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NAADAC offers three levels of certification for individuals who are interested in advancing their career in addiction counseling. These levels were established at the national level by the NAADAC Certification Commission, which operates as an independent body managing NAADAC’s credentials and education. The NAADAC Certification Commission deals with test administration, fees, ethics and rules of procedure.
Established in 1990, the NAADAC Certification Commission instituted credentials specifically for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors.
NAADAC certifications are:
Keeping up-to-date with the changing face of addiction, NAADAC also offers:
Information on the credentialing process for each of these certifications can be found in the NCC Certification Guide and is also detailed below:
NAADAC Certification Costs
National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I)
A national certification intended for professionals working within addiction related disciplines who wish to demonstrate their skills gained through years of supervised work experience.
To qualify for the NCACI certification, you must have:
National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II)
A national certification intended for professionals working within addiction related disciplines who wish to demonstrate their specialized addiction treatment skills gained through years of supervised work experience and specific undergraduate coursework.
To qualify for the NCACII certification, you must have:
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
A national certification intended for professionals working within addiction related disciplines who wish to demonstrate their specialized addiction treatment skills gained through years of supervised work experience and specific graduate coursework.
To qualify for the MAC, you must have:
- 500 hours of education and training to include Master’s degree in the healing arts- counseling, social work, family therapy, nursing, psychology, or other human services field
- Current state certificate or license in your profession, such as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or an LSW (Licensed Social Worker)
- Three years of supervised experience – two-thirds of which must be post-master’s degree award
- New applicants must show evidence of Ethics and HIV/AIDS training/education received in the past five years.
Tobacco Addiction Specialist Credential
This credential provides foundational knowledge of tobacco addiction, develops skills and strategies for tobacco addiction counseling and examines related recovery and wellness issues.
To qualify for the Tobacco Addiction Specialist Credential, you must have:
- A license or certification in the helping profession (i.e. nursing, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy) or teaching certificate or alcohol and other drug certification
- Show evidence of trainings received in the last 3 years
- Completion of 85 hours or more of specific nicotine dependence training and validated testing
- New applicants must show evidence of Ethics and HIV/AIDS training/education received in the past five years.
Re-Certification
Re-Certifciation is required every two years or upon the expiration of the credential.
Testing Information
To apply for the NCAC I, NCAC II, MAC or TAS credential, as well as the Adolescent Specialtist endorsement applicants must (among other requirements) successfully complete a NAADAC written examination.
Adolescent Specialist Endorsement
The Adolescent Specialist Endorsement (ASE) is intended to standardize competencies and to recognize nationally a high level of effective clinical practice in treating adolescent Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Applicants must show evidence of Ethics and HIV/AIDS training/education received in the past five years.
Conflict Resolution in Recovery Certificate Program
This certificate is meant to deepen the understanding of addiction for pastoral and community leaders. Please note: this certificate is meant purely as an educational tool and does not qualify certificate holders to counsel those with addictions.
Certificate in Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families
This certificate is meant to deepen the understanding of addiction for pastoral and community leaders. Please note: this certificate is meant purely as an educational tool and does not qualify certificate holders to counsel those with addictions.
Substance Abuse Professionals (SAPs)
A Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluates workers who have violated a DOT drug and alcohol program regulation and makes recommendations concerning education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.
Frequent Asked Questions About NAADAC Certification
Scope of Practice
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