Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
Credential: Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
Credentialing Agency: American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders
Renewal Period: 1 year
The American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders, Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) certification is for health care professionals in the field of addictive disorders, which includes specializations in the following five areas: alcohol addiction, drug addiction, eating disorders, gambling disorders, and sex addiction. The CAS is a clinical certification based upon experience providing treatment under the direction of a qualified clinical supervisor, specialized training, and a written examination.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 5 years
- Education: Semester/Course Hours
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 1 year
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders
314 West Superior Street
Suite 508
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 727-3940
Fax: (218) 722-0346
Contact Page
Education and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Applicants with master's or doctorate degrees in mental health-related fields must have:
- Three years (6,000 hours) of post-graduate, full-time supervised experience providing direct health care services to those identified with an addictive disorder
- A portfolio with documentation of a minimum of 270 hours of formal specialized education
Note: Pre-doctoral or pre-master's internships at an approved site may be considered by the Academy towards one year of clinical supervision.
Option 2:
Applicants with other degrees or without a degree must have:
- Five years (10,000 hours) of full-time supervised experience providing direct health care services to those identified with an addictive disorder
- A portfolio with documentation of a minimum of 270 hours of formal specialized education
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) credential has the following other requirements:
- Applicants must submit three (3) professional recommendations from those who are personally familiar with them; at least one recommendation must be from a clinical supervisor who can document the applicant's health care experience.
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Applicants must sign and return the American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Written Exam
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Counseling
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Screening Instruments and Techniques
- Treating Special Populations
- Treatment Techniques
- Detoxification
- Intervention Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
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Treatment Planning
- Assessment and Diagnostic Skills
- Developing a Diagnostic and Treatment Formulation
- Relationship between Addictions and Other Problems
- Referral Skills
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Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Training Activities that lead to Credentials
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Documentation
- Administrative Skills
- Treatment Process Skills
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Foundations (Transdisciplinary)
- Dual Diagnosis
- Theoretical Models of Addiction
- Addiction Concepts
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Client, Family, and Community Education
- Signs and Symptoms of Addiction and Withdrawal
- Therapy Organization and Movement Skills
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
Renewal Period: 1 year