The Center for Addiction Studies and Research is a District of Columbia Health Professional Licensing Administration (HPLA) accepted provider of distance-learning education for Washington, DC CAC substance abuse certifications.
COVID-19 Update: District of Columbia Health Professional Licensing Administration (HPLA) has waived the face-to-face requirement for continuing education for all substance abuse certifications.
You may now complete all coursework through approved distance learning programs.
Washington, DC CAC Certification Education Requirements and Courses
Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC I)
Associates Degree in a health or human service field.
Documentation of 30 hours of approved education and training in the following ten chemical dependency content areas:
Understanding the dynamics of human behavior and family systems – 3 hours
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse – 3 hours
Recovery process, stages of change, relapse prevention, treatment approaches, group dynamics and other adjunctive treatment recovery support groups, motivational interviewing, and models and theories of addiction – 3 hours
Ethics, rules and regulations – 3 hours
Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services – 3 hours
Crisis Intervention – 3 hours
Cultural factors and competencies in addiction – 3 hours
Co-Occurring disorders in interdisciplinary treatment – 3 hours
Diagnostic and screening criteria in addictions – 3 hours
Psychopharmacology resources in the treatment of addictions – 3 hours
There is no limit on the number of contact hours that can be earned through home study distance learning trainings.
Required Courses
DC CAC I 30-hour Required Content Training
DC CADC I 30-hour Required Content Training
SKU: n/a.
$325
This course covers the required 30 hours of education for CAC-I certification.
Topics covered include:
Understanding the dynamics of human behavior and family systems – 3 hours
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse – 3 hours
Recovery process, stages of change, relapse prevention, treatment approaches, group dynamics and other adjunctive treatment recovery support groups, motivational interviewing, and models and theories of addiction – 3 hours
Ethics, rules and regulations – 3 hours
Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services – 3 hours
Crisis Intervention – 3 hours
Cultural factors and competencies in addiction – 3 hours
Co-Occurring disorders in interdisciplinary treatment – 3 hours
Diagnostic and screening criteria in addictions – 3 hours
Psychopharmacology resources in the treatment of addictions – 3 hours
Bachelors Degree in a health or human service field.
Documentation of 42 hours of approved education and training in the following twelve chemical dependency content areas:
Understanding the dynamics of human behavior and family systems – 3 hours
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse – 3 hours
Recovery process, stages of change, relapse prevention, treatment approaches, group dynamics and other adjunctive treatment recovery support groups, motivational interviewing, and models and theories of addiction – 9 hours
Ethics, rules and regulations – 3 hours
Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services – 3 hours
Crisis Intervention – 3 hours
Substance abuse counseling treatment planning and research – 3 hours
Counseling Skills for individual and group, motivational interviewing – 3 hours
Cultural factors and competencies in addiction – 3 hours
Co-Occurring disorders in interdisciplinary treatment – 3 hours
Diagnostic and screening criteria in addictions – 3 hours
Psychopharmacology resources in the treatment of addictions – 3 hours
There is no limit on the number of contact hours that can be earned through home study distance learning trainings.
Required Courses
DC CAC II 42-hour Required Content Training
DC CADC II 42-hour Required Content Training
SKU: n/a.
$450
This course covers the required 42 hours of education for CAC-II certification.
Topics covered include:
Understanding the dynamics of human behavior and family systems – 3 hours
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse – 3 hours
Recovery process, stages of change, relapse prevention, treatment approaches, group dynamics and other adjunctive treatment recovery support groups, motivational interviewing, and models and theories of addiction – 9 hours
Ethics, rules and regulations – 3 hours
Professional identity in the provision of substance abuse services – 3 hours
Crisis Intervention – 3 hours
Substance abuse counseling treatment planning and research – 3 hours
Counseling Skills for individual and group, motivational interviewing – 3 hours
Cultural factors and competencies in addiction – 3 hours
Co-Occurring disorders in interdisciplinary treatment – 3 hours
Diagnostic and screening criteria in addictions – 3 hours
Psychopharmacology resources in the treatment of addictions – 3 hours
Documentation of 40 hours of approved continuing education including 6 hours of ethics and 3 hours of trauma counseling every two years.
The ethics and trauma counseling hours must be earned in a face-to-face classroom setting.
Elective Courses
Learn More About Washington, DC CAC Certification
Complete your Washington, DC CAC initial and continuing education requirements through our convenient and flexible distance learning addiction education format. The Center for Addiction Studies and Research offers self-paced, home study Washington, DC CAC approved distance learning coursework. Whether you are looking for initial certification requirements, continuing education for an CAC, or have questions regarding the Washington, DC CAC certification process, The Center for Addiction Studies and Research can help you with any of your questions regarding becoming a substance abuse counselor in Washington, DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why become a Washington, DC CAC substance abuse counselor?
The substance abuse treatment field is facing a nationwide shortage of trained addiction treatment counselors. More than 24 million people across the United States are in need of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse related problems. Approximately 5,000 new counselors are needed annually to keep up with the current demand for treatment services. By receiving substance abuse counselor training and becoming a Washington, DC CAC, you can help reduce this shortage and make a difference in people’s lives.
How do I become a substance abuse counselor in Washington, DC?
To receive a Washington, DC substance abuse certification, you will need to document successful completion of addiction studies educational requirements, supervised work experience hours, and pass a state certification examination. To view CAC specific addiction education requirements, please select the tabs above.
For more information regarding the Washington, DC CAC certification requirements, please contact our office.
How do Washington, DC CAC online addiction courses work?
Confirm your level of CAC certification (CAC I or CAC II) and then choose from our pre-approved CAC addiction studies coursework listed above.
Read through the CAC addiction education required for substance abuse certification.
Complete the multiple choice exams.
Receive certificates of completion following the successful completion of each Washington, DC substance abuse counselor training.
How does the Washington, DC CAC online addiction certification process work?
Upon successful completion of your online addiction courses, you will need to submit your certificates of completion along with the rest of your application packet to the certification board.
Where can I receive Washington, DC CAC continuing education?
We offer Washington, DC CAC approved continuing education. To view CAC specific continuing education requirements or to view our list of approved addiction education, please select the CAC tab under Washington, DC CAC Continuing Education Requirements and Courses.
For more information regarding the Washington, DC CAC continuing education requirements, please contact our office.
