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FCB sets the standards for several levels of certification for addiction professionals in Florida. This page addresses the certification standards for Certified Addiction Professionals. There are three levels of classification within this category:

CAP — Certified Addiction Professional
CAC — Certified Addiction Counselor
CAS — Certified Addiction Specialist
CAP through Licensure

Suggested Course List

Upgrading Florida’s Addiction Certification

Since 1986, individuals seeking addiction certification in Florida were required to receive education in addiction and counseling and document supervised practical experience. The supervised experience had to be in each of the 12 Core Functions (a counselor competency delineation) utilized by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC). In 2001, FCB began reviewing a Treatment Assistance Publication (TAP) developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to determine its potential to replace the 12 Core Functions for setting parameters for professional practice as well as education/training content areas. This SAMHSA document, TAP 21 Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice was identified as a more comprehensive and contemporary guidance document for determining education and competency areas for addiction professionals.

Utilizing an extensive consensus building process, the FCB made a decision to cease using the 12 Core Functions and instead utilize the TAP 21. Therefore subsequent changes were made to the educational and practice areas required by individuals seeking certification as is reflected in the charts on the following pages. While these new practice and educational standards will be officially effective July 1, 2004, individuals who have been working toward addiction certification prior to this time will fall in a transition period status. FCB will work with such individuals in a fair manner to ensure they are not adversely affected by these changes in education and practice standards.

Definition of Addiction Professional

An addiction professional is a person who possesses and utilizes a unique knowledge and skill base to assist substance abusers (persons affected by problems related to addictions) and the public for whom the prevention of addiction is a primary concern. This knowledge and skill base may be acquired through a combination of specialized education and supervised work experience.

The role of the addiction professional is to:

1. Assist clients in assessing their use of substances.
2. Assist clients in becoming involved in the counseling process so that they may resolve problems related to the use of substances.
3. Provide experienced, professional counseling; assist and support clients in developing and/or maintaining a responsible and functional lifestyle.
4. Recognize problems beyond the counselor’s training, skill or competence, and be willing and able to utilize other appropriate professional services.
5. Provide experienced, professional counseling services as needed to the substance abuser’s family or significant others.

Eligibility Requirements

Each Certified Addiction Professional classification has its own educational eligibility requirements. All college/university degrees must be earned through an accredited college/university that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, as published for the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. An eligible supervisor (cannot be a spouse) must either have a CAP or be licensed according to Chapter 458, 459, 490, or 491, Florida Statutes.

Professional Practice Dimensions

Effective 7/1/04, individuals seeking certification in any of the three Certified Addiction Professional classifications must demonstrate education/training and supervised practical experience in 8 areas as documented in the Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of Professional Practice (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Treatment Assistance Protocol 21 - TAP 21). *Education/training is also required in a 9th area, supervision, for the CAP level certification only.

1. Clinical Evaluation
2. Treatment Planning
3. Referral
4. Service Coordination
5. Counseling Education
6. Client, Family and Community Education
7. Documentation
8. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
9. Supervision*

Florida Specific Exam

The Florida Specific Exam ($50 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

1. Documentation
2. Treatment services
3. Screening, intake, orientation
4. Professional responsibility
5. Case management and referral
6. Prevention services
7. Criminal justice services

International Exam

The International Exam ($75 fee) measures proficiency in the following areas:

1. Assessment
2. Case management
3. Professional responsibility
4. Counseling
5. Education