The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification is an important credential for those looking to become addiction counselors in New York state. Obtaining the CASAC demonstrates you have the required education, experience and examination performance to provide effective counseling services.
This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know to successfully get your CASAC certification.
What is a CASAC?
A CASAC is a credential issued by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to professionals who provide direct substance use disorder treatment
As a CASAC you can conduct assessments provide counseling, make referrals, and deliver other clinical services to individuals struggling with addiction.
The CASAC demonstrates you have met rigorous education, training, and testing requirements mandated by OASAS to provide competent, ethical SUD counseling.
Key Steps to Earning Your CASAC
Obtaining CASAC certification involves meeting requirements in the following areas:
Education and Training – Completing mandatory coursework and training covering core knowledge and skill areas. This totals a minimum of 350 education hours.
Supervised Work Experience – Documenting at least 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in an OASAS-certified treatment setting. This is approximately 3 years of full-time work.
Examination – Passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam administered by ISO Quality Testing.
Background Check – Undergoing and clearing a criminal background check review.
Application Process – Submitting an application detailing how you have met CASAC requirements and being approved.
Let’s look at each of these steps in more detail:
1. Meet Education and Training Requirements
To qualify for the CASAC, you must complete a minimum of 350 clock hours of OASAS-approved education and training. This includes:
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270 hours spread across core knowledge areas like addiction counseling theories, ethics, pharmacology, health screening, etc.
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45 hours of skill development covering assessment, counseling, case management, and documentation skills.
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35 hours focused on special populations such as adolescents, senior citizens, disabled individuals, etc.
Additionally, there are several one-time mandatory trainings:
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15 hours on cultural competency.
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2 hours each on identifying and reporting child abuse, and screening for tobacco usage.
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1 hour each on HIV/AIDS and gambling disorders.
Education can be obtained through formal college programs, OASAS Training Provider programs, employer training, and independent study programs.
Review the full education catalog on the OASAS website to identify approved courses in each domain.
2. Acquire Supervised Work Experience
In addition to coursework, you need hands-on experience providing SUD counseling. CASAC applicants must document:
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At least 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in an OASAS-certified treatment setting. This is roughly 3 years of full-time work.
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Within the 6,000 hours, a minimum of 300 hours must be direct supervision of your counseling skills and development.
Maintain a detailed record of your hourly experience that includes the facility name, your role, dates worked, and supervisor name.
Clinical supervisors must complete an evaluation of your competency and submit it with your application.
3. Pass the ADC Exam
Once your education and experience requirements have been fulfilled, you can register to take the ADC exam through ISO Quality Testing.
The computer-based test contains 150 multiple choice questions covering:
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Addiction Counseling Models and Theories
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Treatment Planning and Referral
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Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
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Screening and Assessment
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Counseling and Education Approaches
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Documentation
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Codependency and Enabling
Study materials like the IC&RC Candidate Guide and sample exams are available to help you prepare.
You must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70% to satisfy the testing requirement for the CASAC. If you fail, you can retest after 90 days.
4. Complete Background Check
As part of the application process, you must successfully pass a criminal background check review. This involves getting fingerprinted and authorizing a search of your criminal history.
Certain convictions could prevent you from being approved for the CASAC credential.
5. Submit Your CASAC Application
Once all requirements have been completed, you can submit your CASAC application to OASAS. This involves:
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Filling out the application forms thoroughly.
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Paying the $100 application fee.
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Providing supporting documentation verifying you have met the education, experience, testing, and background check requirements.
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Securing competency evaluation forms to be completed by two qualified professionals.
OASAS will review your application and notify you if any further items are needed. Once approved, you will be awarded your CASAC certificate.
The full application process can take 6-12 months to complete. You have 5 years from submitting your application to finish all credential requirements before it expires.
Other Important CASAC Details
Here are some other key things to know about obtaining your CASAC:
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During the application process, you can apply for a CASAC Trainee or CASAC Provisional certificate if you have completed some but not all requirements. This allows you to start working in the field.
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Human services degrees like social work, counseling, psychology, etc. can potentially substitute for portions of the CASAC education or experience requirements.
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You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and work or reside in New York at least 51% of the time.
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CASAC certification must be renewed every 3 years by completing continuing education requirements.
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Certified counselors must adhere to the CASAC Code of Ethical Principles. Violations could lead to disciplinary actions.
##CASAC Certification Key Benefits
Earning your CASAC credential provides many valuable benefits:
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Enhances your credibility, reputation, and career opportunities as an addiction counselor.
