This overview includes information to help you prepare for the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) exam and the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam. You’ll find details about eligibility, exam format, content areas, registration, costs, scoring, retakes, and study resources.
Exam Background and Purpose
The NCAC I and NCAC II credentials are national addiction counseling certifications offered through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP), which is part of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals.
These credentials are intended for professionals working in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction-related disciplines. Candidates should review NCC AP, NAADAC, and state credentialing or licensing requirements before applying, because requirements can vary depending on the credentialing pathway and state board.
Eligibility
Eligibility requirements are set by NCC AP. Candidates generally need education and training in Substance Use Disorders/Addiction, supervised experience, and a current state-issued credential or license. The exact requirements differ for NCAC I and NCAC II.
Candidates should review the current NCAC I or NCAC II application instructions before applying. If you are testing for a state credential or license instead of a national NCC AP credential, contact your state certification or licensing board for approval and registration instructions.
Content Areas
The NCAC I and NCAC II exams are divided into five content areas. The content areas are the same, but the percentage of questions in some areas differs by exam level.
NCAC I Content Areas
- Orientation to the Treatment Process — 14% — Screening, intake, orientation, and beginning the treatment process.
- Assessment — 23% — Gathering client information, evaluating needs, identifying substance use concerns, and supporting treatment decisions.
- Ongoing Treatment Planning and Implementation — 25% — Developing, updating, and implementing treatment plans based on client needs and progress.
- Addiction Counseling Practices and Skills — 21% — Applying counseling skills, supporting client change, providing education, and using individual, group, family, and crisis intervention strategies.
- Professional Practices — 17% — Documentation, case management, discharge planning, continuing care, ethics, legal responsibilities, and professional growth.
NCAC II Content Areas
- Orientation to the Treatment Process — 14% — Screening, intake, orientation, and beginning the treatment process.
- Assessment — 23% — Gathering client information, evaluating needs, identifying substance use concerns, and supporting treatment decisions.
- Ongoing Treatment Planning and Implementation — 23% — Developing, updating, and implementing treatment plans based on client needs and progress.
- Addiction Counseling Practices and Skills — 23% — Applying counseling skills, supporting client change, providing education, and using individual, group, family, and crisis intervention strategies.
- Professional Practices — 17% — Documentation, case management, discharge planning, continuing care, ethics, legal responsibilities, and professional growth.
Costs and Payment Options
The NCAC I and NCAC II initial credential fees are currently $235 each. Renewal fees are currently $200 every two years. Test applications and fees are separate from NCC AP credential or endorsement application fees.
The base cost of NCC AP examinations is currently $150. Some states may charge additional administrative fees, so the total cost may vary depending on the credential, license, and state board involved.
Registration/Times/Locations
Candidates seeking a national NCAC I or NCAC II credential must apply through NCC AP before registering for the exam. After approval, NCC AP provides the candidate with the code and link needed to register for the appropriate examination.
Candidates taking an NCAC I or NCAC II exam for state credentialing or licensing should contact their state certification or licensing board for approval and registration instructions. NCC AP examination registration is handled online through Kryterion.
NCC AP examinations are offered through Kryterion testing locations. Distance proctoring may also be available for candidates who meet the technology and testing-space requirements.
Test Day
On test day, follow the instructions provided by NCC AP, NAADAC, Kryterion, or your state board. Bring the required identification and any testing authorization information included in your confirmation email.
Personal items, study materials, phones, calculators, bags, books, paper, food, drinks, and other unauthorized items are generally not allowed in the testing area. Candidates testing by distance proctoring must also meet the workspace, technology, identification, and proctoring requirements.
Test Scores
A score of 67% is required to pass the NCAC I exam or the NCAC II exam. This equals 100 correct answers out of 150 questions.
Score-reporting procedures may depend on whether you are testing for a national NCC AP credential or for a state credentialing or licensing process. Candidates should follow the score-reporting instructions provided by NCC AP, NAADAC, Kryterion, or their state board.
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Retaking the NCAC I or NCAC II Exam
If you do not pass the NCAC I or NCAC II exam, retake instructions depend on whether you are testing for a state credential or a national NCC AP credential. Candidates testing for a state board should contact their state board to register again. Candidates testing for a national NCC AP credential should contact NCC AP to re-register.
Candidates may take an NCC AP examination up to three times in a calendar year. After three unsuccessful attempts, NCC AP requires candidates to wait until the next year before testing again.
How Can I Prepare for the NCAC I and NCAC II Exams?
Preparing for the NCAC I or NCAC II exam is easier when you understand the exam format and the five content areas. Start by reviewing the current exam information and any instructions from NCC AP, NAADAC, or your state board. Flashcards can reinforce important terms, and practice questions can help you become familiar with the exam format.
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NCAC, NCC AP, and NAADAC are trademarks of their respective owners. NCC AP and NAADAC are not involved with or affiliated with Mometrix Media LLC, nor do they endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by Mometrix Media LLC.
