Addiction Counselor Requirements in Colorado
Despite a strong economy, thriving job market, and breathtaking natural beauty, Colorado hasn’t escaped the back to back addiction crises that washed over the western US – first prescription opioids and now cheap fentanyl. Addiction counselors in Colorado are the silent heroes of the state, helping ensure everyone has access to affordable treatment and recovery resources. Their work helps countless people suffering from addiction reclaim their lives, mending families and strengthening communities in the process.
Colorado addiction counselors are regulated by the State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners, part of the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), which offers three levels of credentialing:
- Certified Addiction Technician
- Certified Addiction Specialist
- Licensed Addiction Counselor
Select a Colorado Addiction Counselor Topic Below…
- Certified Addiction Technician Requirements
- Certified Addiction Specialist Requirements
- Licensed Addiction Counselor Requirements
- Jurisprudence Examination
- Application Process
- Endorsement Candidates
- Additional Information
Certified Addiction Technician Requirements
Applicants for the Certified Addiction Technician (CAT) certification must have a high school diploma or GED and nine addiction specialty training classes in:
- Addiction Counseling Skills: 21 hours
- Principles of Addiction Treatment: 21 hours
- Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment: 14 hours
- Culturally Informed Treatment: 14 hours
- Pharmacology: 14 hours
- Trauma-Informed Care for Diverse Populations: 14 hours
- Motivational Interviewing: 21 hours
- Group Counseling Skills: 21 hours
Find more information about where and how to take the above courses here.
Applicants must also:
- Complete at least 1,000 hours of relevant work experience in no less than six months. The work must be supervised by an ACC or ADD.
- Take and pass the Association of Addiction Counselors (NAADAC) examination at the NCAC I level.
Certified Addiction Specialist Requirements
Applicants for the Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certification must earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in substance abuse or a related health sciences field like psychology, human services, or social work. Sociology, nursing, and criminal justice degrees are typically not acceptable degrees.
Candidates must also take 11 training courses in:
- Clinical supervision I: 21 hours
- Clinical supervision II: 14 hours
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: 14 hours
- Co-existing conditions: 14 hours
- Infectious diseases in substance abuse: 14 hours
- Advanced treatment models: 14 hours
- Advanced motivational interviewing: 14 hours
- Advanced case conceptualization: 14 hours
- Advanced professional/ethical practice: 14 hours
- Advanced pharmacology: 14 hours
- Treating diverse populations: 14 hours
Find more information about where and how to take the above courses here.
Applicants must also:
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of relevant work experience in no less than 18 months. The work must be supervised by an ACC or ADD.
- Take and pass the Association of Addiction Counselors (NAADAC) examination at the NCAC II level. Candidates who have already earned a qualifying graduate degree may also take the MAC exam.
Licensed Addiction Counselor Requirements
Applicants for the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) license must earn a master’s or doctoral degree in substance abuse/disorders/addiction and/or a related area like social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, etc.
Candidates must also take 7 specialty training courses:
- Principles of Addiction Treatment: 21 hours
- Infectious Diseases in Addiction Treatment: 14 hours
- Pharmacology I: 14 hours
- Advanced Pharmacology: 14 hours
- Advanced Professional and Ethical Practice: 14 hours
- Clinical Supervision I: 21 hours
- Clinical Supervision II: 14 hours
Applicants must also:
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of clinically supervised addiction work experience
- Take and pass the Association of Addiction Counselors (NAADAC) MAC exam.
Jurisprudence Examination
All candidates for certification or licensure must also take the Colorado Mental Health Professions Jurisprudence Examination. This tests knowledge of statutes and rules, confidentiality and privilege, prohibited activities, disciplinary action, and emergency procedures. The examination is open book and can be taken online. The cost of the exam is $20.
The Board does not place limits on the number of times a candidate attempts the exam. However, a candidate who fails an attempt must wait ten days before re-enrolling and pay the $20 exam fee again.
The Application Process
Application materials and instructions are available on the DORA website. All applicants must apply for certification/licensure using the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services portal.
Applicants must also upload information detailing their degree, passing jurisprudence exam report, passing exam score, official college transcripts or evaluation certificate, and completed Work Verification form.
Endorsement Candidates
Out-of-state candidates applying for certification/licensure must send official verification from their licensing or certification agency to DORA and include detailed information about the licensing requirements they met. Candidates who haven’t passed an appropriate examination in another jurisdiction may be required to do so. All candidates will need to take the Colorado jurisprudence exam.
Addiction counselors should use the endorsement application if they are licensed in another jurisdiction.
Additional Information
Questions regarding certification/licensure can be directed to the State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners at (303) 894-7800.
The Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals is a helpful professional resource.