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Allows you to work in leadership clinical roles at OASAS-certified treatment facilities.
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Demonstrates you have proven expertise in evidence-based counseling approaches.
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Indicates your commitment to ongoing learning, professional development, and ethical conduct.
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Keeps you current on the latest addiction treatment models and interventions.
Overall, the CASAC sends a clear signal to employers and clients that you are qualified to provide effective substance abuse counseling services in New York State.
##Conclusion
Obtaining CASAC certification requires dedication and hard work—but it is an invaluable investment in your career if you want to help people overcome addiction.
Follow the step-by-step process outlined here to earn your credential in a strategic manner. You’ll need perseverance to meet the experience requirements, discipline to complete the coursework, and thorough preparation to pass the exam.
Stay organized and focused, and you’ll have your CASAC certification before you know it! This recognition will open doors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance abuse disorders.
Psychology of Prevention (PSY 36
Minimum Education Requirements: High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED;TASC)
The late 19th century saw a revolution in our ability to prevent devastating physical ailments through the promotion of hygiene. The development of vaccines in the 20th century gave parents the possibility to safeguard their children from lethal diseases for which there is still no cure. What then are the mechanisms with which we can prevent mental disorders as well as Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drug and Gambling (ATODG) abuse disorders in the 21st Century? Recent research has found that in the area of mental illness and ATODG, prevention is a future goal, while health promotion and risk reduction are viable foci of intervention now.
This course will examine the history and societal tensions between mental health promotion and mental illness treatment. We will study the skills necessary to promote mental health and reduce risks for mental illness through community-based interventions, while learning the specific vocabulary of prevention research. We will examine current prevention research to determine the quality of data available to us today, and the needs for future information to improve prevention interventions.
Course meets New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) requirements for 10 hours of Section II – Integrated Care (classes 1-2, 8-13,16-27), 10 hours of Section III – Patient, Family and Community Education and Prevention (classes 1-27), 6 hours of Section II – Counseling Special Populations/Cultural Competency (classes 2-4, 11-15, 20-27) in the Accredited CASAC-T Educational program.
Any student attending this course is required to be Covid19 Vaccinated. https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/faqs/
Treatment of Substance Abuse II (PSY 3
Minimum Education Requirements: High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED;TASC)
The aim of this second section of treatment of substance abuse is to further introduce CASAC and other psychology undergraduate students to concepts relevant to the assessment, evaluation, treatment planning, case management, and referral and service coordination for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD)-related problems. A range of evidence-based methods will be discussed including the latest empirically supported screening and assessment instruments. Students will gain knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for alcohol and substance use disorders utilizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Emphasis in this course will be placed on treatment planning and case management. Students will learn how to build a therapeutic alliance, systematically gather data from clients and collateral sources, determine treatment readiness, and develop a treatment plan consistent with their clients’ goals. Students will gain knowledge and practical skills in case management, ongoing monitoring and assessment, and referral of clients to appropriate services as needed.
Throughout the course, additional emphasis will be placed on client record keeping and documentation of service coordination activities throughout the continuum of care.
Course meets New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) requirements for 5 hours of Section II – Relapse Prevention Skills in Individual Counseling (classes 16-18), 4 hours of Section III – Assessment and Evaluation (classes 16-18), 24 hours of Section III – Treatment Planning, Client Record Keeping and Discharge Planning (classes 6-14,16-22) and 12 hours of Section III – Case Management, Referral, and Service Coordination (classes 23-30) in the Accredited CASAC-T Educational program.
Any student attending this course is required to be Covid19 Vaccinated. https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/faqs/
CASAC Application Tutorial
How do I become a CASAC in New York?
To become a CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) in New York, you’ll need to follow specific steps and meet certain requirements. To qualify as a CASAC, the following prerequisites must be met: Complete 350 hours of CASAC Education and Training by an OASAS-approved education provider.
How do I get a CASAC-T certification?
Professionals can apply for the CASAC-T certification while obtaining a CASAC certification after completing the requirement for 350 hours of coursework and training. Some requirements for these certifications match, so this can be a simple qualification to earn.
What is a CASAC certification?
A Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification allows professionals to work in jobs related to addiction counseling. These professionals provide intervention and support to individuals who struggle with substance abuse conditions.
How much does a CASAC training cost?
Make 3 easy payments of 1400.00 each to begin this CASAC 350-hour hybrid training. Your journey to becoming a substance use counselor in NYS is one click away. This training provides you with the complete education and training required by NYS OASAS so you can receive your CASAC-T and begin gaining the work experience needed to become a CASAC.
