Â
To become a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) in Florida, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in a counseling or health-related field, complete 150-250 hours of specialized training (depending on your degree), log 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised work experience, and pass the CAP certification exam through the Florida Certification Board.
Table of Contents
- Florida Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Levels
- Four Steps to Becoming a CAP in Florida
- Timeline and Cost Overview
- Tier I vs. Tier II: Which Path Is Right for You?
- Earn Advanced MCAP Certification
- Florida Job Market for Substance Abuse Counselors
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Florida
- Florida Degree Programs and Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions
America’s opioid crisis has left no state untouched, and Florida has felt the brunt of it. Today, the state faces an opioid epidemic of staggering proportions, reminiscent of the cocaine trafficking violence that plagued Miami in the 70s and 80s.
According to the CDC, as of 2021, Florida ranked second in the nation in drug overdose deaths by total number (behind only California), though not by per capita rate. More than 7,800 Floridians lost their lives due to overdose in that year alone.
The fallout has been felt statewide, but certain areas have been affected much more severely than others. The Tampa Bay region, for example, has reported significantly higher overdose rates than the statewide average, according to regional public health data. In Sarasota, a lethal mixture of heroin or fentanyl with a powerful tranquilizer called xylazine—dubbed the “zombie drug” by law enforcement—has been implicated in over 230 deaths statewide, with Sarasota reporting the third most significant increase in xylazine deaths as of 2023.
But there’s plenty of hope on the horizon. Recovery and treatment efforts are making serious inroads, and Certified Addiction Professionals (CAP) are leading the fight.
Whether they’re working in state-run programs like the CORE Network, at small community clinics that offer immediate care and resources, or in larger hospital-based systems, Certified Addiction Professionals are the backbone of Florida’s addiction recovery system. With the proper credentials, you can become part of the solution.
The Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network Offers a Novel Approach to a Generation’s Old Problem in Florida
A significant effort called the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network—the first of its kind in the US—is underway.
Focused on sustainable addiction recovery, this large-scale initiative combines the forces of the Florida Department of Health, the Department of Children and Families, and the Agency for Health Care Administration to offer a state-supported, coordinated system of care.
Since its implementation in 2022, EMTs throughout the state have connected more than 25,000 overdose patients to long-term recovery solutions. According to Florida Department of Health data, opioid overdose rates declined by 2.6 percent statewide between 2021 and 2022—the first decline in four years. While this decrease coincided with CORE’s launch, public health experts note that multiple factors influence overdose trends.
Recovery from addiction is an uphill battle, and those on the front lines must remain committed to the cause. Substance abuse counselors are invaluable members of Florida’s recovery network of care, providing a full range of clinical services to those suffering from substance use disorders and the people who love them.
Florida Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Levels
In Florida, there are three levels of certification for substance abuse counselors. Each level serves a different role in the addiction treatment continuum and requires different education, training, and experience:
- Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC): An intermediate credential that allows you to work side-by-side with clinical staff to provide services to individuals with substance use conditions. CACs are not qualified for independent practice and must work under the supervision of a competent professional.
- Certified Addiction Professional (CAP): A bachelor’s-level credential that allows you to provide direct clinical counseling and a full range of recovery-oriented substance use clinical services within approved settings. CAPs are recognized for billable services under Florida’s State Medicaid Plan.
- Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP): A master’s-level, advanced practice credential for people who provide services to individuals with substance use conditions. MCAPs who meet the requirements can make substance use disorder diagnoses in programs billed under Florida’s State Medicaid Plan.
This guide focuses on becoming a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Florida’s standard credential that allows you to provide substance abuse counseling services independently within approved clinical settings.
You’ll work closely with the Florida Certification Board as you take the steps to become a CAP, the designation required to provide direct clinical counseling to individuals and groups afflicted by substance use disorder.
