Substance abuse counselors work with individuals and families affected by drug and alcohol abuse. While much of substance abuse counseling is done on a one-to-one basis, group therapy is also employeed by counselors. The South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors provides a comprehensive path towards becoming a certified substance abuse counselor in South Carolina.
Process
You must obtain the most current certification manual from the South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Your application must be completed within three years of the application date. Once all of the forms are complete, you must submit your application and all supporting documents with your $200 application fee. Upon approval of your application, you will be scheduled for the written examination.
Examination
The Certification Commission required two exams; there is a written exam as well as an oral exam. The written exam must be passed and tests the applicant's knowledge and understanding of alcohol and drug addiction. If the applicant fails the exam, he can request to be rescheduled for the next testing appointment. The oral examination is audio taped and is kept in the applicant's file. If the first attempt is failed, the applicant can only take the exam two more times.
Appeals
An applicant can appeal decisions of scoring or certification. The appeal will be heard by the Advisory Committee, which is made up of appointees by the Board of Directors. Two members of the Advisory Committee are former members of the Certification Board and the remaining members are Certified Clinical Supervisors. The Committee hears the appeal and then presents the findings to the SCAADAC President and the Board of Directors for them to provide a resolution.
Recertification
Recertification is required every two years. Your application for recertification has to be submitted 30 days prior to the date that your current certification expires. If you are late submitting this application, you are subject to a late fee. Extensions are only granted if applied for before the date that your certification is to lapse. In order to be recertified, you must submit proof of 60 hours of continuing education or additional training.
Revocation
There are several situations which could cause you to have your certification revoked or denied during the application stage. If ethical standards are breached, or there is evidence of fraud or deception during the application process, your certification will be revoked. Other circumstances that will cause revocation of your certificate include felony or misdemeanor charges and convictions, using or abusing illegal or prescription drugs and negligence in performing your duties.
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