To become a substance abuse counselor in Colorado, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a behavioral health or related discipline, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in addiction work, and pass the NCAC Level II exam to earn Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS/ACC) certification through Colorado’s State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners. The first 1,000 hours qualify you for the entry-level Certified Addiction Technician (CAT/ACA) credential.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Colorado
- Earn a Higher Degree to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Denver, Aurora, and Throughout Colorado
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Colorado
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Colorado
- Frequently Asked Questions
A grim statistic has garnered Colorado attention for all the wrong reasons: In 2021, the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that one out of every ten residents in the state (10.44 percent) had a drug disorder, ranking it among the top states in the nation for drug abuse.
In the Denver region, drug abuse has surged in recent years, largely due to the rise of fentanyl. The City and County of Denver Medical Examiner reported that overdose deaths here nearly doubled between 2022 and 2023 alone. In some areas of the city, like along Colfax Avenue, the disease of addiction can’t be ignored, with scores of the afflicted openly using drugs. In Colorado Springs, meth continues to wreak havoc, largely among the city’s homeless population. According to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, meth accounted for 48 of the 216 drug overdoses in 2022, while a combination of meth and fentanyl accounted for another 42 deaths, and fentanyl alone accounted for 36 deaths.
But even amid the devastation, there’s no shortage of hope here in Colorado. From legislators to community leaders to the state’s dedicated Certified Addiction Specialists (CAS), people here are coming together to help communities throughout the state affected by substance use disorders.
At the state level, major organizations include the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention, which works to improve public awareness and education and institute harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services. There’s also the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration, which is creating regional networks of behavioral health providers that will serve people with mental health and substance use disorders. At the regional level, programs like the Northern Colorado Collaborative for Addiction and Recovery Support work as a community network of providers and stakeholders fighting the opioid epidemic and providing solutions.
From state and regional drug use disorder treatment programs to nonprofit programs to private residential and outpatient treatment facilities, Colorado’s substance abuse counselors are working to help people recover from the disease of addiction and save lives.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Colorado
The Colorado State Board of Addiction Counselors Examiners (under the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Professions and Occupations—DORA-DPO) is the state agency responsible for credentialing substance abuse counselors in Colorado.
As of November 2025, there are three levels of certification for substance abuse counselors in Colorado:
- Certified Addiction Technician (CAT/ACA) – Entry-level credential requiring a minimum of a high school diploma, 1,000 hours of clinically supervised experience, and passing the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I (NCAC I) exam
- Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS/ACC) – Bachelor’s level credential that allows substance abuse counselors to practice independently within the addiction treatment specialty. CAS counselors can treat substance misuse and co-occurring disorders, coordinate services and oversee case management, provide addiction counseling for individuals, families, and groups, and perform clinical assessments, including diagnostic impression, treatment planning, referral, and discharge planning
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) – Dual credential requiring a master’s or doctorate in clinical behavioral health. The LAC credential allows substance abuse counselors to expand their practice to include broader behavioral health counseling and the treatment of substance use disorders, addictive behavioral disorders, and co-occurring mental health disorders beyond the addiction specialty
In this guide, we’ve detailed the process of becoming a CAS/ACC, the state’s standard credential that will allow you to practice substance abuse counseling independently in Colorado. We’ve also detailed the process of becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in the section below to cover the credential you may elect to earn later as you advance in your career.
Typical Timeline: The complete path to becoming a CAS/ACC in Colorado can vary considerably based on individual circumstances. While some complete the process in 2-4 years beyond their bachelor’s degree, many take longer depending on how quickly they accrue supervised hours, pass required exams, and balance work or family commitments. The timeline includes six months to one year (minimum) accruing your first 1,000 supervised hours for CAT certification, time for exam preparation and completion, and additional time completing your remaining hours toward the 3,000-hour requirement for CAS certification.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to become a CAS/ACC in Colorado:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or Another Area of Behavioral Health Science
The first step to becoming a CAS/ACC in Colorado requires earning a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a behavioral health or related discipline from a regionally accredited institution. Acceptable fields include substance abuse disorders/addiction, counseling, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, and psychology.
