At a Glance
For substance abuse counseling roles, Hawaii’s primary ADAD-issued counselor credential is the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). You’ll need 300 hours of approved education, 2,000 to 6,000 supervised work hours depending on your degree level, and a passing score on the IC&RC exam. The initial application fee is $25, and ADAD currently advises allowing 8 to 10 weeks for review and processing.
Methamphetamine remains a major substance use concern in Hawaii and is a leading contributor to overdose deaths statewide. State officials also report continued growth of fentanyl in Hawaii’s illicit drug supply. The demand for qualified substance abuse counselors isn’t going away. If you’re looking to enter this field, the Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credential is the state-recognized pathway, and it’s more accessible than most people expect. You don’t need a college degree to start. What you do need is documented education, supervised hours, and a passing score on a national exam. For a broader look at the field, our substance abuse and addiction counseling section covers career paths, degree options, and state-by-state requirements.
This guide covers every requirement in detail, from education and supervised experience to the application process, the IC&RC exam, and renewal. We’ve also included current BLS salary data so you can go in with an accurate picture of what this career pays in Hawaii.
What Does a CSAC Do?
The Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is the primary professional credential for substance abuse counselors in Hawaii, issued by the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD). The ADAD also administers other substance use professional certifications, including the Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS), Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and Certified Substance Abuse Prevention Administrator (CSAPA). Hawaii is a member board of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means CSAC holders benefit from reciprocity agreements that can make it easier to practice in other states or via telehealth across state lines. If you’re considering the broader behavioral health credential landscape in Hawaii, see our guide to Hawaii counseling licensure requirements for the Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) pathway.
According to the ADAD, a CSAC is trained to assess clients for substance use disorders, develop individualized treatment plans, provide direct counseling, and determine when a client is ready for discharge. CSACs work in outpatient clinics, residential treatment programs, hospitals, corrections facilities, and community health organizations across the islands.
Education Requirements
All applicants must complete 300 hours of approved education before applying. At least 270 of those hours must be specific to Substance Use Disorder (SUD). The remaining 30 hours can come from related behavioral health topics. You’re also required to complete 6 hours of education in each of the following areas: HIV and STD awareness, substance use disorders, ethics, and confidentiality.
Education and training must come from ADAD-approved providers. ADAD-approved distance learning may count toward your education hours, but distance learning is generally limited to 50 percent of the required education hours unless ADAD authorizes otherwise. This is worth confirming directly with the ADAD before enrolling, particularly if you plan to complete all your hours online.
Supervised Experience Requirements
The number of supervised work hours you’ll need depends on your education level. According to ADAD’s current application instructions, only qualifying employment within the last three years may count toward the experience requirement. Of your total hours, 400 must be under direct supervision. Your supervisor must hold an active CSAC credential and document your hours directly with the ADAD.
| Education Level |
Required Work Hours |
| High school diploma or GED |
6,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree in Substance Use Disorders or related field |
4,000 |
| Master’s degree in behavioral health |
2,000 |
A higher degree doesn’t just reduce your required hours. It also opens the door to supervisory and clinical roles that pay more and carry a broader scope of practice. That said, Hawaii is one of the few states where you can enter this career with a high school diploma, which makes the CSAC accessible to people already working in treatment settings who want to formalize their credentials.
Application Process
The application is available online through the ADAD. You’ll need to print it, complete it by hand, and mail it to the ADAD’s Quality Assurance office at 601 Kamokila Blvd., Room 360, Kapolei, HI 96707. The following must be submitted with your application:
- A current, government-issued photo ID
- A signed copy of the CSAC Code of Ethics
- Official transcripts (mailed directly from your institution)
- A $25 application fee paid by certified cashier’s check or money order made payable to “State Director of Finance” (no cash or personal checks)
Review and processing take up to 6 to 8 weeks. The ADAD will contact you by email if anything is missing. When you receive an email confirming your file has been opened, your application has been approved. You’ll then be required to attend an ADAD orientation meeting before your credential is finalized.
Background Check
All applicants must pass a criminal background check. If you have a prior conviction directly related to counseling or treatment duties, your application may be denied. You can submit a letter of explanation asking the ADAD to consider the nature and circumstances of the conviction before a final decision is made.
