Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Alaska

You don’t choose Alaska’s substance abuse counseling field unless you’re ready to serve communities that need you most. From Anchorage’s urban treatment centers to rural villages accessible only by plane, Alaska’s chemical dependency counselors work where addiction intersects with isolation, extreme weather, and limited resources.
This isn’t a career for people chasing comfort. It’s for those who’ve seen what addiction does to families and communities, and who won’t look away. Alaska needs counselors who can meet people where they are, whether that’s in a Fairbanks clinic or a remote community hundreds of miles from the nearest road.

Alaska Certification Levels

Alaska’s certification structure mirrors the national IC&RC system, giving you a clear progression from entry-level support to independent clinical practice. The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC) oversees this process, and understanding these levels helps you map your path based on your current education and career goals.

Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant (CCDCA)

This is where most people start, especially if you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. As a CCDCA, you’ll work under direct supervision while building the clinical hours you need for advancement.
Requirements:

High school diploma or GED
200 hours of addiction-specific training
Pass the IC&RC Written Exam (ADC or AADC level)
1,000 hours of supervised practical experience

You’re not practicing independently at this level. You’re learning, observing, and supporting licensed counselors as you develop your clinical skills. Think of it as your apprenticeship in the field.

Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CCDC I)

The CCDC I credential lets you work more independently, though you’ll still need supervision for certain clinical decisions. This level typically requires at least an associate degree.
Requirements:

Associate degree in behavioral science or related field (or 4,000 hours of supervised experience)
300 hours of addiction-specific education
Pass the IC&RC ADC exam
2,000 hours of supervised practical experience

Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CCDC II)

This is the professional standard for most addiction counseling positions in Alaska. With a CCDC II, you’re recognized as a fully qualified counselor capable of independent practice in most settings.
Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field (or 6,000 hours of supervised experience)
300 hours of addiction-specific education
Pass the IC&RC AADC exam
4,000 hours of supervised practical experience

Certified Advanced Chemical Dependency Counselor (CACDC)

The CACDC represents the highest level of certification in Alaska. You’ll need a master’s degree and extensive clinical experience. This credential qualifies you for supervisory roles and independent clinical practice.
Requirements:

Master’s degree in counseling or related field
500 hours of addiction-specific education
Pass the IC&RC AADC exam
6,000 hours of supervised practical experience (4,000 post-master’s)

Education Requirements

Your education path depends on where you’re starting and where you want to go. Alaska doesn’t require a specific degree in addiction counseling, but your coursework needs to cover behavioral health fundamentals.

If You’re Starting Without a Degree

You can begin working toward certification immediately. Start with the CCDCA credential while you complete your 200 hours of required training. Many Alaska counselors work in treatment facilities while taking online courses to build their credentials.
The online certificate programs we’ve compiled include options that meet Alaska’s training hour requirements and prepare you for the IC&RC exam. Look for programs approved explicitly by the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification.

Associate Degree Path

An associate degree in addiction counseling or behavioral science gives you the academic foundation for CCDC I certification. This typically takes two years and covers counseling theory, substance abuse pharmacology, ethics, and treatment approaches.
Alaska doesn’t have many in-state options for addiction-specific associate degrees, which is why most counselors pursue general behavioral science programs supplemented with addiction-focused training hours.

Bachelor’s Degree Path

A bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or counseling opens the door to CCDC II certification. This is the level at which you’ll have absolute autonomy in your practice and access to higher-paying positions.
The University of Alaska system offers behavioral health programs that include substance abuse coursework, though you’ll likely need additional specialized training to meet the complete 300-hour requirement for CCDC II.

Master’s Degree Path

For CACDC certification, you’ll need a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. This typically takes two years beyond your bachelor’s degree and includes extensive supervised clinical practice.
Alaska doesn’t have many in-state graduate programs specifically focused on addiction counseling. Many Alaska counselors complete online master’s programs from accredited universities in the Lower 48 while working in the field.

Application Process and Fees

Getting certified in Alaska means working directly with the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification. The process is straightforward, but it requires careful documentation of your education, training, and supervised hours.

Initial Certification Application

You’ll submit your application through the ACBHC, including:

Official transcripts showing your degree completion
Documentation of your addiction-specific training hours
Verification of supervised experience hours (signed by your supervisor)
IC&RC exam scores
Application fee (varies by certification level)

Application Fees (as of 2024):

CCDCA: $100
CCDC I: $150
CCDC II: $200
CACDC: $250

Supervised Experience Requirements

Your supervised hours must be accumulated under a qualified supervisor approved by the ACBHC. In remote Alaska communities, this can be challenging. The commission understands this reality and allows for remote supervision arrangements, including videoconferencing and regular consultation calls.
Your supervisor must hold a credential at least one level above yours and be approved by the ACBHC. Document everything. Keep detailed logs of your supervision sessions, clinical hours, and the specific competencies you’re developing.

IC&RC Examination

Alaska uses the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) exams for all certification levels. The Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam is required for CCDCA and CCDC I, while the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam is required for CCDC II and CACDC.
The exams test your knowledge across 12 core competencies, from screening and assessment to treatment planning and professional ethics. They’re challenging, but if you’ve completed quality training and gained real clinical experience, you’ll be prepared.

Continuing Education Requirements

Certification isn’t a one-time achievement in Alaska. You’ll need to maintain your credential through ongoing education, demonstrating that you’re staying current with treatment approaches and best practices.
Continuing Education Requirements:

CCDCA: 20 hours every two years
CCDC I: 30 hours every two years
CCDC II: 40 hours every two years
CACDC: 40 hours every two years

At least 50% of your continuing education must be addiction-specific. The rest can cover related topics like mental health, trauma-informed care, or cultural competency. Given Alaska’s diverse indigenous population, cultural competency training is particularly valuable.
The continuing education providers we’ve compiled include many offering online courses that count toward Alaska requirements. The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority also funds training opportunities specifically for Alaska counselors.

Salary and Career Outlook in Alaska

Alaska’s substance abuse counselors earn above-average salaries compared to national figures, reflecting both the state’s higher cost of living and the challenging nature of the work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska employs approximately 1,060 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors.

Employment Level	Total Employed	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Salary	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Alaska Statewide	1,060	$52,790	$63,690	$79,220	$96,940	$129,990

What These Numbers Mean

The median salary of $79,220 puts Alaska’s addiction counselors well above the national median. Experienced counselors in Anchorage or working in federal programs can earn over $96,000, while those in rural communities with cost-of-living differentials or remote location bonuses can earn even more.

Entry-level positions (CCDCA or CCDC I) typically start in the $52,000-$63,000 range. As you advance to CCDC II with a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience, you’ll move toward that median $79,000 mark. Master’s-level counselors (CACDC) working in supervisory or clinical director roles can earn $96,000-$129,000.

Where You’ll Work

Alaska’s addiction treatment landscape includes:

• Urban treatment centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau
• Regional hub clinics serving multiple villages
• Federal Indian Health Service facilities
• Alaska Native tribal health organizations
• Correctional facilities
• Rural community health centers

Rural positions often come with housing allowances, travel benefits, and higher base pay to compensate for isolation and limited amenities. Some counselors work rotational schedules, spending two weeks in a village followed by time off in Anchorage or the Lower 48.

Job Outlook

Alaska faces a persistent shortage of qualified substance abuse counselors, particularly in rural areas. The state’s ongoing opioid crisis, combined with high rates of alcohol abuse in remote communities, creates constant demand for trained professionals.
Career advancement is possible even in a small state like Alaska. Many counselors start in entry-level positions, advance to independent practice, and eventually move into program management or clinical supervision roles.

Frequently Asked Questions