Note: The board does not check for education equivalency. Instead, they’ve contracted with the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE) to perform all education equivalency reviews and evaluations. If you have questions about whether a degree you already hold meets CAS/ACC certification requirements, you’ll need to request a program evaluation through CCE.
2. Complete the First 1,000 Hours of Direct, Clinically Supervised Experience for CAT/ACA Certification
Once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree, you’ll begin accruing 1,000 hours of direct, clinically supervised experience in addiction work (supervised by a CAS/ACC or Licensed Addiction Counselor – LAC/ACD). These hours must be completed in no fewer than six months. Your experience will include training in the following areas:
- Client orientation
- Client intakes
- Client discharge planning
- Service coordination
- Concurrent record keeping
- Client, family, and community education
- Co-facilitated clinical interactions
Your bachelor’s degree will likely include a practicum (internship) where you can accrue most or all of those 1,000 hours. Your college or university will be able to help you land a practicum where you can begin satisfying the required hours.
3. Take and Pass the Required Skills and Jurisprudence Exams for CAT/ACA
You’ll need to take and pass the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level I exam (NCAC I) to become a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT/ACA), which you’ll need to hold before you can continue accruing the experience hours required to become a CAS/ACC.
Tip: If you complete the National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II exam (NCAC II) from the start, you’ll be qualified to earn both CAT/ACA certification (after 1,000 hours) and later CAS/ACC certification (after completing all requirements). In short, choose the Level II exam and you won’t need to take (and pay for) two separate exams.
Both the NCAC I and NCAC II exams are computer-based, multiple-choice exams of 150 questions administered by the Colorado Association for Addiction Professionals (CAAP). After you’ve completed an online application, you’ll receive an email that provides instructions for scheduling your exam. You can choose to take the exam at testing sites throughout Colorado.
You must also take and pass the Colorado Mental Health Jurisprudence exam before you can become certified as a CAT/ACA. ISO-Quality Testing administers this online exam, which consists of 45 multiple-choice questions. Exam fees are subject to change, so check with the testing provider for current costs.
4. Apply to Become a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT/ACA)
DORA-DPO is a paperless agency, so you’ll apply for CAT/ACA certification online through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services portal. You’ll need to upload your passing score from the NCAC exam (Level I or Level II), your passing jurisprudence exam score, and your official college transcripts when applying.
5. Complete the Remaining Hours of Direct, Clinically Supervised Experience Toward Your 3,000-Hour Requirement
Colorado requires a total of 3,000 hours of clinically supervised addiction work experience for CAS/ACC certification. The hours you completed to earn your CAT/ACA credential count toward this total. Once you’ve earned your CAT/ACA certification, you can continue accruing the remaining supervised clinical experience hours you’ll need to reach the 3,000-hour requirement for CAS/ACC. You cannot begin counting hours toward CAS/ACC until you’ve earned CAT/ACA certification. These advanced clinical hours must include:
- Clinical screening
- Clinical evaluation and assessment
- Clinical discharge and discharge planning
- Counseling (individual, group, and family)
- Brief psychotherapy
- DUI Level I and II education
- DUI Level II therapy
- Other client interactions
Many counselors work in treatment facilities, hospitals, or nonprofit organizations during this phase, earning income while completing their supervised hours.
6. Apply to Become a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS/ACC)
Once you’ve satisfied the 3,000-hour clinical experience requirement, you’ll apply to become a CAS/ACC. If you took only the NCAC I exam initially for your CAT certification, you’ll also need to take and pass the NCAC II exam before you can apply for CAS certification (see Step 3).
You must also take and pass the Colorado Jurisprudence exam again (it’s only valid for 12 months).
All addiction counselor credentials expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years. You’ll need to complete at least 40 professional development hours during each renewal period to qualify for renewal of the CAS/ACC credential.