Four Steps to Becoming a CAP in Florida
The path to CAP certification can seem complex at first, but we’ve broken it down into four straightforward steps. Here’s your roadmap to becoming a Certified Addiction Professional in Florida:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling or Another Behavioral Science Major
2. Complete a Period of On-the-Job Supervision and Related Work Experience
3. Apply to Become a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) through the Florida Certification Board
4. Take and Pass the CAP Exam
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree (Tier I or Tier II Path)
To become a CAP in Florida, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The field you choose to study determines which certification pathway you’ll follow.
As of 2023, the Florida Certification Board instituted two pathways to certification: Tier I and Tier II. The field you choose to study will determine how much training, work experience, and on-the-job supervision you’ll need to meet the standards for certification as a CAP.
Tier I Pathway
If you earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in a counseling-related field, you’ll follow the Tier I pathway. This pathway provides a more streamlined route to CAP certification.
Degrees that meet Tier I pathway requirements include: addiction studies, addiction counseling, counseling, psychology, social work, and behavioral health.
As part of your Tier I education, you’ll need to complete 150 hours of content-specific training, which can be accomplished through college coursework or through a single class awarded by an FCB provider. (FCB single-source providers offer single training certificates that meet the 150-hour requirement.)
Tier I training requirements include:
- Understanding addiction/treatment knowledge: 80 hours
- Application to practice/professional readiness: 25 hours (six hours of which must be in ethics)
- Documentation: 15 hours
- Client/family/community education: 15 hours
Tier II Pathway
If you earn a bachelor’s degree or higher in a health or human services field, you’ll follow the Tier II pathway.
Degrees that meet Tier II pathway requirements include: child development, criminal justice, education, family relations, guidance counseling, health education/health sciences, human services, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy/pharmaceutical studies, public health, recreational therapy, sociology, and vocational counseling.
As part of your Tier II education, you’ll need to complete 250 hours of content-specific training, which can be accomplished through college coursework or through a single class awarded by an FCB provider. (FCB single-source providers offer single training certificates that meet this requirement.)
Tier II training requirements include:
- Understanding addiction/treatment knowledge: 80 hours
- Application to practice/professional readiness: 25 hours
- Client/family/community education: 15 hours
- Case management: 15 hours
- Clinical evaluation: 25 hours
- Treatment planning: 15 hours
- Counseling: 30 hours
- Ethical and professional responsibilities: 30 hours (six hours of which must be in ethics)
Step 2: Complete On-the-Job Supervision and Work Experience
Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, it’s time to land a job where you’ll start logging the required on-the-job supervision and work experience you’ll need for CAP certification.
Important: You cannot start logging these hours until you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree. All logged hours must begin after you’ve earned your degree and within 5 years of applying for the CAP.
Addiction recovery service providers and government programs routinely hire college grads, providing supervised pre-certification experience, guiding you on your professional journey, and helping you build your skills and confidence as you prepare to become a CAP.
Tier I Supervision and Experience Requirements
Tier I applicants must complete:
- 100 hours of on-the-job supervision delivered by an FCB-approved qualified supervisor (at least 50 hours must be individual, one-on-one supervision and/or observation of skills)
- 2,000 hours of addiction-specific work experience (about one year of full-time work)
A qualified supervisor is a CAP, master’s-level certified addiction professional (MCAP), advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), physician, physician’s assistant, psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor. Your supervisor must complete and return the CAP Supervision Verification Form.
Tier II Supervision and Experience Requirements
Tier II applicants must complete:
- 150 hours of on-the-job supervision delivered by an FCB-approved qualified supervisor (at least 50 hours must be individual, one-on-one supervision and/or observation of skills)
- 4,000 hours of addiction-specific work experience (about two years of full-time work)
A qualified supervisor is a CAP, MCAP, APRN, physician, physician’s assistant, psychologist, clinical social worker, or mental health counselor. Your supervisor must complete and return the CAP Supervision Verification Form.
Step 3: Apply for CAP Certification through the Florida Certification Board
Once you’ve satisfied the required work experience hours, you’ll apply to become a CAP by creating an online account where you’ll complete an application and submit the following:
- CAP Tier I or II Training Verification form
- CAP Tier I or II Work Experience form
- CAP Tier I or II On-the-Job Supervision Verification Form
- Three professional letters of recommendation (CAP Professional Recommendation for Certification form)
Once you apply the FCB, you’ll have 12 months to earn your credential, which includes taking and passing your exam.
