Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in New York
To become a CASAC in New York, you need 350 hours of approved training, 6,000 work hours (or a qualifying degree that substitutes experience), pass the IC&RC ADC exam, and complete 300 supervised practice hours. Most people start as CASAC-Trainees while working toward full certification.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen what the opioid crisis has done to New York communities—from the Bronx to Buffalo, from Rochester to the Southern Tier. Maybe you’ve watched someone you care about struggle with addiction, or perhaps you’ve carried that weight yourself. Now you want to be part of the solution.
New York’s addiction counselors are credentialed by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), a member board of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The credential you’ll pursue is called a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a CASAC in New York, including the education requirements, exam details, work experience expectations, and the timeline from start to finish.
Education Requirements
The foundation of CASAC certification starts with education. At minimum, you need a high school diploma or GED, but the real work begins with completing 350 clock hours of specialized education and training.
These 350 hours must cover specific topics, including substance abuse knowledge, counseling techniques, assessment and evaluation, case management, treatment planning, professional ethics, and patient and family education. You’ll also need to complete several mandatory one-time courses that address cultural competency, co-occurring disorders, and other essential topics.
You can find programs that meet the 350-hour education requirement through OASAS, including community colleges, universities, and specialized training providers throughout New York.
How Your Degree Can Reduce Requirements
If you hold an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree in an approved human services field, the coursework you’ve already completed may satisfy some or all of the 350-hour training requirement. More importantly, your degree can significantly reduce the work experience hours you’ll need (more on that below).
OASAS recognizes degrees in fields including community mental health, education, criminal justice, behavioral science, psychology, social work, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, public health, and many others. If you’re unsure whether your degree qualifies, contact the OASAS Credentialing Unit before beginning the process.
Examination Requirements
Once you’ve completed your education and accumulated enough work experience (or have a qualifying degree), you’ll need to pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
The exam tests your knowledge across all the core competencies for addiction counseling, including screening and assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, documentation, and professional responsibility.
Taking the Exam
The IC&RC exam is administered through ISO Quality Testing, which operates testing centers throughout New York. The exam is computer-based, and you’ll need to schedule your test date after you’ve submitted your CASAC application and received approval from OASAS.
After you apply, OASAS will review your application. If you’re eligible to take the exam, ISO Quality Testing will email you with instructions for registering and scheduling your test. You’ll typically receive your exam results within four weeks, and if you pass, OASAS will issue your CASAC credential.
Work Experience Requirements
New York requires 6,000 hours of qualifying work experience for CASAC certification. That’s roughly three years of full-time work in a substance abuse treatment or related setting. However, if you have a degree in an approved field, you can substitute education for experience.
How Degrees Substitute for Experience
| Degree Level | Experience Hours Waived | Remaining Hours Needed |
|---|---|---|
| No Degree | 0 hours | 6,000 hours |
| Associate’s Degree | 1,000 hours | 5,000 hours |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4,000 hours | 2,000 hours |
| Master’s Degree | 6,000 hours | 0 hours |
This means if you have a master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or another approved field, you can skip the work experience requirement entirely and move straight to the exam and supervised practice hours.
Supervised Practical Training
In addition to general work experience, all applicants must complete at least 300 hours of supervised practical training. These hours must include at least 10 hours in each of the IC&RC core competencies, and they must be supervised by a Qualified Health Professional (QHP).
If you completed an internship or practicum as part of your degree program, those hours can count toward this requirement. If not, you’ll need to arrange supervision through your employer or find a qualified supervisor willing to oversee your training.
What Counts as Qualifying Work?
Qualifying work experience includes direct service provision in substance abuse treatment settings. This can include work in residential treatment centers, outpatient clinics, hospital-based programs, community mental health centers, correctional facilities with substance abuse programs, or private practice settings focused on addiction treatment.
Administrative work, volunteer positions, and work in settings that don’t primarily focus on substance abuse treatment typically don’t count toward the requirement.
CASAC-Trainee and CASAC-Provisional Certification
New York offers two intermediate credentials that allow you to work in the field while you’re still completing requirements for the full CASAC. These are the CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T) and CASAC-Provisional (CASAC-P).
CASAC-Trainee (CASAC-T)
You can qualify for the CASAC-Trainee credential in one of two ways:
Option 1: Complete all 350 hours of education and training plus all mandatory courses.
Option 2: Complete 4,000 hours of work experience, 85 clock hours of education and training, and all mandatory courses.
The CASAC-Trainee allows you to work under supervision while you’re accumulating the remaining experience hours or completing your degree. It’s the entry point most people use when they’re starting their career without a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
CASAC-Provisional (CASAC-P)
The CASAC-Provisional is designed for people who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an approved human services field. To qualify, you need:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in an approved human services field
- Completion of all mandatory one-time courses
- An Intent to Hire form from a prospective employer
The CASAC-Provisional is particularly useful if you’re switching careers and have a relevant degree but limited direct experience in addiction counseling. It lets you start working right away while you’re completing your supervised hours and preparing for the exam.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CASAC?
The timeline for becoming a CASAC varies significantly depending on your starting point:
If you have a master’s degree in an approved field: 6 months to 1 year. You’ll need to complete the 350-hour training (or have it waived through degree coursework), complete 300 supervised hours, pass the exam, and handle the application process.
