Colorado Substance Abuse Certification
Self-Paced Continuing Education Program
The fastest, most affordable way to complete your Colorado continuing education requirements from a NAADAC/IC&RC Member Board-approved education provider
NAADAC / IC&RC Member Board Approved
The Center for Addiction Studies and Research is a NAADAC/IC&RC member board approved provider of distance-learning education for Colorado Alcohol and Drug Counselor continuing education. Trainings are provided under the NAADAC Education Provider #99236 and the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) Provider Certification #0559. NYS OASAS is a member board of IC&RC.
Easy Ordering
Order courses directly through our website.
100% Online
View course materials and take exams online.
Self-Paced
Flexibility to learn when and where it is convenient for you.
Certificates of Completion
Certificates are issued upon successful course completion.
Understanding Colorado SUD Counseling Certifications
Please note, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations does not pre-approve or accredit specific educational providers or programs.
Distance learning courses for purposes of initial licensure/certification are not currently approved by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations. Please contact the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies Division of Professions and Occupations for programs that can be used to satisfy the initial certification/licensure requirements.
Colorado Substance Abuse Certification Continuing Education Courses
To maintain a Colorado Certified Addiction Technician (ACA), Certified Addiction Specialists (ACC), or Licensed
Addiction Counselors (ACD) certification, counselors are required to complete:
- At least 40 professional development hours (PDH) every two-year license/certification period.
- No more than 20 PDH may be completed in a single PDA category during a two-year license/certification period.
For the most up-to-date requirements, please check with your state certification/licensure board.
How Our Program Works
Choose your coursework. You will need to complete specific education covering board-approved topics. The number of hours and topic areas may vary based on your certification. The required content areas are outlined above.
Purchase your coursework. You can buy your coursework directly from our website. You can choose how you want to receive your coursework: either by download or mail. If you choose download, you will get instant access to the PDF readings and online exams. If you choose mail, we will ship you textbooks and examination packets.
Complete your coursework at your own pace. Our program is designed to fit your schedule – you can study where and when you want, however is convenient for you. As you read through the course materials you will take multiple choice exams based on the readings. Most courses have the option to submit exams online directly though the website or on paper. You need to score at least 70% on each exam to pass. If you have any questions or need help with the content, our instructors are always available to assist you. Email us to schedule a time to chat!
Get your certificate of completion. Once you pass all the exams, we will issue you a certificate of completion that verifies the number of hours you completed and topics that were covered in your coursework. You use this certificate to towards the education requirements needed to renew your certification/license with your state board. We will also keep a record of your coursework in case you need it in the future.
How to Renew a Substance Abuse Counselor Certification in Colorado
Complete Education
Enroll in our distance learning program to fulfill some of the educational requirements for renewal/re-certification. Our self-paced, home-study course bundles can be completed anywhere at any time!
Complete Remaining Requirements
Check with your state certification/licensure board about any other requirements needed for renewal.
Apply for Certification
Submit application to the state certification/licensure board, including proof of completed education, work experience, exam results, and other required information.
That’s it! With our distance learning program, you can get the education you need to become a competent and confident addiction counselor.
Ready to get started? Browse our courses and bundles today and enroll in the program that suits your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime. We are here to support you on your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renewing your certification is crucial to stay current in the field. The state certification board requires continuing education for Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD recertification, which helps you stay up-to-date with the latest research and techniques. By renewing your Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD certification/license through continuing education, you are ensuring that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best care possible to your clients. Don’t let your certification lapse – start the Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD continuing education coursework today.
We offer Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD continuing education coursework which can be used for Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD renewal / recertification. To view ACA/ACC/ACD specific continuing education requirements or to view our list of addiction education, please select the ACA, ACC, or ACD tab under Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD Continuing Education Requirements and Courses.
Please note that coursework from the Center for Addiction Studies and Research can currently only be used towards Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD recertification / continuing education (not for initial certification). For more information regarding the Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD continuing education requirements, please contact our office.
Upon successful completion of your online addiction courses for Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD recertification, you will need to submit your certificates of completion along with the rest of your application packet to the state board.
- Select from our Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD addiction studies coursework listed above.
- Read through the addiction education required for Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD recertification.
- Complete the multiple choice exams.
- Receive certificates of completion following the successful completion of each Colorado ACA/ACC/ACD continuing education course.