CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED BY APSAC

Certified Substance Abuse Counsellor (CSAC)

1. Three (3) years (6,000 hours) of work experience as a substance abuse counsellor. Those with a degree in Behavioural Science from a recognized institution will receive an exemption of 2,000 hours.  Applicants must show documented proof that they have received 300 hours of on-the job training in the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the 12 core functions of a substance abuse counsellor.
2. 270 hours of education specific to the substance abuse counselling field, including at least six (6) hours in professional ethics. 
3. Successful completion of the IC&RC's international Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counsellors (APDA) written examination. 
4. The certification is valid for two (2) years, after which recertification must be sought with proof of forty (40) hours of continuing education earned over two (2) years.

• Click here to view list of Certified Substance Abuse Counsellors
• Click here to download the CSAC Candidate Manual (AODA)
• Click here to download the Eligibility Assessment Form
  

Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

1. Five (5) years (10,000 hours) of verified counselling experience as a substance abuse counsellor. Volunteer work may be substituted.
2. Two (2) years (4,000 hours) of verified clinical supervisory experience in the substance abuse counselling field. These two years may be included in the five years of counselling experience and must include the provision of 200 contact hours of face-to-face clinical supervision.
3. Thirty (30) hours of verified didactic training in clinical supervision. This must include training in each of the following areas:

   i)      Assessment/ Evaluation
   ii)     Counsellor Development
   iii)    Management/ Administration
   iv)    Professional Responsibilities

4. Applicant must be a certified full member of APSAC.
5. Successful completion of the IC&RC Certified Clinical Supervisor written examination.
6. Submission of the certification application fee.
7. The certification is valid for two (2) years, after which recertification must be sought with proof of forty (40) hours of continuing education earned over two (2) years.

• Click here to view list of Certified Clinical Supervisors
• Click here for CCS Candidate Manual
• Click here to download the Eligibility Assessment Form
  
  

Certified Master Addiction Counsellor (CMAC)

1. One (1) year of supervised work experience as a Certified Substance Abuse Counsellor (CSAC).
2. A Master's or doctoral degree in Human Services or Behavioral Sciences field with a clinical application (i.e. practicum).
3. A total of 180 hours substance abuse specific course work that includes at least six (6) hours of professional ethics. 
4. Successful completion of the IC&RC's international Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counsellor (AADC) written examination.
5. Submission of the certification application fee together with a signed Code of Ethics. 
6. The certification is valid for two (2) years, after which recertification must be sought with proof of forty (40) hours of continuing education earned over two (2) years.

• Click here to view list of Certified Master Addiction Counsellors
• Click here for the CMAC Candidate Manual (AAODA)
• Click here to download the Eligibility Assessment Form

Certified Gambling Addiction Counsellor (CGAC) 

1. Three (3) years (6,000 hours) of work experience as an addictions counsellor. Those with a degree in Behavioural Science from a recognized institution will receive an exemption of 2,000 hours. Applicants must show documented proof that they have received 300 hours of on-the job training in the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the 12 core functions of an addictions counsellor, including 100 hours as a gambling addiction counsellor providing treatment / counselling to problem gamblers and their family members.
2. 270 hours of education specific to the addictions counselling field, including at least thirty (30) hours of gambling specific training or education and six (6) hours in professional ethics.
3. Successful completion of the National Gambling Counsellor Examination administered by Professional Testing Corporation, NY, USA.
4. The certification is valid for two (2) years, after which recertification must be sought with proof of forty (40) hours of continuing education earned over two (2) years.

• Click here to view list of Certified Gambling Addiction Counsellors
• Click here to download the Eligibility Assessment Form