If you have a bachelor’s degree: 1 to 2 years. You’ll need to complete training, accumulate 2,000 work experience hours, complete 300 supervised hours, and pass the exam.
If you have an associate’s degree: 2 to 3 years. You’ll need training, 5,000 work experience hours, 300 supervised hours, and the exam.
If you’re starting with only a high school diploma: 3 to 4 years. You’ll need to complete all training, accumulate all 6,000 work experience hours, complete 300 supervised hours, and pass the exam.
Keep in mind that OASAS gives you five years from the date you submit your application to complete all requirements, so you have some flexibility in how you pace yourself.
What Are the Fees for CASAC Certification?
The cost of becoming a CASAC depends on your education path and whether you need to complete training programs or degree work. Here’s what to expect:
Education and Training: The 350-hour training requirement can range from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on where you take the courses. Community college certificate programs tend to be more affordable, while private training providers may charge higher rates. If you’re pursuing a degree, costs will be significantly higher but you’ll gain additional career flexibility.
Application Fee: The CASAC application fee is $150. CASAC-Trainee and CASAC-Provisional applications also have fees.
Exam Fee: The IC&RC ADC exam costs approximately $200 to $250.
Background Check: Fingerprinting and background check through IdentoGO costs around $100.
Total Estimate: If you’re completing the 350-hour training requirement and don’t need a full degree program, expect to spend $2,500 to $5,500 total for certification. This doesn’t include any degree costs if you choose to pursue higher education.
CASAC Salary and Job Outlook in New York
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New York earn a median annual salary of $53,520. However, salaries vary significantly by location and experience level:
| Location | Median Annual Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| New York State (Overall) | $53,520 | $82,200 |
| New York City Metro | $56,840 | $87,350 |
| Albany-Schenectady Metro | $48,910 | $70,620 |
| Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metro | $44,280 | $68,940 |
Entry-level CASAC-Trainees typically earn $35,000 to $45,000 annually, while experienced CASACs with additional credentials (like the CASAC-Advanced or clinical licensure) can earn $60,000 to $80,000 or more.
Job growth in New York is strong. The state projects continued demand for addiction counselors as treatment programs expand and insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment continues to improve. New York’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis means stable funding for treatment programs and growing opportunities for credentialed counselors.
The Application Process
You can apply for CASAC certification at any point in the process, even before you’ve completed all requirements. In fact, it’s recommended that you apply early so you can receive either a CASAC-Trainee or CASAC-Provisional credential while you’re working toward the full CASAC.
Step 1: Create Your NY.gov ID
Before you can access the OASAS Credentialing Portal, you’ll need to create a NY.gov ID. This is the state’s unified login system, and you’ll use it to access your application and track your progress.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Log into the OASAS Credentialing Portal and complete your application. You’ll need to upload documentation of your education, work experience, and training hours. If you prefer a paper application, you can request one by emailing the Credentialing Unit at [email protected].
Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
After you submit your application, OASAS will send you instructions for completing the fingerprinting and background check process. You’ll need to schedule an appointment at an IdentoGO Center in New York.
Step 4: Receive Your Trainee or Provisional Credential
If you meet the requirements for either the CASAC-Trainee or CASAC-Provisional credential, OASAS will issue that credential shortly after processing your application. This allows you to start working (or continue working) while you complete the remaining requirements.
Step 5: Complete Requirements and Take the Exam
Your application remains open for five years from the postmark date. During this time, you’ll complete any remaining education, accumulate your required work and supervised hours, and when you’re ready, register for and pass the IC&RC ADC exam.
Step 6: Receive Your CASAC Credential
Once you’ve passed the exam and OASAS verifies that you’ve met all other requirements, they’ll issue your CASAC credential. At that point, you’re a fully credentialed addiction counselor in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a CASAC without a college degree?
What’s the difference between CASAC-Trainee and CASAC-Provisional?
How much does the IC&RC exam cost and what’s the pass rate?
Can I work as a counselor while I’m completing my CASAC requirements?
Do I need continuing education to maintain my CASAC credential?
Will my CASAC credential be recognized in other states?
What degree programs in New York prepare you for CASAC certification?
What happens if I don’t complete all requirements within five years?
Key Takeaways
- New York requires 350 hours of training, 6,000 work hours (or qualifying degree), passing the IC&RC exam, and 300 supervised practice hours to become a CASAC.
- A master’s degree in an approved field can completely waive the 6,000-hour work experience requirement, reducing the timeline to 6-12 months.
- CASAC-Trainee and CASAC-Provisional credentials allow you to work in the field while completing requirements for full certification.
- The entire process costs $2,500 to $5,500 if you’re completing only the required training, not including any degree program costs.
- CASACs in New York earn a median salary of $53,520 annually, with experienced counselors in NYC metro earning up to $87,000 or more.
- Your application remains open for 5 years, giving you flexibility in completing requirements while working full-time.
Ready to Start Your CASAC Journey in New York?
Find accredited degree programs and training courses that meet OASAS requirements and take the first step toward becoming a credentialed addiction counselor.
Additional Resources: The OASAS Credentialing Unit can answer specific questions about your eligibility and application. Contact them at [email protected] or call (518) 473-3460.
Note: New York CASAC requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with OASAS before applying. This guide was last updated January 2025.
Salary data sourced from the 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 January 2026.