Step 4: Take and Pass the CAP Exam
The final step of the certification process includes registering for the CAP exam.
After the FCB approves your application, they’ll send you an email giving you the green light to pre-register for the CAP exam through the FCB system. Click “Add to Your Application,” which will take you to the exam pre-registration page, where you’ll answer a few questions and pay for the exam.
You’ll then receive another email from FCB with the subject line “Exam Instructions.” Click on the link provided in the email to complete the exam registration process, which includes choosing your exam site, day, and time. You can take the exam at testing sites throughout Florida.
The FCB has study guides available to help you prepare for the exam.
What to expect: Once you complete the computer-based CAP exam, the FCB will provide you with an official score within seven days, along with your CAP certification if you pass.
If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you’ll have the option of rescheduling it every 30 days. Remember that you must pass the exam within the 12-month application period; otherwise, you’ll need to resubmit the CAP certification application.
Maintaining your certification: You’ll renew your CAP credential with the FCB annually. All credentials renew on June 30, so your first renewal date will be prorated. To maintain CAP certification, you’ll need to complete at least 20 continuing education credits every year.
Timeline and Cost Overview: What to Expect
Understanding the time and financial investment required for CAP certification helps you plan your path effectively.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CAP in Florida?
Tier I Timeline (Counseling-Related Degrees):
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years (full-time)
- Supervised work experience: 1 year (2,000 hours)
- Exam preparation and testing: 3-6 months
- Total: Approximately 5 to 5.5 years
Tier II Timeline (Health/Human Services Degrees):
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years (full-time)
- Supervised work experience: 2 years (4,000 hours)
- Exam preparation and testing: 3-6 months
- Total: Approximately 6 to 6.5 years
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an eligible field, you can potentially become certified in 1-2 years by completing the required training and supervised experience.
What Does It Cost to Become a CAP in Florida?
The total investment varies depending on your educational path and whether you attend public or private institutions:
- Bachelor’s degree tuition: $20,000-$80,000+ (Florida public universities average $6,300/year for in-state students; private institutions can exceed $30,000/year)
- Addiction-specific certificate programs: $500-$3,000
- CAP application fee: Approximately $100-$200
- CAP exam fee: Approximately $200-$300
- Annual renewal fee: Approximately $100-$150
- Continuing education (20 credits/year): $200-$600 annually
Total estimated investment: $25,000-$85,000+ (the wide range reflects primarily the variation in tuition costs between public and private institutions, with the bachelor’s degree comprising the most significant portion of the investment)
Tier I vs. Tier II: Which Path Is Right for You?
The pathway you choose depends on your educational background and career timeline. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide:
| Requirement | Tier I (Counseling-Related) | Tier II (Health/Human Services) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Degrees | Addiction studies, addiction counseling, counseling, psychology, social work, behavioral health | Child development, criminal justice, education, family relations, guidance counseling, health education, human services, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, public health, recreational therapy, sociology, vocational counseling |
| Training Hours Required | 150 hours | 250 hours |
| Supervision Hours | 100 hours (50 must be individual) | 150 hours (50 must be individual) |
| Work Experience | 2,000 hours (~1 year full-time) | 4,000 hours (~2 years full-time) |
| Time to Completion | ~5 to 5.5 years (with bachelor’s) | ~6 to 6.5 years (with bachelor’s) |
| Best For | Those starting with a counseling or psychology background, and those who want the fastest path to certification | Career changers with degrees in nursing, criminal justice, education, or social services; those building on existing healthcare experience |
Earn Advanced MCAP Certification with a Master’s Degree
Suppose you want to advance your education in the field of substance abuse counseling and expand your earning potential and job prospects. In that case, the FCB offers the Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) designation.
