The written national credentialing examination is tailored to test the applicant on his or her projected knowledge based on experience, education and training. The following skill groups are evaluated in the examination, and an applicant for national certification should be well versed in each of these topic areas:
- treatment admission (screening, intake and orientation)
- clinical assessment
- ongoing treatment planning
- counseling services (individual, group, family, crisis intervention and client education)
- documentation
- case management
- discharge and continuing care
- legal, ethical and professional growth issues
- physiology adnd psychopharmacology
The National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) written examination consists of 150 multiple-choice, objective questions with a total testing time of three hours. The examination tests candidates’ knowledge in the areas of orientation to the treatment process (14%), assessment (23%), ongoing treatment planning and implementation (25%), addiction counseling practices and skills (21%), and professional practices (17%).
A score of 67% (100/150) is passing.
If you have previously taken a certification exam at the state level, you may be able to use these scores towards national level certification. See States Using NCC AP Exams for more information.
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