Certification Information & Addiction Counseling Schools in Florida

Certification & Licensure

The State of Florida recognizes three levels of substance abuse counseling certifications:

Certified Addiction Specialist (“CAS”)

CAS certification requires at least 2,000 hours of hands-on experience in the field of addiction treatment and a minimum of 150 hours of formal training. After 100 supervised practice hours, CAS candidates must pass the Florida Specific Examination.

Details: http://www.flcertificationboard.org/upload_documents/CASStandards.pdf

Certified Addiction Counselor (“CAC”)

Candidates for the CAC designation must possess a GED or high school diploma in addition to 300 hours of verifiable supervised training and 6,000 hours of experience in addictions. CAC applicants with an associate’s or higher degree need only 150 hours of documented supervision and 4,000 hours of experience. All CAC candidates must pass the Florida Specific Examination.

Details: http://www.flcertificationboard.org/upload_documents/CACStandards.pdf

Certified Addiction Professional (“CAP”)

CAP candidates must possess a bachelor’s or higher degree. Applicants holding a B.S. degree must have 6,000 hours of direct work experience; 300 hours of this amount must include direct supervision. Those with a master’s or higher degree need only 4,000 hours’ work experience and 200 supervised hours. All CAP candidates must provide proof of at least 350 hours of professional substance abuse counselor training and pass the Florida Specific Exam.

Details: http://www.flcertificationboard.org/upload_documents/CAPStandards.pdf

Get a complete overview: at http://www.flcertificationboard.org/Certifications_Addiction.cfm

Education Requirements and School Programs

Those wishing to study addictions counseling in Florida have the option to enroll in both graduate and undergraduate programs. Approximately 90 percent of the in-state programs are offered at the master’s degree level. These graduate-level programs include regular coursework, but typically have a primary focus on research.

Expect private school tuition to range between $3,910 to $37,640 dollars per year. The public schools in Florida charge approximately $4,120 for state residents and $16,636 for out-of-state students.