To earn this designation, you’ll need to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in a related clinical counseling field. Acceptable fields include:
- Addiction Studies/Counseling
- Marriage and Family Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
- Rehabilitation/Counseling
- Clinical Social Work
Applicants must also complete at least 161 clock hours of training. Those who already hold the CAP designation need only complete 20 additional hours of training in:
- Clinical supervision: 16 hours
- HIV/AIDS: 4 hours
- Domestic violence: 2 hours
Once you’ve earned your master’s or doctoral degree, you’ll then need to complete 4,000 hours (about two years of full-time work) of addiction-specific, professional-level work experience. This must include at least 200 hours of on-the-job supervision related to performing addiction-related services, with at least half of these hours consisting of individual, one-on-one supervision or observation of skills by a qualified supervisor.
Once you have met all education and experience requirements, you’ll apply for the MCAP designation and take the Florida MCAP exam. You’ll receive MCAP certification upon passing the exam.
Florida Job Market for Substance Abuse Counselors
Substance abuse counselors in Florida possess a unique skillset that makes them valuable members of any recovery or addiction treatment team in settings like hospitals, prisons, inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient treatment centers, community programs, and more.
There’s no better time than now to consider a career as a substance abuse counselor in Florida, given the gravity of the state’s drug abuse epidemic.
According to the CDC, between August 2022 and July 2023, many of Florida’s counties reported opioid overdose death rates that were far higher than—in some instances, more than double—the national rate of 32.5 deaths per 100,000 people.
For example, Escambia County reported an overdose death rate of 69.6 per 100,000 people, while Marion County reported a similar overdose death rate of 62.4 per 100,000 people. The percentage of overdose deaths in these counties related to fentanyl stood at 75 percent and 63 percent, respectively.
Duval County, home to the large cities of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach, reported an opioid overdose death rate of 55.4 per 100,000 people during this time, and its share of fentanyl-related deaths stood at a sobering 78 percent.
Other Florida counties reporting high overdose death rates during this time included:
- Pinellas County (St. Petersburg, Clearwater): 54.4 deaths per 100,000 people
- Pasco County (New Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes, Port Richey): 53.2 deaths
- Volusia County (Daytona Beach): 53.2 deaths
- Brevard County (Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cape Canaveral): 38.8 deaths
- Palm Beach County (Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter): 36.8 deaths
- Okaloosa County (Destin): 45.7 deaths
- Lee County (Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach): 35.3 deaths
- Osceola County (Kissimmee, St. Cloud): 35.5 deaths
- Hillsborough County (Tampa): 34.5 deaths
Job Growth and Demand
In response to a rising number of Floridians afflicted by drug and alcohol use disorder, jobs for substance abuse counselors are projected to increase by 28 percent during the ten years leading up to 2030. During this time, the Sunshine State is expected to experience approximately 2,200 job openings in the field each year, resulting from a combination of new job growth, retirements, and natural job turnover.
The number of substance abuse facilities also continues to grow in Florida. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, there were 617 facilities throughout the state in 2011. By 2020, this number had jumped by nearly 100 to 712 facilities.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Jacksonville
Duval County is one of the more than a dozen Florida counties participating in the state’s Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) program, and for good reason. According to the Duval County health officer for the Florida Department of Health, more than 400 people died of drug overdoses in the county in 2022 alone.
This state-led program is supported by many other programs, services, and resources at the county and city levels aimed at helping those who have an addiction. For example, substance abuse counselors throughout Jacksonville lend their talents to innovative programs, such as River Oak Center, a sober high school that helps teenagers in recovery. This center, designed for students aged 14 to 19, provides a specially designed curriculum that allows adolescents on their path to recovery from substance abuse or addiction.
Substance abuse counselors in Jacksonville are also found in dozens of residential treatment centers like River Point Behavioral Health, Dr. Paul’s by the Sea, and Beaches Recovery.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Tampa
Professional opportunities for substance abuse counselors in Tampa include River Oaks, a specialized treatment facility for individuals with addiction and mental health conditions. Services here include medical detox, inpatient/residential treatment, outpatient rehab, and veterans’ addiction treatment services.
