Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-Assistant (CSAC-A)-By Examination

First Time Certification - Application by Examination

This application is for individuals who have a high school diploma, general education development (GED) certificate, or a post-secondary degree, have completed 120 clock hours of didactic training in substance abuse education, and have completed 180 hours of experience performing substance abuse tasks with clients under supervision.   

Requirements for Application:

• Education:
  • Have a high school diploma, general education development (GED) certificate, or a post-secondary degree.
• Training:
  
  • Complete 120 hours of didactic training in substance abuse counseling education from a regionally accredited university or college, or seminars and workshops from organizations as outlined in 18VAC115-30-62(A)(2).
• • The 120 hours must include 8 clock hours in each of the 13 areas outlined in 18VAC115-30-62(B).
• Experience: 
• Delivered 180 hours of supervised experience in a practicum or internship performing the tasks with substance abuse clients under supervision as outlined in 18VAC115-30-63(A).

Follow these steps to apply for Certification by Examination

• Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia.
• Regulations regarding the Certification of Substance Abuse Counselors & Assistants in the state of Virginia.
• Guidance Document 115-11 Scope of Practice for Persons Regulated by the Board to provide Substance Abuse Treatment
• CSAC and CSAC-A Certification Process Handbook. This handbook provides detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a certification.

• Review the Application Instructions for Certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) by Examination for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
• Gather and request the necessary documents.

Do not start the online application until you have requested or obtained the applicable documents from Step 2. Submitting incomplete applications will delay the review and approval process. 

Begin the Online Application:

• Register for an Account or Login if you have an existing account.
• Select Initial Application from the menu.
• Select ‘Counseling’ as the Profession.
• Select 'Substance Abuse Counseling Assistant’ as the License Type.
• Select ‘Examination’ as the Obtained by Method.
• Click ‘Start Application’.

Complete the Required Fields. 

Within the online application portal, upload the applicable documentation.  PDF file format is preferred. 

The following are possible documents you may be required to upload within the online application portal:

• Verification of Experience Form for CSAC-A Certification
• National Practitioners Data Bank Self-Query Report
• CSAC-A Didactic Training form
• Proof of Licensure/Certification Verification
• Proof of Name Change
• Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Within the online application portal, pay the application fee. 

• The fee for Certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Assistant (CSAC-A) is $115.00. 
• All fees are nonrefundable.

• You will receive automated emails from csac@dhp.virginia.gov with your application status.
• You can also visit the Online Checklist to view the status of your application.
• If your name or address changes prior to receiving your certification, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
• Contact the Board with any questions: csac@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4610.