Department of Social Work
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)/ Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
For questions or more information, visit the DORA website (Department of Regulatory Agencies).
Colorado offers four levels of addiction certification:
CAC I- this is an entry level certification. Applicants must:
- take the Colorado Mental Health Professional's Jurisprudence Exam
- have a high school diploma or equivalent
- complete the required DBH (Division of Behavioral Health) approved training classes
- 1000 hours of work experience clinically supervised by a CAC II or LAC (can not be completed in fewer than six months)
CAC II*- allows the counselor to practice independently with appropriate supervision. Applicants must:
- meet all the requirements of the CAC I
- pass the CAC II required training classes
- 2000 hours of work experience beyond the CAC I clinically supervised by a CAC II or LAC (can not be completed in fewer than twelve months)
- present proof of passing a national examination
CAC III*- this is the supervisory level. CAC IIIs have the authority to practice independently and assume clinical supervision duties. Applicants must: have a Bachelors degree in the behavioral health sciences
- have been awarded a CAC II certification by DORA
- pass the CAC III required training classes
- 2000 hours of work experience beyond the CAC II clinically supervised by a CAC II or LAC or qualified supervisor (can not be completed in fewer than twelve months)
- present proof of passing a national examination
LAC*- this is the Masters level addictions credentialing level. Applicants must:
- have a clinical Masters degree
- completion of all requirements for a CAC III
- proof of passing the NAADAC MAC exam
*Note: Counselors holding a clinical Masters or Doctorate degree may obtain their CAC II, CAC III, or LAC by a combination of appropriately clinically supervised work experience hours, DBH approved training classes (or the equivalent), and proof of passing a national examination.
Contact Information
Main Office Phone:
303-615-0555
Location:
Main Office
Central Classroom Suite 201
Office of Field Education
Central Classroom Suite 202
Office of Social Work Student Services
Central Classroom Suite 206
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Social Work
PO Box 173362 CB 70
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Accreditation
Our MSW and BSSW Programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education - the sole accrediting body for social work education.