North Tampa Behavioral Health Hospital is another large facility in the Tampa region that serves adolescents, adults, and senior patients. They have an inpatient program that includes specialized tracks for those with co-occurring disorders and chemical dependency. Therapies here include individual, group, and recreational therapy.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in St. Petersburg
According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, a person dies from a drug overdose every 43 hours in Pinellas County. Substance abuse counselors here assume essential roles in private and nonprofit inpatient facilities, outpatient substance abuse counseling centers, and a variety of programs in prisons, hospitals, and long-term care facilities.
Pinellas County has implemented a unique initiative for the people of St. Petersburg called Pinellas Matters. This county-funded pilot program, aimed at curbing opioid overdose deaths, helps ER patients find resources, many of which are covered through grants. Since the program’s inception, officials have announced that it has helped more than 400 patients, approximately three-quarters of whom have either completed or are currently completing long-term drug treatment programs.
Substance abuse counselors here may also work at community programs like the St. Pete Free Clinic, which provides housing and recovery services for those experiencing homelessness and recovering from substance use disorders. Their residences offer a safe place for men and women to stay as they work on their recovery.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Orlando
According to Orange County’s Coalition for a Drug-Free Community, the county saw a decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths for the first time between 2021 and 2022, with opioid overdose deaths here dropping 14 percent. The county credits its many harm reduction practices, including the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign, for these promising statistics.
When Orlando residents are ready to begin treatment, substance abuse counselors are waiting, armed with the skills to help those with substance use disorder make significant and lasting inroads on the path to recovery.
Substance abuse counselors in Orlando work in many different settings, from inpatient treatment facilities to community recovery centers. They are an integral part of the staff at Orlando Recovery, a 93-bed drug and alcohol rehab facility serving Orlando and the broader Central Florida community. This program offers inpatient care for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health conditions, while its sister facility in Maitland provides outpatient care.
Orlando is also home to several programs specifically designed for men and women. For example, Serenity Springs Recovery Center is a men’s rehabilitation center that offers both inpatient and outpatient programs.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Miami
Substance abuse counselors are an essential part of Miami-Dade County’s Rehabilitative Services Division, which provides residential and outpatient treatment to adults with substance use disorders. The Rehabilitative Services Division comprises four units: Central Intake, Residential Treatment, Outpatient Treatment, and Corrections-Based Treatment.
Miami is also home to numerous private rehab facilities that offer inpatient and/or outpatient services. For example, Summer House Detox is a private inpatient drug and alcohol detox center, South Miami Recovery is an outpatient drug and alcohol substance abuse treatment center, and Miami Valley Recovery provides individualized treatment services for both drug and alcohol addiction.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Florida
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Florida earned a median salary of $56,830 as of May 2024. Those new to the profession earned about $38,790 (10th percentile), while those at the top of their field earned about $83,330 (90th percentile).
Salary varies significantly by location throughout Florida. Here’s what substance abuse counselors earn in major metropolitan areas across the state:
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Fort Myers?
According to the BLS, as of May 2024, substance abuse counselors in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area earned a median annual salary of $56,260. Those new to the profession earned about $39,610, while those with graduate degrees and extensive experience earned about $83,770.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Daytona Beach?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metro area earned a median salary of $51,240 as of May 2024. Entry-level professionals earned about $33,730, while experienced counselors at the top of their field earned about $81,090.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Gainesville?
The BLS reported that substance abuse counselors in Gainesville earned a median salary of $49,950 as of May 2024. With just a few years of experience, substance abuse counselors in this field earned approximately $37,690, while those with extensive experience earned around $78,360.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Jacksonville?
As of May 2024, the BLS reported that substance abuse counselors in Jacksonville earned a median salary of $57,870. Entry-level counselors earned about $39,300, while those at the top of their field earned about $102,430—making Jacksonville one of the highest-paying markets in Florida for experienced substance abuse counselors.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Miami?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area earned a median salary of $58,200 as of May 2024. With just a few years of experience, these professionals earned about $39,940, while those at the top of their field earned about $80,670.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Orlando?
