The CASAC Certification Program

Here's an overview of the NYS OASAS Requirements for completing your Credentialed Alcohol & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) training and certification:

Receiving your certification requires dedication, discipline and hard work, including 350 Education Hours as follows:

85 Hours: Knowledge of Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Basic Knowledge: Pharmacological Effects, Overview of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Treatment Approaches, Self Help

150 hours: Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counseling

Group, Individual & Family Counseling, Special Populations, Relapse Prevention, Vocational Educational rehabilitation Communicable
Diseases: HIV/AIDS, STD's, TB, Hepatitis

70 hours: Assessment, Clinical Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Case Management, Family & Community Education

Assessment & Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Clinical Record Keeping & Discharge Planning, Case Management & Referral

45 hours: Professional & Ethical Responsibilities & Documentation

Counselor Ethics, The Counselor Client Relationship, Confidentiality, Legal Issues/Documentation

You will also need:

6000 work experience hours (3 years) in an approved work setting or
4000 hours (2 years) plus a Bachelor's Degree or
2000 Paid Hours (1 year) plus a Master's Degree

Internship hours count as experience and there is no state requirement as to how long an internship should last. Up to 2000 internship/volunteer hours can be counted towards the work experience, except if you have a Masters degree.

Additional Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age
Have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
Reside or work in New York State at least 51 percent of the time