Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Hawaii
Hawaii requires substance abuse counselors to earn Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certification through the state’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD). Requirements vary by education: a high school diploma requires 6,000 supervised hours, a bachelor’s requires 4,000 hours, master’s requires 2,000 hours. All pathways require HIV/STD and ethics education, plus passing the IC&RC examination. You must live or work in Hawaii at least 51% of the time to qualify.
Though long considered paradise by those who live in or visit this beautiful archipelago, Hawaii hasn’t escaped the opioid and methamphetamine crisis devastating communities nationwide. Crystal meth continues to wreak havoc across the islands, while fentanyl and prescription opioids claim lives in both urban centers and rural communities.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen addiction’s impact firsthand—maybe in your own family, among friends, or in your community. That pain, that drive to help others break free, is exactly what brings people to addiction counseling.
Whether you’re planning to work with indigenous communities throughout the islands or in hospitals and recovery clinics in Honolulu, Maui, or the Big Island, becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in Hawaii means bringing evidence-based care to those ready to start their recovery journey. Hawaii’s certification process, managed by the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), provides clear pathways based on your education level—from a high school diploma to a master’s degree.
Hawaii substance abuse counselors are certified by the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), an affiliate of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (IC&RC). This IC&RC affiliation means your Hawaii certification can transfer to other states with reciprocity agreements, making it easier if you relocate or want to practice telehealth across state lines.
Hawaii Residency Requirements
Before pursuing certification, you need to meet Hawaii’s residency requirement. You must either live or work in Hawaii at least 51% of the time, or be stationed in Hawaii or the Pacific region (for military personnel). This requirement ensures counselors understand the unique cultural and community dynamics of providing addiction services in Hawaii.
If you’re planning to relocate to Hawaii specifically for this career, make sure you’ve established residency before beginning the application process.
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Requirements
The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is the standard credential for substance abuse counselors in Hawaii. The good news: you don’t need a college degree to start this career, though having one significantly reduces the work hours you’ll need. Hawaii recognizes three education-based pathways to CSAC certification.
High School Diploma or GED Pathway
If you’re entering the field with a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need:
- 6,000 hours of verified work experience in substance abuse counseling, with at least 400 hours specifically in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours of HIV/STD education
- Six hours of SUD Ethics and Confidentiality education
- Pass the IC&RC examination
This pathway takes longer but allows you to enter the field and gain experience while working toward certification. Many counselors start here as addiction technicians or case managers, building hours while discovering if this career is truly their calling.
Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
If you hold a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or have completed a certificate program in substance use disorder education, you’ll need:
- 4,000 hours of verified work experience in substance abuse counseling, with at least 400 hours in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours of HIV/STD education
- Six hours of SUD Ethics and Confidentiality education
- Pass the IC&RC examination
This middle pathway reduces your required hours by 2,000, meaning you can reach certification roughly a year faster than the high school pathway.
Master’s Degree Pathway
If you’ve earned a master’s degree in behavioral health, counseling, social work, or a related field, you’ll need:
- 2,000 hours of verified work experience in substance abuse counseling, with at least 400 hours in the 12 Core Functions
- Six hours of HIV/STD education
- Six hours of SUD Ethics and Confidentiality education
- Pass the IC&RC examination
This pathway gets you to certification fastest, typically within one year of full-time supervised work.
Understanding the 12 Core Functions
Every certification pathway requires at least 400 hours of documented experience in the “12 Core Functions” of substance abuse counseling. These are the foundational competencies all addiction counselors must demonstrate:
- Screening – Identifying individuals who may need addiction services
- Intake – Gathering initial information and determining the appropriate level of care
- Orientation – Explaining treatment process, rules, and expectations to clients
- Assessment – Conducting comprehensive evaluations to develop treatment plans
- Treatment Planning – Creating individualized recovery plans with measurable goals
- Counseling – Providing individual, group, and family counseling sessions
- Case Management – Coordinating services across multiple providers and systems
- Crisis Intervention – Responding to emergencies and preventing relapse
- Client Education – Teaching clients about addiction, recovery, and coping skills
- Referral – Connecting clients to additional services they need
- Reports and Record Keeping – Maintaining accurate, confidential documentation
- Consultation – Working with other professionals on client care
Your supervisor will need to verify your experience in each of these areas, so keep detailed records as you gain hours. Some counselors find it helpful to track their hours by function from day one, making the verification process much smoother.
