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.