Earn a Higher Degree to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Colorado offers a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) dual credential that permits substance abuse counselors to expand their practice beyond the addiction specialty to include broader behavioral health counseling and the treatment of substance use disorders, addictive behavioral disorders, and co-occurring mental health disorders. To become an LAC, you’ll need to complete the following:
- Master’s or doctorate in clinical behavioral health from a regionally accredited institution (acceptable degrees include community counseling, human services counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, human psychology, clinical social work, psychiatric nursing/advanced practice nursing, and addictionologist/addiction medicine)
- 2,000 hours of clinically supervised addiction work experience
- The NAADAC’s Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam
- Seven specialty trainings taken through a Colorado Behavioral Health Administration-approved trainer
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and Throughout Colorado
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop resource, jobs for substance abuse counselors in Colorado are projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, making it one of the higher-growth states for this profession. This growth reflects the increasing need for addiction treatment services as communities across the state work to address the ongoing substance abuse crisis. Job availability and growth rates may vary by credential level (CAT, CAS, or LAC) and geographic region.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, the state was home to 393 substance abuse facilities that treated more than 30,000 people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Denver County, which encompasses Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, reported one of the highest opioid overdose rates in the state between September 2022 and August 2023. During this time, the opioid overdose rate here was 69.7 deaths per 100,000 people, more than double the national opioid death rate of 32.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
It comes as no surprise that the state’s largest metro areas of Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora are home to many substance abuse facilities. Substance abuse counselor jobs here are found in places like:
- Mile High Recovery Center in Denver, which includes nine recovery houses and a recovery treatment center
- Cedar Springs Hospital in Colorado Springs, a behavioral health hospital providing a continuum of care for adults who suffer from psychiatric disorders and substance abuse
- Aurora Mental Health and Recovery, which offers detox, medication-assisted treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment options
Substance abuse counselors here also work for major health systems like Denver Health and UCHealth, as well as for nonprofits like Advances for Recovery Colorado and The FullCircle Program. Career opportunities extend beyond traditional treatment centers to include schools, correctional facilities, employee assistance programs, private practice (at the CAS and LAC levels), and telehealth services.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Throughout Colorado
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2023, substance abuse counselors in Colorado earned a median annual salary of $58,110, which is about $5,000 more than the national median for this profession. Those at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile) earned about $92,360 in Colorado during this time.
The Boulder metro area reported both the highest median and top salaries for substance abuse counselors as of May 2023:
- Boulder: $80,870 (median), $132,410 (90th percentile)
- Colorado Springs: $50,350 (median), $87,720 (90th percentile)
- Denver (includes Aurora and Lakewood): $58,360 (median), $84,080 (90th percentile)
Salaries vary significantly based on factors including your credential level (CAT/ACA, CAS/ACC, or LAC), years of experience, work setting, specializations, and geographic location. Counselors working in private practice or with advanced credentials like the LAC typically earn higher salaries than those in entry-level CAT positions. These figures represent state-level data and may not reflect salary differences based on specific credentials.
For more detailed salary information across different roles and credential levels, visit our comprehensive substance abuse counselor salary guide.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Colorado
From bachelor’s degrees to master’s degrees and beyond, Colorado’s colleges and universities offer numerous degree options to become a substance abuse counselor. Colorado recognizes several bachelor’s degrees in the behavioral science field from regionally accredited institutions, so it’s possible to meet the requirements to become CAS/ACC through a bachelor’s degree in multiple areas. For example, Colorado State University offers a BS in Psychology with an Addictions Counseling concentration and a BS in Social Work with an Addictions Counseling concentration.
You’ll also find colleges and universities offering master’s degrees in the substance abuse counseling field. For example, Colorado Christian University offers a Master’s in Counseling with a focus on Substance Abuse.
Colorado Christian University
College of Adult and Graduate Studies
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Hybrid, Online
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Substance Use Disorders emphasis
Colorado Mesa University
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Professional Certificate in Addiction Studies
Colorado Mountain College
Human Services, Social Sciences, and Education academic pathway
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate-Certified Addiction Technician (CAT)
- Certificate-Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS)
Associate Degrees
- AA with an emphasis in Addiction Studies
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
College of Natural Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Major in Psychology with an Addictions Counseling concentration
- Major in Social Work with an Addictions Counseling concentration
Master’s Degrees
- Master of Addiction Counseling in Psychology (MACP)
- Accelerated Master’s in Addiction Counseling (this program is only available to students attending partner community colleges)
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Use Disorder Identification and Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a substance abuse counselor in Colorado without a master’s degree?
Yes. Colorado’s Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS/ACC) credential requires only a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in behavioral health or a related discipline, along with 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience in addiction work and passing the NCAC Level II exam. A master’s degree is only required if you want to pursue the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) dual credential, which allows you to provide broader behavioral health services beyond the addiction treatment specialty.