The BLS reported that as of May 2023, substance abuse counselors in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area earned a median salary of $54,800. Early-career professionals earned approximately $39,270 during this time, while those with extensive experience and advanced credentials earned around $82,700.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Tampa?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Tampa-St. The Petersburg-Clearwater metro area earned a median salary of $50,690 as of May 2024. Entry-level counselors earned about $33,850, while experienced professionals at the top of their field earned about $87,840.
Florida Degree Programs and Schools
Florida substance abuse counselor programs include both bachelor’s and master’s degree options. The FCB accepts a wide range of bachelor’s degrees in the fields of counseling, addiction studies, human services, and behavioral sciences.
Though Florida accepts a wide range of bachelor’s degrees for CAP certification, applicants must also complete coursework specific to addiction counseling. You’ll find a large number of schools throughout the state that offer certificate programs that meet this coursework requirement (designed for either Tier I or Tier II applicants).
For the MCAP credential, you can earn it with a master’s degree in addiction studies/counseling, marriage and family counseling, mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or clinical social work. Many Florida colleges and universities offer graduate-level certificate programs that meet the coursework requirements needed to secure the MCAP.
Broward College
Arts, Humanities, Communication, and Design pathway
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Technical Certificate in Addiction Services
Associate Degrees
- AS in Human Services-Drug Addiction Services
Florida Atlantic University
College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online
Master’s Degrees
- MSW with a Graduate Certificate in Addiction
Florida SouthWestern State College
School of Health Professions
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Hybrid, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AS in Social and Human Services-Addictions track
Miami Dade College
Social and Behavioral Sciences, Human Services career path
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- College Credit Certificate in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AS in Social and Human Services-Addiction Studies
Palm Beach State College
Education, Human Services, Social and Behavioral Science pathway
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- College Credit Certificate in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AS in Human Services-Addiction Studies
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Human Services-Specialization in Addiction Studies
Pasco Hernando State College
Health Science career path
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Services
Associate Degrees
- AS in Social and Human Services-Addiction Certificate addition
St. Petersburg College
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AS degree in Social and Human Services-Addiction Studies sub plan
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) in Florida?
The timeline depends on your degree pathway. Tier I candidates (with counseling-related degrees) typically complete the process in approximately 5 to 5.5 years, encompassing the bachelor’s degree, supervised experience, and examination. Tier II candidates (with degrees in health or human services) typically require approximately 6 to 6.5 years due to the additional work experience requirements. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in an eligible field, you can become certified in 1-2 years.
What’s the difference between CAP, CAC, and MCAP certifications?
The Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is an intermediate credential that requires supervision. CAP (Certified Addiction Professional) is a bachelor’s-level credential that allows for independent practice and billing under Florida’s Medicaid Plan. MCAP (Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional) is an advanced credential for individuals holding a master’s or doctoral degree who can make substance use disorder diagnoses and provide advanced clinical services.
Can I work as a substance abuse counselor while completing my supervised hours?
Yes. The 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised work experience required for CAP certification are typically earned while working in entry-level positions at treatment facilities, recovery centers, or other organizations providing addiction services. Many employers specifically hire pre-certified counselors to help them gain these required hours.
How much does the CAP exam cost?
The CAP exam fee is approximately $200 to $300. You’ll also pay an application fee of about $100-$200 when you apply for certification through the Florida Certification Board.
What if I already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than the one I’m interested in?
If your bachelor’s degree is in a counseling-related field (psychology, social work, counseling), you’ll follow the Tier I pathway, requiring 150 training hours and 2,000 work hours. If your degree is in a health or human services field, such as nursing, criminal justice, or education, you’ll follow the Tier II pathway, which requires 250 training hours and 4,000 work hours. Degrees outside these categories may not qualify for CAP certification.
Can I complete CAP certification requirements online?
You can complete some requirements online, including your bachelor’s degree (many Florida schools offer online programs) and the addiction-specific training hours through FCB-approved online providers. The supervised work experience and exam must be completed in person.
What happens if I fail the CAP exam?
