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Best addictions counselor certifications
Addictions counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an addictions counselor to employers. However, not all addictions counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an addictions counselor are Master Addictions Counselor, Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC).
Below is a list of the best addictions counselor certifications. Obtaining an addictions counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for addictions counselors
| Rank | Addictions counselor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Master Addictions Counselor | NAFC |
| 2 | Pastoral Counseling Certification | Mt. Vision In... |
| 3 | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | IC&RC |
| 4 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 5 | Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) | ACADC |
| 6 | Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) | NAADAC |
| 7 | Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor | NAFC |
| 8 | Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) | AAHCPAD |
| 9 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
| 10 | Professional Level Drug, Alcohol & Addiction Counselor Certification (DAACC) | ACADC |
| 11 | National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC) | NAADAC |
| 12 | Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS) | The Breining ... |
| 13 | Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC) | NAFC |
| 14 | Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJP) | IC&RC |
14 best addictions counselor certifications
1. Master Addictions Counselor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
2. Pastoral Counseling Certification
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
3. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
The International Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors is the first examination to test knowledge and skills about alcohol and drug counseling on an international level. It has been developed by IC&RC through the cooperation of its Member Boards and their strong desire to have an international exam that is based on current practice in the field.Alcohol & Drug Counselor is one of the five reciprocal certifications offered through IC&RC.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
The Mission of the Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors, as a counselor certification organization for the California Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs, is to provide an entrance to the professional counseling arena, to train and certify Christian men and women who desire to do professional drug, alcohol and addiction counseling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
A voluntary national certification intended for professionals working within addiction-related disciplines wishing to demonstrate their specialized addiction treatment skills gained through supervised work experience and specific graduate course work.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
9. National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
10. Professional Level Drug, Alcohol & Addiction Counselor Certification (DAACC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
12. Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS)
The Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS) Certification program, after an independent and comprehensive review, has been nationally accredited by the prestigious National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
14. Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for an addictions counselor?
The best addictions counselor certification is Master Addictions Counselor. The Master Addictions Counselor is awarded by the National Association of Forensic Counselors. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this addictions counselor certification:
- To become a certified Master Addictions Counselor, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for addictions counselors?
The most in-demand addictions counselor certification is Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor based on all active job postings. Having this addictions counselor certification will give you access to more addictions counselor jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an addictions counselor career and salary?
The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor certification will help you to secure an program director position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An program director's average salary is $64,144 whereas addictions counselors make an average salary of $47,226.
The most common combination of addictions counselor certifications include: Master Addictions Counselor, Pastoral Counseling Certification, and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC).
Online courses for addictions counselors to earn certifications
1. Addiction Treatment: Clinical Skills for Healthcare Providers
This course is designed with a singular goal: to improve the care you provide to your patients with substance use disorders. By delving into a model case performed by actors, seven Yale instructors from various fields provide techniques to screen your patients for substance use disorder risk, diagnose patients to gauge the severity of their use, directly manage treatment plans, refer out to treatment services, and navigate the various conditions that may limit your patient’s access to treatment...
2. The Addicted Brain
This is a course about addiction to drugs and other behaviors. It will describe what happens in the brain and how this information helps us deal with and overcome addiction. It will also discuss other topics, such as government policy and our vulnerability to take drugs...
3. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
4. Addiction & Mental Health - Chemically Speaking Two (2hrs)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions - Understand Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health. How to help people...
5. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
6. Psychology and Therapy of Addictions -ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE
Working with alcohol and drugs addictions, substance misuse and rehabilitation helper, counselling, psychotherapy, coach...
7. Alcohol and Drug Addictions: Psychology - ACCREDITED CERT
Learn psychology of human behaviour related to addictions, alcohol- and drug treatments, diagnose & symptoms, overdose...
8. Fully Accredited Professional Addiction Counselling Diploma
Effective Techniques for Counsellors to Expand within the field of Addictions with Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling & Sex...
9. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...
10. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
11. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
12. Addiction Training: Break Negative Patterns In Your Life
OCD Treatment Course: Kick Negative Habits and Compulsive Behaviours...
13. CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Therapists & Coaches
Comprehensive CBT Therapy Training Cognitive Behavior Therapy Practitioner Level Treat Anxiety, Depression & More...
14. Managing mental health issues in the workplace
Learn how to support your own mental health and wellbeing and that of your staff...
15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Certificate
Become a certified CBT practitioner and learn to use cognitive behavior therapy to improve people's mental health...
16. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy
Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...
17. Certified Spiritual Counselor & Psychology EmpathACCREDITED
Use a humanistic, soul care approach using strategy, positive psychology, emotional/impulse responses & natural empathy...
18. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Online Counselling & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Training Course...
19. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Certificate
Become a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) practitioner and help people improve their mental health...
20. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...