The IC&RC Exam
Once you’ve met all CSAC requirements, the ADAD will send you the exam application. Hawaii uses the national exam administered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours to complete it. ADAD’s current fee schedule lists the examination and retesting fee as $125. Candidates who arrive late may be charged a $150 cancellation or rescheduling fee.
The IC&RC provides study materials, candidate guides, and practice exams on its website. After passing, the ADAD may take up to 30 days to send verification of your credentials. Your actual CSAC certificate should arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days after that. You can find IC&RC exam prep resources directly on the IC&RC website.
Renewal Requirements
Your CSAC credential must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires 40 hours of ADAD-approved continuing education, including at least 6 hours of ethics. The renewal fee is $25, payable by cashier’s check or money order to “State Director of Finance.”
Mail your completed CSAC renewal application to: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, Attn: Certification, Kakuhihewa Building, 601 Kamokila Boulevard, Room 360, Kapolei, Hawaii 96707.
Salary and Job Outlook in Hawaii
Hawaii’s 2024 wage data for this occupation shows a meaningful split between mean and median figures. According to state occupational data compiled in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Hawaii was $75,610 in 2024, while the state median annual wage was $54,390. For comparison, the national median reported by the BLS for the same period was $59,190. Hawaii employed approximately 1,580 workers in this occupation as of the latest state data.
| Occupation / Geography |
Annual Wage |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Hawaii, mean |
$75,610 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Hawaii median |
$54,390 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, national median |
$59,190 |
Nationally, the BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 48,300 openings are expected each year over that period. Hawaii’s substance use challenges may support continued need for qualified counselors, though local demand can vary by island, employer, funding source, and credential level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CSAC in Hawaii?
The timeline varies by education level. If you already hold a master’s degree in behavioral health, you’ll need 2,000 supervised hours, which takes roughly one to two years depending on your employment. For those with a high school diploma, the 6,000-hour requirement typically takes three to five years. Add 8 to 10 weeks for application processing and up to 30 additional days after passing the IC&RC exam for credential verification.
Can I work as a substance abuse counselor in Hawaii without the CSAC?
Some entry-level positions in treatment settings don’t require a CSAC credential immediately, particularly peer support and paraprofessional roles. However, to practice as a certified counselor, diagnose clients, develop treatment plans, and make discharge decisions, the CSAC is the required credential in Hawaii. The ADAD doesn’t offer a provisional or intern-level certification.
Does my Hawaii CSAC transfer to other states?
Yes. Because Hawaii is a member board of the IC&RC, your CSAC credential is eligible for reciprocity in other IC&RC member states. This doesn’t mean automatic licensure, but it does simplify the process considerably in states that recognize IC&RC credentials. Check directly with the receiving state’s licensing board to confirm their current reciprocity terms.
What happens if my application is missing documents?
The ADAD will contact you by email if anything is missing. Because applications are reviewed manually, responding promptly to any request helps avoid extending the 6- to 8-week processing window. Keep copies of everything you mail in, including your transcript request confirmation, so you can track what’s been sent.
Where can I find ADAD-approved education providers?
The ADAD maintains a list of approved continuing education and initial education providers. The Center for Addiction Studies and Research is a recognized distance-learning provider for Hawaii CSAC education, which is useful for applicants on the neighbor islands. Contact the ADAD directly at 808-692-7506 or check their website for an updated list of providers before enrolling in any program.
Key Takeaways
- The CSAC is Hawaii’s primary substance abuse counselor credential, issued by the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD), which also administers the CPS, CCJP, CCS, and CSAPA certifications.
- You can qualify with a high school diploma, though a higher degree significantly reduces the supervised hours required: from 6,000 down to 2,000 for master’s-level applicants.
- All applicants must complete 300 hours of ADAD-approved education and pass the IC&RC exam ($125 per ADAD’s current fee schedule). The initial application fee is $25, and ADAD advises allowing 8 to 10 weeks for processing.
- Hawaii’s 2024 mean annual wage for this occupation was $75,610, while the state median was $54,390 and the national median was $59,190, per BLS data.
- Because Hawaii is an IC&RC member board, your CSAC credential can transfer to other IC&RC states through reciprocity, adding long-term career flexibility.
Ready to take the next step toward CSAC certification? Browse accredited degree programs in Hawaii and find options that fit your education goals and timeline.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national data. Hawaii state wage figures are from the 2024 State of Hawaii Occupational Employment and Wages report prepared by the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism in cooperation with BLS. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