How long does it take to become certified as a substance abuse counselor in Colorado?
The timeline varies considerably based on individual circumstances. While some complete the process in 2-4 years beyond their bachelor’s degree, many take longer. The timeline depends on how quickly you accrue the required 3,000 supervised hours, pass the required exams, and balance other commitments. At minimum, you’ll need six months for your first 1,000 hours (CAT credential), followed by additional time to complete your remaining hours toward the 3,000-hour CAS requirement while working as a CAT.
What’s the difference between CAT/ACA and CAS/ACC certification?
CAT/ACA (Certified Addiction Technician) is an entry-level credential requiring a high school diploma, 1,000 supervised hours in addiction work, and passing the NCAC Level I exam. It allows you to work under supervision. CAS/ACC (Certified Addiction Specialist) requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, 3,000 total hours of supervised addiction work experience (which may include hours earned under the CAT level), and passing the NCAC Level II exam. It allows you to practice independently within the addiction treatment specialty, perform clinical assessments, and provide comprehensive addiction counseling services.
Can I work as a counselor while completing my supervised hours?
Yes. After completing your first 1,000 hours and earning your CAT/ACA certification, you can work in treatment facilities, hospitals, or other settings while continuing to accrue the remaining supervised hours toward your 3,000-hour CAS requirement. Many counselors earn income during this phase while working toward full CAS/ACC certification.
Does Colorado require continuing education for substance abuse counselors?
Yes. As of November 2025, Colorado requires at least 40 professional development hours during each renewal period to maintain your CAS/ACC credential. All addiction counselor credentials expire on August 31 of odd-numbered years, so you’ll need to complete continuing education to qualify for renewal.
Should I take the NCAC Level I or NCAC Level II exam?
If you plan to become a CAS/ACC (not just a CAT/ACA), it’s more efficient to take the NCAC Level II exam from the start. Passing NCAC Level II qualifies you for both CAT/ACA certification (after 1,000 hours) and later CAS/ACC certification (after completing all 3,000 hours and meeting other requirements), eliminating the need to take and pay for two separate exams.
What types of jobs can I get with a CAS/ACC certification?
CAS/ACC certified counselors can practice independently within the addiction treatment specialty in settings including residential treatment facilities, outpatient clinics, hospitals, community health centers, nonprofit organizations, correctional facilities, employee assistance programs, schools, and private practice. You can provide individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling, clinical assessments, treatment planning, and case management services focused on substance use disorders.
How much does the certification process cost in Colorado?
As of November 2025, costs include your bachelor’s degree tuition (varies by school and residency status), NCAC exam fees (contact CAAP for current pricing, as fees may change), the Colorado Jurisprudence exam fee, application fees to DORA-DPO, and potential supervision costs during your clinical hours. Some practicum placements and employers provide supervision at no additional cost. Total investment varies widely based on your education path and whether you attend in-state public or private institutions. Check with the Colorado State Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners and testing providers for the most current fee information.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in a behavioral health or related discipline, plus 3,000 total hours of supervised addiction work experience to become a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS/ACC) as of November 2025
- You can begin working as a Certified Addiction Technician (CAT/ACA) after completing your first 1,000 hours and passing the NCAC Level I exam, then continue accruing hours toward your 3,000-hour CAS requirement
- Taking the NCAC Level II exam instead of Level I from the start saves time and money, qualifying you for both CAT (after 1,000 hours) and CAS (after completing all 3,000 hours)
- The complete certification process timeline varies by individual circumstances, with many taking 2-4 years or longer beyond their bachelor’s degree depending on how quickly they complete supervised hours and exams
- Colorado substance abuse counselors earned a median salary of $58,110 as of May 2023 (BLS data), with Boulder offering the highest wages ($80,870 median), though salaries vary by credential level and experience
- The CAS credential allows independent practice within the addiction treatment specialty, while the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential with a master’s degree permits broader behavioral health practice
Ready to Start Your Journey in Substance Abuse Counseling?
Explore accredited degree programs from regionally accredited institutions that meet Colorado’s CAS/ACC requirements and connect with schools offering the education and training you need to make a difference in your community.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for 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 November 2025.
