Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)-By Endorsement
Application by Endorsement
This application is for individuals who hold an active, unrestricted substantially equivalent license or certification as a substance abuse counselor in another jurisdiction or hold a national certification approved by the Board.
Requirements for Application:
- Unrestricted Equivalent License/Certification: Hold an active, unrestricted licensure or certification as a substance abuse counselor in another jurisdiction that was obtained by standards substantially equivalent to the education and experience requirements of 18VAC115-30-50 and 18VAC115-30-60; or
- Hold one of the following national certifications:
- National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II) accreditation from the NCC AP/NAADAC,
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) accreditation from the NCC AP/NAADAC,
- Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) accreditation from the IC&CR, or
- Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) accreditation from the NBCC.
Follow these steps to apply for Certification by Endorsement
Step 1. Read:
- 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.
Step 2. Gather & Request Supporting Documentation:
- Review the Application Instructions for Certification as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) by Endorsement for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
- Gather and request the necessary documents.
Step 3. Apply:
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 Certified Substance Abuse Counselor' as the License Type.
- Select ‘Endorsement’ as the Obtained by Method.
- Click ‘Start Application’.
Complete the Required Fields.
Step 4. Upload Documentation:
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:
- National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query Report
- Proof of Licensure/Certification Verification
- Copy of the licensing/certifying jurisdictions regulations in effect at the time of your licensure or certification
- Verification of your NCAC II Credential from NCC AP/NAADAC
- Verification of your MAC Credential from NCC AP/NAADAC
- Verification of your AADC from IC&RC
- Verification of your MAC Credential from NBCC
- Proof of Name Change Documentation
- Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.
Step 5. Pay the Fee Online:
Within the online application portal, pay the application fee.
- The fee for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is $115.00.
- All fees are nonrefundable.
Step 6. Wait for Board Approval: (up to 30 days from complete application)
- 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.
