Substance Abuse Counselor Certification in South Carolina
South Carolina offers three certification levels for substance abuse counselors through Addiction Professionals of South Carolina (APSC): the CAC-I, CAC-II, and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Requirements vary by level and include a bachelor’s degree minimum, supervised work hours, training in 12 core functions, and written and oral exams.
South Carolina has a serious and growing need for trained addiction counselors. Overdose deaths in the state have increased significantly in recent years, with fentanyl driving much of that rise. The counselors who work in this field do some of the most difficult work in human services, meeting people at their most vulnerable and helping them find a path forward. If that’s the kind of work you want to do, here’s what the certification process looks like in South Carolina.
Certification is handled by Addiction Professionals of South Carolina (APSC), formerly known as SCAADAC. APSC is the state chapter of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and oversees all eligibility and certification requirements for addiction counselors in the state. There are three levels of certification: CAC-I, CAC-II, and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).
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South Carolina Certification Levels at a Glance
The three APSC credentials build on each other. CAC-I is the entry-level counselor credential, CAC-II requires more training and experience, and CCS is a supervisory credential for those overseeing other counselors. Here’s how the requirements compare:
| Credential | Minimum Education | Training Hours (12 Core Functions) | Supervised Work Hours | Direct Supervision Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAC-I | Associate’s in Human Services or Bachelor’s in any field | 270 hours | 4,000 hours over 2 years | 150 hours by a CCS |
| CAC-II | Associate’s in Human Services or Bachelor’s in any field | 450 hours | 8,000 hours over 4 years | 150 hours by a CCS |
| CCS | Bachelor’s in Human Services or Master’s in a Human Services discipline | 250 hours | 10,000 hours over 5 years | 150 hours by a CCS |
CAC-I Requirements
The Certified Addictions Counselor I (CAC-I) is the entry-level credential for counselors working directly with clients. To qualify, you’ll need at minimum an Associate’s degree in a Human Services field or a Bachelor’s degree in any area from a regionally accredited institution. From there, the requirements are:
- Pass a criminal background check, including fingerprinting.
- Complete 270 hours of addictions counseling training in the 12 Core Functions: Screening; Intake; Orientation; Assessment; Treatment Planning; Counseling; Case Management; Crisis Intervention; Client Education; Referral; Reports and Record Keeping; Consultation.
- Accumulate 4,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience over two years, within the 12 core functions.
- Complete 150 hours of direct supervision by a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).
- Sign the South Carolina Certification Ethical Standards statement.
- Pass the NAADAC Level I written examination.
- Pass the oral examination. APSC provides written results within 10 days of completion. Results are not given by phone.
You can find the application form on the APSC certification page.
CAC-II Requirements
The CAC-II builds on the CAC-I and represents a higher level of clinical experience. The education requirement is the same, but the training and supervised hours go up considerably:
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Complete 450 hours of addictions counseling training in the 12 Core Functions.
- Accumulate 8,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience over four years, within the 12 core functions.
- Complete 150 hours of direct supervision by a CCS.
- Sign the South Carolina Certification Ethical Standards statement.
- Pass the Level II written examination.
- Pass the oral examination.
CCS Requirements
The Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) credential is for experienced addiction counselors who want to move into a supervisory role, overseeing and mentoring newer counselors working toward their CAC-I or CAC-II. To apply, you must already hold an active CAC-II certification. Additional requirements include:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, or a Master’s degree in a Human Services discipline with a clinical application, from a regionally accredited institution.
- Complete 250 hours of addictions counseling training in the 12 Core Functions.
- Complete 30 hours of training specifically related to clinical supervision.
- Accumulate 10,000 hours of clinically supervised work experience over five years, within the 12 core functions.
- Complete 150 hours of direct supervision by a CCS.
- Sign the South Carolina Certification Ethical Standards statement.
- Pass the oral examination for the CCS.
The application form is available on the APSC certification page.
Recertification
All APSC certifications are valid for two years. APSC typically emails counselors 60 days before expiration as a reminder. To recertify, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education during the two years, including at least two hours in professional ethics. At least 20 of the 40 hours must be completed in person (class, seminar, or workshop). No more than half can be earned through home study or online education. All continuing education must be sponsored by an organization recognized as knowledgeable in the field of substance abuse.
State Licensure: A Separate Path
APSC certification is not the only credential available in South Carolina. The state also offers a separate licensure track through the South Carolina Board of Examiners, regulated by the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential requires a master’s degree and a supervised post-graduate internship. It represents a higher bar than APSC certification but allows for independent practice. If you’re considering graduate-level counseling education, it’s worth reviewing South Carolina’s counseling licensure requirements before choosing a program.
Salary and Job Outlook in South Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in South Carolina earned a median annual salary of $50,720 as of May 2024. That’s below the national median of $59,190 for the same occupation, though earnings vary by setting, experience level, and whether you hold the CCS or LAC credential.
On the job growth side, BLS projections show 110 new positions for mental health and substance abuse social workers in South Carolina between 2022 and 2032, a growth rate of 16.4%, with an average of 60 annual job openings. That outpaces the average growth rate for most occupations and reflects the ongoing and expanding need for addiction services across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CAC-I and CAC-II in South Carolina?
Both are counselor-level credentials issued by APSC, but CAC-II requires more training and experience. CAC-I requires 270 training hours and 4,000 supervised work hours. CAC-II requires 450 training hours and 8,000 supervised hours. Counselors typically earn CAC-I first and advance to CAC-II over time.
Who oversees substance abuse counselor certification in South Carolina?
Addiction Professionals of South Carolina (APSC), formerly known as SCAADAC, handles certification for addiction counselors in the state. APSC is the South Carolina chapter of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and sets all eligibility and application requirements.
How long does it take to become a certified addiction counselor in South Carolina?
The minimum timeline for a CAC-I is roughly two years, based on the 4,000-hour supervised work experience requirement. The CAC-II requires 4 years of supervised hours, while the CCS requires 5. These timelines assume you’re already working in an appropriate setting while completing training hours concurrently.
Does South Carolina offer reciprocity for counselors certified in other states?
APSC may grant reciprocity to counselors who are already certified by NAADAC or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), subject to a credential equivalency review. If you hold a current certification from either organization, contact APSC directly to confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
What is the difference between APSC certification and state licensure (LAC) in South Carolina?
APSC certification (CAC-I, CAC-II, CCS) requires a bachelor’s degree minimum and is the primary path for counselors entering the field. The SC Board of Examiners issues the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential, requires a master’s degree, and permits independent practice. Both are legitimate paths. The right choice depends on your education level and career goals.
Key Takeaways
- Three APSC credentials: CAC-I, CAC-II, and CCS build on each other. The CCS requires an active CAC-II status and shifts the role from direct counseling to supervision.
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree required: South Carolina requires at least a bachelor’s degree for all certification levels, unlike some states that accept a high school diploma for entry-level credentials.
- The 12 Core Functions are central: all training and supervised work hours must address them as defined by APSC and NAADAC.
- A separate licensure track exists: the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) through SC LLR is a master ‘s-level credential that allows independent practice and is worth researching if you’re planning graduate education.
- Job growth is strong: BLS projects 16.4% growth for this occupation category in South Carolina through 2032, well above average.
Ready to explore your options? Browse human services degree programs in South Carolina that prepare you for APSC certification.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.