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Since its creation in 1990, the National Certification Commission (NCC) has instituted nationally recognized credentials specifically for addiction professionals. The NCC operates as an independent body from NAADAC, managing credentials and additional services, including test administration, certification fees, ethics and rules of procedure.
Please note that certification through the NCC and membership in NAADAC are distinct. Although NAADAC members receive a discount on certifications through the NCC, certification does not automatically make one a NAADAC member. For more information about the benefits of NAADAC membership, please click here.
NCC certifications are:
Keeping up-to-date with the changing face of addiction treatment, the NCC 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
Applying for Retired or Inactive Status or for a Credential Extension
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.
Nicotine Dependence 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 Nicotine Dependence Specialist Credential, you must have:
Basic Level Certification
The Basic Level Credential helps to validate skills, knowledge and competency of outreach professionals, recovery support workers and interns and assess and measure the potential for new counselors with minimal experience and training.
Candidates for the NCC Basic Level Examination must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Have one year of experience or practice in substance use disorders in the recommended practice areas.
Have125 hours of training and/or education in addiction specific studies.
Have at minimum a high school diploma.
Meet any additional state board requirements and submit necessary documentation to the appropriate body.
Read the NAADAC or state board Code of Ethics.
Re-Certification
Recredentialing 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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