Setting the Standard for Addiction Counselor Certification in Arizona.

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ABCAC

Initial Certification

Your gateway to professional credentials simplified.

If you're applying for certification for the first time, ABCAC makes the process clear and accessible. Take your first step toward becoming a certified professional in addiction counseling.

ABCAC

Initial Certification

Your gateway to professional credentials simplified.

If you're applying for certification for the first time, ABCAC makes the process clear and accessible. Take your first step toward becoming a certified professional in addiction counseling.

Our services

Apply for initial certification in addiction counseling, peer recovery, prevention, or supervision, recognized by IC&RC.

ABCAC provides IC&RC certification exams and supports licensure testing through AZBBHE.

Maintain your credentials with clear recertification pathways and access to endorsed CEU opportunities.

Move your credential to Arizona or transfer to another IC&RC member board with our streamlined reciprocity services.

Explore Your Certification Path

ABCAC offers a range of professional certifications for individuals at every stage of their career in addiction counseling, recovery support, prevention, and clinical supervision. Whether you're just starting or advancing your credentials, each certification includes clear requirements, step-by-step application guidance, and access to study materials and exam registration. Select the credential that matches your goals and let ABCAC guide you through the process—from your first application to exam day success.

Certification Information

For each certification, we will provide detailed information, including requirements, application steps, study materials, and any other necessary details to help you through the process.


Submitting Your Certification Documents

To ensure the fastest processing time, please submit your completed certification documents using the form process below. This is the preferred method for quicker review and tracking.


Alternatively, you may email your documents to abcac@abcac.org.


Be sure to include your full name and the credential you’re applying for in the subject line.


For questions or assistance, contact us at abcac@abcac.org or call 480-980-1770.

Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)

What is the CAC Certification?

The Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential is designed for individuals beginning their career in addiction counseling. It validates foundational knowledge in substance use disorders, behavioral sciences, and practical counseling experience. Earning the CAC demonstrates your readiness to provide direct care and support to individuals struggling with addiction, under recognized professional standards.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – High school diploma or GED, 200-250 hours of addiction and behavioral sciences education, and 2 years or 4,000 hours of work experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee. General Application click here supplemental application click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, 200 hours of addiction and counseling studies, and 3 years or 6,000 hours of work experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. General Application click here supplemental application click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)

What is the CADAC Certification?

The Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC) credential is intended for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who have extensive experience in the addiction counseling field. This certification recognizes advanced competency in assessment, treatment planning, and client care for individuals with substance use disorders. Holding the CADAC demonstrates your ability to provide informed, ethical, and effective addiction counseling in diverse settings.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Bachelor’s degree, 200 hours of addiction and counseling studies, and 3 years or 6,000 hours of work experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. General Application click here supplemental application click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC)

What is the CADAC Certification?

The Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC) credential is intended for professionals with a bachelor’s degree who have extensive experience in the addiction counseling field. This certification recognizes advanced competency in assessment, treatment planning, and client care for individuals with substance use disorders. Holding the CADAC demonstrates your ability to provide informed, ethical, and effective addiction counseling in diverse settings.

Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)

What is the AADC Certification?

The Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) certification is the highest-level credential for licensed professionals with a master’s degree working in the addiction field. It signifies advanced clinical expertise in diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention for individuals with substance use disorders. The AADC is ideal for those in supervisory, clinical, or leadership roles and is widely recognized across IC&RC member boards for its rigor and professional credibility.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Master’s degree, 180 hours of education in alcohol and drug counseling, and 2,000 hours of supervised work experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. General Application click here supplemental application click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – High school diploma or GED, 46 hours of education in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethics, and 500 hours of supervised practical experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Recovery Specialist click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

What is the CPRS Certification?

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential is designed for individuals with lived experience in recovery who wish to support others on their recovery journey. This certification emphasizes skills in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethical practice. With focused training and supervised experience, CPRS professionals play a vital role in behavioral health teams, offering peer-based guidance rooted in empathy and shared understanding.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – High school diploma or GED, 46 hours of education in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethics, and 500 hours of supervised practical experience.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Recovery Specialist click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

What is the CPRS Certification?

The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential is designed for individuals with lived experience in recovery who wish to support others on their recovery journey. This certification emphasizes skills in advocacy, mentoring, recovery support, and ethical practice. With focused training and supervised experience, CPRS professionals play a vital role in behavioral health teams, offering peer-based guidance rooted in empathy and shared understanding.

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

What is the CCS Certification?

The Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) credential is designed for experienced addiction professionals who provide oversight, mentorship, and clinical guidance to other counselors. This advanced certification validates high-level competence in supervision, leadership, and program development. With significant experience in both counseling and supervisory roles, CCS-certified professionals ensure quality care, ethical practice, and workforce development within behavioral health settings.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Current credential as an AODA counselor at the reciprocal level or higher, 10,000 hours of counseling experience (adjusted based on degree level), 4,000 hours of clinical supervisory experience, and 30 hours of education specific to clinical supervision.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Certified Clinical Supervisor click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Specific educational and experiential requirements aligned with criminal justice and substance abuse fields.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Certified Criminal Justice Professional click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP)

What is the CCJP Certification?

The Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) credential is tailored for professionals working at the intersection of the criminal justice and substance use treatment systems. This certification recognizes specialized expertise in providing addiction services within correctional settings, courts, and community supervision programs. The CCJP affirms a strong understanding of both behavioral health principles and the unique dynamics of justice-involved populations.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • Requirements – Specific educational and experiential requirements aligned with criminal justice and substance abuse fields.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the fee. Certified Criminal Justice Professional click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration an email from SMT with-in 7 days, make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP)

What is the CCJP Certification?

The Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) credential is tailored for professionals working at the intersection of the criminal justice and substance use treatment systems. This certification recognizes specialized expertise in providing addiction services within correctional settings, courts, and community supervision programs. The CCJP affirms a strong understanding of both behavioral health principles and the unique dynamics of justice-involved populations.

Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)

What is the CPS Certification?

The Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) credential is designed for professionals dedicated to preventing substance use and promoting community wellness. It focuses on proactive strategies such as education, outreach, program planning, and policy advocacy. With training and supervised experience in prevention science, CPS-certified professionals help build safer, healthier communities through evidence-based prevention efforts.

Start your journey as a certified addiction counselor. We'll guide you through the full process:

  • 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.
  • Application Process – Fill out the application form, upload the required documents, and pay the fee. Certified Prevention Specialist Application click here
  • Study Materials – Recommended textbooks, online courses, and practice exams.
  • Exam Information – Schedule your exam through Prometric after pre-registration. An email from SMT will be sent within 7 days—make sure to check your spam.
  • Once you've completed your application and gathered all required documents, follow the steps below to submit your materials and complete your payment. This will begin the official review and scheduling process for your certification or exam.

📎 Submit Your Documentation and Pay Initial Certification Fee's

Please upload all required documentation directly through the form, or email it to abcac@abcac.org. Make sure your files are clear, complete, and labeled with your full name to avoid delays in processing.


Already Submitted Your Documentation?

If you have already emailed your completed application and supporting documentation to ABCAC, you may proceed with your certification payment using the link below.

This payment confirms your intent to complete the certification process.

Note: Process is Faster to Submit Here Online. (See Form Below)

Upload Initial Cert

If you are not trying to test your intital certifcation form is now complete you can go ahead and press the fill out form and pay button.

Become an ABCAC Board Member


Apply Now:

"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." Please fill out this form and email it back to us at abcac.org



FAQ

  • Who should apply for initial certification?

    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.

  • What is the cost for initial certification?

    The cost for initial certification through ABCAC is $150, which covers application processing and two years of certification (exam fee not included).

  • What are the requirements to apply?

    The requirements to apply for initial certification through the Arizona Board for the Certification of Addiction Counselors (ABCAC) depend on the specific credential, but the general requirements include:


    ✅ General Requirements (All Applicants):

    Residency: Must live or work in Arizona at least 51% of the time at the time of application.


    Completed Application: Submit both the General Application Manual and the appropriate Supplemental Manual for your credential.


    Education: Varies by credential (see below). All education must be documented with certificates or transcripts.


    Supervised Work Experience: Hours must meet credential-specific requirements and be verified by a supervisor.


    Signed Code of Ethics: Must agree to and sign ABCAC’s Code of Ethical Conduct.


    Payment: $150 initial certification fee (does not include the IC&RC exam fee).


    IC&RC Exam: You must pass the required IC&RC examination for your credential.


    📚 Credential-Specific Education & Experience Requirements:

    Credential Education Supervised Experience

    CAC High School Diploma or GED + 200 hrs training 4,000 hrs (2 years)

    CADAC Bachelor's + 200 hrs (90 in addiction, 90 in counseling) 6,000 hrs (3 years)

    AADC Master’s + 180 hrs addiction-specific 2,000 hrs

    CPRS High School Diploma or GED + 46 hrs domain-specific training 500 hrs practical + 25 hrs supervision

    CCS Master’s or qualifying credential + 30 hrs supervision training 10,000 hrs counseling + 4,000 hrs supervision

    CPS Education in prevention domains Credential-specific

    CCJP Behavioral health background Experience in criminal justice addictions counseling


    📩 For help determining which credential you qualify for, contact abcac@abcac.org or call 480-980-1770.


    Let me know if you’d like this as a checklist or printable summary!

  • Is the IC&RC exam included in the $375 fee?

    Yes, the $375 fee does include the IC&RC exam — it covers both your certification processing and your IC&RC testing fee, along with two years of certification once approved.

  • How do I submit my application?

    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.

  • How long does the certification process take?

    Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks once all documentation is received. You will be notified of exam registration and next steps by email.