ABCAC certifies addiction professionals in Arizona using internationally recognized standards from the IC&RC. We help individuals gain and maintain professional credentials for counseling, peer support, supervision, and more.

Yes, there are specific topics that must be included in the Continuing Education Units (CEUs) required for recertification through ABCAC.

Required CEU Topics for All Credentials:

As part of the required 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years, candidates must include:

3 hours in Ethics

3 hours in Cultural Diversity

These topics are mandatory across all credential levels, including CAC, CADAC, AADC, CCS, CCJP, CPS, and CPRS.

Additional Topic Requirements by Credential Type:

Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

In addition to the 40 CEUs, 6 hours in Clinical Supervision are required.

These 6 hours may be included in the overall 40 CEUs if the credential is held in conjunction with another certification like CADAC.

Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

Must complete 20 hours of CEUs every 2 years.

These must include:

6 hours in Professional Ethics and Responsibilities

3 hours in Cultural Diversity.

Acceptable Formats for CEUs:

CEUs may include:

Workshops

Seminars

In-services

College coursework

Approved correspondence or self-directed study (must be documented).

If you need help confirming whether a specific workshop or course counts toward one of these categories, feel free to ask.

Yes, in-service training can count toward the CEU requirement for ABCAC recertification — but with limitations.

Here's how it works:

Up to 20 hours of the required 40 CEU hours may come from related in-service training.

The in-service training must be directly related to substance abuse counseling.

A Documentation of In-Service Training form must be completed and signed by the applicant’s current supervisor attesting to the training and number of hours.

This applies to most credential types including CAC, CADAC, AADC, CCJP, and CPS.

Important:

In-service hours do not replace the mandatory:

3 hours in Ethics

3 hours in Cultural Diversity

These specific hours must be met through formal, documented continuing education courses.

If you need the official documentation form or an example of acceptable in-service activities, I’d be happy to provide that too.

Yes. ABCAC is a proud member of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means your certification can be transferred to 57+ member boards across the U.S. and abroad.

Start by choosing your credential type (e.g., CAC, AADC, CPRS) and reviewing the requirements. Then submit your application and supporting documents through our secure portal. ABCAC will review your materials and guide you through the next steps toward certification. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Failing to complete the required CEUs may result in the lapse of your certification. It's important to complete and submit all necessary documentation before your certification's expiration date to maintain active status.