for reciprocity may vary between jurisdictions, so it is advisable to thoroughly investigate reciprocity options by contacting both ABCAC and the prospective IC&RC Member Boards in the desired states.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits may vary depending on the individual’s career goals and the requirements of their particular field within behavioral health. For more detailed information, I recommend reaching out to ABCAC directly for a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of their certification. and this to it One of the benefits of becoming credentialed with ABCAC is the potential for reciprocity to many other states in the United States through IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium). IC&RC is an organization that facilitates the transfer of credentials between jurisdictions that use IC&RC products. While not all certifications and licenses are eligible for reciprocity, professionals holding an ABCAC certification may have the opportunity to transfer their credentials to other IC&RC Member Boards in different states. It is important to note that the specific requirements and processes for reciprocity may vary between jurisdictions, so it is advisable to thoroughly investigate reciprocity options by contacting both ABCAC and the prospective IC&RC Member Boards in the desired states.