If you don’t pass the exam on your first attempt, you can reschedule it every 30 days. You must pass the exam within the 12-month application period following the approval of your application. If you don’t pass within this timeframe, you’ll need to resubmit your CAP certification application.
How many continuing education credits are required to maintain my CAP certification?
To maintain your CAP certification, you are required to complete at least 20 continuing education credits annually. Your certification renews annually on June 30, and your first renewal will be prorated based on when you received your certification.
Do I need malpractice insurance as a CAP in Florida?
While not always legally required, malpractice insurance (professional liability insurance) is strongly recommended for all practicing substance abuse counselors. Many employers require it, and it protects you from liability claims related to your professional services. Check with your employer and the Florida Certification Board for specific requirements.
Can I transfer my Florida CAP certification to another state?
Substance abuse counselor certification requirements vary significantly by state, and Florida’s CAP certification is not automatically transferable to other states. If you move to another state, you’ll need to apply for that state’s specific credential, though some states may accept your Florida training and experience hours toward their requirements. Research the requirements in your destination state early in your career planning.
What types of settings can CAPs work in Florida?
CAPs in Florida operate in diverse settings, including inpatient rehabilitation centers, outpatient treatment clinics, community mental health centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, school-based programs, private practices, residential treatment facilities, and government-funded programs such as the CORE Network. The variety of settings offers flexibility in your career path.
How much does it cost to become a CAP in Florida?
The total investment varies widely, with the bachelor’s degree comprising the most significant portion of costs. A bachelor’s degree at a Florida public university costs approximately $20,000-$30,000 for in-state students (four years at roughly $6,300/year), while private institutions can exceed $100,000. Add $500-$3,000 for addiction-specific certificate programs, $300-$500 for application and exam fees, and ongoing costs of $300-$750 annually for renewal and continuing education. The total estimated investment ranges from $25,000 to $85,000+, with this wide range primarily reflecting the variation in tuition costs between public and private institutions.
Is there a demand for substance abuse counselors in the state of Florida?
Yes, demand is strong and continues to grow. Jobs for substance abuse counselors in Florida are projected to increase by 28 percent through 2030, resulting in approximately 2,200 annual job openings. The state’s ongoing opioid crisis and expanding treatment infrastructure mean consistent demand for qualified CAPs across all regions of Florida.
What is a qualified supervisor for my supervised hours?
A qualified supervisor is a licensed professional approved by the Florida Certification Board, including CAPs, MCAPs, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), physicians, physician’s assistants, psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or mental health counselors. Your supervisor must complete and submit the CAP Supervision Verification Form confirming your hours.
Do I need to live in Florida to get CAP certification?
To work as a CAP in Florida, you’ll need to complete your supervised work experience in the state and take the exam at a Florida testing site. While you could complete your degree education elsewhere, the practical experience requirements tie you to Florida. The CAP credential is specific to Florida; therefore, if you plan to practice in another state, research that state’s particular requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Florida offers three certification levels for substance abuse counselors: CAC (supervised practice), CAP (independent practice), and MCAP (advanced practice with a master’s degree).
- The CAP certification process involves four main steps: earning a bachelor’s degree, completing supervised experience, applying through the Florida Certification Board, and passing the CAP exam.
- Two pathways to CAP certification exist: Tier I (counseling-related degrees) requires 150 training hours and 2,000 work hours, while Tier II (health/human services degrees) requires 250 training hours and 4,000 work hours.
- The typical timeline is 5-6.5 years, including your bachelor’s degree, or 1-2 years if you already have an eligible degree.Â
- Florida substance abuse counselors earn a median salary of $56,830, with significant regional variation—Jacksonville offers the highest earning potential at $102,430 for top earners.
- Job growth in Florida is projected at 28 percent through 2030, with approximately 2,200 annual openings driven by the state’s ongoing opioid crisis and expanding treatment infrastructure.
Ready to Start Your Journey as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
Florida needs qualified addiction professionals to help combat the opioid crisis. Whether you’re just starting your education or looking to advance with an MCAP, now is the time 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.
