A CAC-AD is the bachelor-level alcohol and drug counselor credential issued by the Board. With Board approval, CAC-ADs may also supervise other CAC-ADs, CSC-ADs, and ADTs.

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Who is eligible for certification?

To be eligible, one must have a bachelors degree from a Board approved regionally accredited educational institution in a health and human services counseling field or other field deemed substantially equivalent by the Board. In addition, one must have completed specific coursework, an internship, supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a Board-approved alcohol and drug supervisor, and passed the NCAC II and the Maryland law exam. See COMAR 10.58.07.06 for a complete description of requirements. 

What is the process to obtain certification as a CAC-AD? 

To obtain certification as a CAC-AD, complete and submit the application (with all required documentation) to the Board. Along with the application, include a copy of the receipt from your criminal history background check.  After the Board reviews and approves the application and criminal history background check, you will receive a letter from the Board authorizing you to sit for the NCAC II and Maryland Law Assessment. Once the Board receives official notification that you passed both exams, a certificate will be issued. If your application is incomplete or you are deemed ineligible, you will be notified by the Board. Incomplete applications take longer to process. If you do not pass one or both exams, you must contact the Board to retake the exam(s). 

When does my certification expire? 

Certificates must be renewed every two years. Renewals are obtained online through the Board’s website. See COMAR 10.58.07.06​ for requirements for renewal.