At a Glance
To become a substance abuse counselor in Alaska, you’ll need certification from the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC). The Commission offers four credential levels: Counselor Technician (CT), Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDC I), Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDC II), and Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor (CDCS). A degree isn’t required, but holding one significantly reduces the work experience hours you’ll need to qualify.
Alaska faces a well-documented substance use crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) tracks alcohol, illicit drug, and prescription drug misuse rates by state through its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Alaska’s rates have consistently placed it above the national average across multiple categories. That need has made substance abuse counselors some of the most in-demand behavioral health professionals in the state. According to BLS state wage data, Alaska is also one of the top-paying states in the nation for this occupation, with a median annual wage of $79,220 as of May 2023.
If you’re considering this career path, here’s what certification actually requires in Alaska.
Alaska’s Four Certification Levels
The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification, formerly known as the Alaska Commission for Chemical Dependency Professionals Certification, oversees all substance abuse counselor credentials in the state. It has operated under its current name since 2005, when it expanded its scope to include mental health, domestic violence, and corrections-related behavioral health fields.
There are four certification levels, each building on the previous. Which level you pursue depends on your career goals, your education background, and how much supervised experience you’ve completed.
Here’s a summary of what each level requires:
| Credential |
Education Hours (No Degree) |
Education Hours (With Degree) |
Experience Hours (No Degree) |
Experience Hours (With Degree) |
Exam Required |
| Counselor Technician (CT) |
84 |
20 |
None |
None |
No |
| Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDC I) |
148 |
20 |
4,000 |
2,000 |
No |
| Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDC II) |
176 |
176 |
8,000 |
6,000 |
Yes |
| Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor (CDCS) |
206 |
206 |
12,000 |
10,000 |
Yes |
At the CDC II and CDCS levels, the education hour requirement is the same for both degreed and non-degreed candidates. The degree advantage applies at the CT and CDC I levels, where a qualifying degree reduces the required coursework significantly. All figures reflect ACBHC requirements as published by approved training providers; verify current standards at akcertification.org/forms.
Degree vs. No Degree: What Changes
Unlike most states, Alaska doesn’t require a degree to become a certified substance abuse counselor. What a degree does is reduce the required work experience hours significantly. A CDC I candidate without a degree needs 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (about two years full-time). A candidate with a relevant bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related behavioral health field needs only 2,000 hours.
The education hour requirements tell a similar story. Without a degree, CT candidates complete 84 hours of specific, Commission-mandated coursework. With a degree, that drops to 20 hours. At the CDC I level, non-degreed candidates need 148 total contact hours (the 84 from CT plus an additional 64). Degree candidates still need the same 20 hours required for CT.
Many of these training hours are completed through the Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Training (RADACT) program, which is an ACBHC-approved training provider. RADACT offers the required coursework in formats that include remote delivery, which matters in a state where rural access to in-person training can be a real barrier.
Education Requirements by Credential Level
The ACBHC specifies required coursework content areas for each credential level. These aren’t electives. Each course topic is mandated by the Commission. Here’s what’s required at each stage.
Counselor Technician (CT)
Without a degree, CT candidates complete 84 hours covering: Ethics, Confidentiality, Infectious Diseases and HIV, Introduction to Addictive Behavior, Documentation, Crisis Intervention, Introduction to Client-Centered Counseling, Introduction to Group Counseling, Working with Diverse Populations, Community Resources and Case Management, and Recovery, Health, Wellness, and Balance.
With a degree, CT candidates complete 20 hours covering three areas: Confidentiality, Infectious Diseases and HIV, and Introduction to Addictive Behavior.
Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDC I)
CDC I candidates without a degree complete all CT coursework (84 hours) plus five additional content areas: Psycho-physiology, Motivational Interviewing, DSM Practice, ASAM Practice, and Co-Occurring Disorders. That brings the total to 148 contact hours. Degree candidates complete the same 20-hour requirement as the CT level, with no additional coursework added at this stage for degree holders.
Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDC II)
CDC II candidates, whether degreed or not, must complete all CT and CDC I coursework plus two additional areas: Special Issues in Behavioral Health Services and Documentation Quality Assurance. This brings the total contact hour requirement to 176 hours for all CDC II applicants.
Chemical Dependency Clinical Supervisor (CDCS)
CDCS candidates complete all prior coursework and add 30 hours in Principles of Practice and Supervision, bringing the total to 206 contact hours. The supervisory content requirement applies regardless of degree status.
Experience Requirements
Supervised work experience is required for CDC I, CDC II, and CDCS credentials. The CT level has no experience requirement, which makes it an accessible entry point for people just starting out in the field.
The CT level has no practicum or experience requirement. CDC I, CDC II, and CDCS candidates each must complete 100 hours of supervised practicum as part of their required experience hours.
Because Alaska is a highly rural state, the ACBHC has provisions for remote supervision. Counselors working in communities far from their direct supervisor can satisfy a portion of supervision requirements via distance methods, though the Commission sets specific conditions for this. Contact the ACBHC directly to confirm current remote supervision rules before building your experience plan around them.
All supervision must be conducted by a counselor who is currently certified by the state. Non-certified supervisors’ hours will not be counted toward your requirements, so it’s worth verifying supervisor credentials before you begin your practicum placement.
