How do I become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC)?
Regulations creating a consolidated credential, the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), became effective March 19, 1997. The CASAC credential consolidates the two previous credentials, the Credentialed Alcoholism Counselor (CAC) and the Credentialed Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), into a single counselor credential. By June 1997, all previous CACs and CSACs in New York State were automatically ‘grandparented’ as CASACs. New counselors seeking to become credentialed in New York State must meet new eligibility requirements and pass a written examination developed by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Inc. (IC&RC), and administered by the New York State Office of Alocholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). Each credential is valid for a period of two years. A renewal application will be sent at least 120 days prior to the credential expiration date. The completed renewal application and any required su
