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NCAAC

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National Certified Adolescent Addictions Counselor (NCAAC)

A voluntary national and international credential that recognizes a standard of competencies and effective clinical practice utilized in treating adolescent substance use disorders/addiction. 

Why obtain the NCAAC credential?

  • Position yourself for career advancement and increased salary potential.
  • Distinguish yourself as a practitioner who has specialized in adolescent and addition assessment and treatment. 
  • Demonstrate to clients, employers, and 3rd party payors your commitment to quality are by verifying through certification the skills and competencies you have developed through years of adolescent work experience and course work.
  • The NCAAC credential reflects a commitment of the highest ethical standards for Substance Use Disorders/Addiction professionals. 
  • The U.S. Department of Labor expects the demand for Substance Use Disorders/Addiction counselors to grow by 22% by 2024. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects (social work, mental health counseling, psychology) from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Current credential or license as a Substance Use Disorders/Addiction counselor or Professional Counselor (social worker, mental health counselor, marriage family therapist or psychologist) issued by a state or credentialing authority.
  • At least five years full-time or 10,000 hours of supervised experience working in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects. Must include two and a half years full-time or 5,000 hours of supervised experience working with adolescents.
  • At least 270 contact hours of education and training in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects.
    • Must include at least 70 contact hours of training related to adolescent treatment within the last six years.
    • Must include at least six hours of Ethics education and training within the last six years. 
    • Must include at least six hours of HIV/other pathogens education and training within the last six years. 
  • Passing score on NCC AP’s NCAAC exam.

Application Requirements

  • Copy of official Bachelor's Degree or higher transcript from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Evidence of a current credential or license as a Substance Use Disorders/Addiction counselor or Professional Counselor (social worker, mental health counselor, marriage family therapist or psychologist issued by a state or credentialing authority.
  • Evidence of five years full-time or 10,000 hours of supervised experience working in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects. Must include two and a half years full-time or 5,000 hours of supervised experience working with adolescents.
  • Evidence of least 270 contact hours of education and training in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction and/or related counseling subjects. 
    • Must include at least 70 contact hours of training related to Adolescent treatment within the last six years.
    • Must include at least six hours of Ethics education and training within the last six years. 
    • Must include at least six hours of HIV/other pathogens education and training within the last six years. 
  • Submission of a signed statement that the candidate has read and adheres to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics.
  • Payment of $235.00 non-refundable endorsement application fee.

Fees

Renewals

  • NCAAC Renewal Application
  • Evidence of a current state-issued credential/license.
  • 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
  • Provide work history for the two years prior to renewal.
  • Submission of a signed statement that the candidate has read and subscribes to the NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics.
  • Payment of $200.00 non-refundable application/certification fee. See full list of costs and fees.


Apply or Renew Today!

Download Initial Application  Download Renewal Application

Review NAADAC/NCC AP Code of Ethics

Examination Details

The National Certification Examination for Adolescent Addiction Counselors is a computer-based examination composed of a maximum of 250 multiple-choice, objective questions with a total testing time of four hours. The examination will be weighted in approximately the following manner: Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances (25%); Adolescent Counseling Practice (40%); Theories of Counseling and Adolescent Practice (20%); and Professional Considerations for Addiction Counselors (15%).

Testing Schedule

All NCC AP examinations are now available throughout the month at a date and location convenient for you! You now have more flexibility and opportunity to get your national credential than ever before. Locate a Testing Center in Your Area

Test Preparation Materials

2023 NAADAC

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