How to Apply
Applications for all four credential levels are submitted directly to the Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification. The Commission’s website at akcertification.org has downloadable application forms for each level. Along with the completed application, you’ll need to submit a copy of your state-issued ID and sign a background check disclosure form.
Each application requires three references. For CDC I, CDC II, and CDCS applicants, at least one of those references must be a current supervisor. Reference forms are included in the application packet and must be mailed directly to the Commission by the reference. You can’t submit them yourself.
Application fees vary by credential level. Current fee schedules are posted at akcertification.org/forms. Confirm the current amounts before submitting, as fees are updated periodically.
Exam Requirements
The CT and CDC I certifications don’t require a written exam. Once you’ve met the education and experience requirements, you can apply directly.
CDC II and CDCS candidates must pass one of three exams: the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I), the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II), or the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam. All three are administered through NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. The ACBHC administers these exams on NAADAC’s behalf within Alaska.
Renewal Requirements
All certification levels renew every two years. Continuing education is required at every level: 40 hours total per renewal cycle, with at least 3 of those hours covering Ethics and Confidentiality.
Renewal fees vary by credential level. Current renewal fee amounts are listed in the ACBHC fee schedule at akcertification.org/forms.
Reciprocity
Alaska participates in the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means counselors certified in other IC&RC member states may be eligible to transfer their credentials to Alaska without starting the process over. Reciprocity candidates must provide proof of current certification from an acceptable certifying agency, documentation of recent continuing education (including ethics, confidentiality, and infectious disease content), and a copy of their original certification requirements.
The reciprocity process requires a direct conversation with the Commission. Contact the ACBHC at 907-332-4333 or by email at [email protected] before submitting any materials, as requirements may vary depending on which state issued your credential.
Salary and Job Outlook
Alaska ranks among the top-paying states in the country for substance abuse counselors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics state wage data, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Alaska was $79,220 as of May 2023, well above the national median of $59,190 as of May 2024. The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program publishes updated state-level figures annually.
| Location |
Median Annual Wage |
BLS Data Year |
| Alaska |
$79,220 |
May 2023 (BLS OES state data) |
| National Median |
$59,190 |
May 2024 (BLS OOH) |
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 48,300 openings are expected annually over the decade, driven by continued demand for addiction treatment, mental health services, and an aging workforce creating replacement openings.
Certification level affects where you land in that range. CDC II and CDCS credentials typically command higher salaries than CDC I, particularly in supervisory and clinical leadership roles. Geographic factors matter too. Urban centers like Anchorage offer more employer options, while rural postings sometimes include housing and cost-of-living adjustments that affect total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Alaska?
No. The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification offers both a degree and a non-degree path to certification at every level. Without a degree, you’ll need to complete more education contact hours and more supervised experience hours, but the path is open. Many counselors in Alaska enter the field through the non-degree route and advance over time.
What is the difference between CDC I and CDC II certification?
CDC I is the entry-level professional credential for substance abuse counselors in Alaska. CDC II requires more education hours, more supervised work experience (6,000 hours with a degree or 8,000 without), and a passing score on a NAADAC exam. CDC II also allows counselors to take on more complex caseloads and supervisory responsibilities. Most counselors pursue CDC I first, then advance to CDC II after building clinical experience.
How long does it take to become certified as a CDC I in Alaska?
The timeline depends primarily on how quickly you accumulate supervised experience hours. With a relevant degree, you need 2,000 hours, roughly one year of full-time work in an approved setting. Without a degree, you need 4,000 hours, or about two years. Education contact hours can often be completed concurrently through RADACT or other approved providers, so they don’t necessarily add to the overall timeline.
What is RADACT, and do I have to use it?
RADACT, the Regional Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor Training program, is an ACBHC-approved training provider that offers the required contact hours for Alaska certification. You don’t have to use RADACT specifically, as other ACBHC-approved providers are also accepted, but RADACT is a common choice because it offers remote delivery options that are practical for counselors in rural parts of the state.
Can I transfer my certification from another state to Alaska?
Possibly. Alaska is a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), so counselors certified in other IC&RC member states may qualify for reciprocity. The process isn’t automatic. You’ll need to contact the ACBHC directly at 907-332-4333 to confirm whether your credentials meet Alaska’s requirements and to get instructions on how to apply.
Key Takeaways
- The Alaska Commission for Behavioral Health Certification (ACBHC) issues four substance abuse counselor credentials: CT, CDC I, CDC II, and CDCS.
- A college degree isn’t required, but holding one cuts your required work experience hours roughly in half at each credential level.
- CT and CDC I certifications don’t require an exam. CDC II and CDCS candidates must pass an NAADAC exam (NCAC I, NCAC II, or MAC).
- All certifications renew every two years and require 40 hours of continuing education, including at least 3 hours in Ethics and Confidentiality.
- Alaska ranks among the top-paying states in the nation for substance abuse counselors, with a median annual wage of $79,220 according to BLS state wage data (May 2023).
- Alaska participates in the IC&RC reciprocity consortium, which may allow counselors certified in other member states to transfer their credentials.
Looking for degree programs that meet Alaska’s CDC certification requirements? Browse accredited options and compare programs by format and specialty.
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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
2023–2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national and state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.