Adjunctive Certification for Licensed Health Professionals
If you’re already a licensed healthcare provider in Hawaii, the ADAD offers a streamlined pathway to add addiction counseling to your practice. The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with License (CSAC-L) is available for:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC)
- Licensed Psychologists
- Medical Doctors (MD)
Requirements vary by profession:
For Psychologists and MDs:
- Six months of relevant supervised experience in addiction counseling
- 50 clock hours of substance use disorder education
- Pass the IC&RC examination
For LCSWs, LMFTs, LMHCs, and APRNs:
- Six months of relevant supervised experience in addiction counseling
- 180 clock hours of substance use disorder education
- Pass the IC&RC examination
This adjunctive pathway allows established clinicians to expand their scope of practice without starting from scratch, recognizing their existing clinical expertise while ensuring specialized addiction competency.
Specialty Certifications
Beyond the core CSAC credential, Hawaii offers four specialty certifications for counselors who want to focus on specific aspects of addiction services:
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
Focus on community-based prevention programs, education, and early intervention. This credential is ideal if you’re passionate about stopping addiction before it starts, working with schools, community organizations, and public health initiatives.
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
Designed for experienced counselors who want to supervise and train the next generation of addiction professionals. You’ll need to already hold CSAC certification and meet additional experience requirements.
Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP)
Specialized training for counselors working within the criminal justice system—in prisons, jails, drug courts, and probation programs. This pathway addresses the unique challenges of treating individuals involved with the legal system.
Certified Substance Abuse Program Administrator (CSAPA)
For counselors moving into leadership roles, managing treatment programs, or starting their own practices. This certification covers program development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and organizational management.
Each specialty certification has its own education, work experience, specialized training, and examination requirements. More detailed information on these certifications is available on the ADAD website.
Application Process and Timeline
Once you’ve completed your required hours and education, you’re ready to apply for certification. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Gather Your Documentation
You’ll need to compile:
- Official transcripts showing your education level
- Detailed log of supervised work hours (verified by your supervisor)
- Proof of completion for HIV/STD and Ethics education
- Letters of recommendation (requirements vary by pathway)
- Application fee payment
Step 2: Submit Your Application
All applications and instructions are available on the ADAD website. Applications must be mailed (not emailed) to:
Hawaii Department of Health
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
601 Kamokila Blvd. Room 360
Kapolei, Hawaii 96707
Step 3: Wait for Application Review
Plan for 8-12 weeks for ADAD to review your application. This isn’t a fast process, so submit well before you need the certification. You’ll receive notification once your application is approved.
Step 4: Register for the IC&RC Exam
Once approved, ADAD will provide instructions for registering for the IC&RC examination. You’ll schedule your exam at a testing center and pay the examination fee directly to IC&RC.
Step 5: Take the Exam and Receive Results
The IC&RC exam tests your knowledge across all 12 Core Functions and related areas. If you pass, you’ll be notified within 2-4 weeks and receive your CSAC certification.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, you must wait 90 days before reapplying for another test. Use that time to study areas where you struggled and consider taking a test prep course.
Questions During the Process?
Direct questions about certification to the ADAD Certification Office at [email protected] or call 808-692-7506.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Hawaii?
How long does it take to become certified in Hawaii?
What are the 12 Core Functions I need experience in?
Can I transfer my certification from another state to Hawaii?
How much does certification cost in Hawaii?
What happens if I don’t pass the IC&RC exam?
Can I work as a counselor while accumulating my required hours?
Are there continuing education requirements to maintain my certification?
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii offers three education-based pathways to CSAC certification: high school diploma (6,000 hours), bachelor’s degree (4,000 hours), or master’s degree (2,000 hours)—all requiring IC&RC exam passage.
- You must live or work in Hawaii at least 51% of the time to qualify for certification, and all pathways require documenting at least 400 hours specifically in the 12 Core Functions.
- Licensed healthcare professionals (LCSWs, psychologists, MDs, LMFTs, LMHCs, APRNs) can earn adjunctive CSAC-L certification with six months of supervised experience and profession-specific education hours.
- Application processing takes 8-12 weeks, and you must complete six hours each of HIV/STD education and SUD Ethics and Confidentiality education regardless of your education level.
- Hawaii’s IC&RC affiliation means your certification may transfer to other IC&RC member states, making it easier to relocate or provide telehealth services across state lines.
- Specialty certifications in prevention, clinical supervision, criminal justice, and program administration allow experienced counselors to focus their practice on specific populations or move into leadership roles.
Ready to Start Your Path to Addiction Counseling in Hawaii?
Find accredited programs offering the degrees and certificates that meet Hawaii’s CSAC requirements. Compare options, explore financial aid, and take the first step toward bringing hope and healing to Hawaii’s communities.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
Important: Certification requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements directly with the Hawaii Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) before beginning your application. You can contact them at 808-692-7506 or [email protected].