Eligibility Requirements for Master Addiction Counselor Credential

Important Note: If you have not taken the MAC exam previously, please contact the Professional Testing Corporation at www.ptcny.com (click on "Test Information" and scroll down to NCC) to request an application and instructions, or contact:

NAADAC National Certification Commission
1001 N Fairfax St, Ste 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.548.0497 or 703.741.7686
Email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please put "MAC" in the subject line.

If you have previously taken a certification exam at the state level, see Use of the NAADAC Test at the State Level.

Why should you obtain the MAC certification

Position yourself for career advancement and increased salary potential.
Enhance your opportunities for independent practice.
Demonstrate your commitment to excellence in addictions treatment with the only master’s level certification available to addiction counselors.
The demand for substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors is expected to grow by 35 percent within 10 years.

Eligibility

Master's Degree in the healing arts or related field with in-depth subjects applicable to the alcoholism and drug abuse treatment arena.
The degree must be awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Current state certification/licensure in alcoholism and/or drug abuse counseling or a related healing art.
500 contact hours of specific alcoholism and drug abuse counseling training (within the degree or elsewhere).
Three years full-time or 6,000 hours of supervised experience, two years or 4,000 hours of which must be post master's degree award.
Passing score on the national examination for the MAC

Requirements

Official transcript of a master’s degree transcript sent directly to NAADAC from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning (the official transcript must be sent by the institution).
Documentation of current state certification/licensure as an alcoholism and/or drug abuse counselor. (Section II of the Application Form)
Three years' full-time or 6,000 hours of supervised experience as an alcoholism and/or drug abuse counselor and/or in the healing arts. Two years of 4,000 hours of which must be postmasters degree award.
Written verification of competency in all skill groups verified by a supervisor or other health care professionals who have personally observed the candidate's alcohol and/or drug abuse counseling work. (Section IV of the Application Form)
Documentation of 500 contact hours of specific alcoholism and drug abuse counseling training (within a degree area or elsewhere). Included in the total must be 6 contact hours of ethics training and 6 contact hours of HIV/AIDS training. (Section II of the Application Form)
Submission of a signed and dated statement that the candidate has read the NAADAC Code of Ethics and subscribes to it. (Section VI of the Application Form)
Received a passing score on the MAC written examination within 4 years of this application (see Test Information or visit ptny.com).
A copy of your grade sheet must be attached.
Payment of non-refundable application/certification review fee

MAC Examination

Content
The written exam is composed of 200 multiple-choice, objective questions that test candidates' knowledge in the areas of pharmacology of psychoactive substances, counseling practice, and professional issues related to alcoholism and drug abuse treatment.

Schedule
Examinations are given nationwide (and abroad) three times per year: March (third Saturday), July (fourth Saturday) and November (Saturday
before Thanksgiving). Application deadlines are sixty (60) days prior to the test date.

Application Fees (MAC)
(Includes Application/Examination/2 year Credential)
NAADAC members: $195
Non-members: $295

Important Note: If you have not taken the MAC exam previously, please contact the Professional Testing Corporation at www.ptcny.com (click on "Test Information" and scroll down to NCC) to request an application and instructions, or contact:

NAADAC National Certification Commission
1001 N Fairfax St, Ste 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.548.0497 or 703.741.7686
Email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please put "MAC" in the subject line.

If you have previously taken a certification exam at the state level, see Use of the NAADAC Test at the State Level.

To help prepare for the written exam, you may order the newly revised Basics of Addiction Counseling: Desk Reference and Study Guide.