Clarity for CAC Applicants

(Regarding College Equivalency)

(This article is from the Summer 2005 SACC newsletter. It was written by Marc S. Condojani, LCSW, CACIII. Mark is the Clinical Training Coordinator for ADAD and a board member of the SACC.)

In 1998, the certification of addiction professionals was transferred from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) in the Department of Human Services to the Division of Registrations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). However, rule making authority for establishing the qualifications and standards of practice for addiction professionals remained the responsibility of the Department of Human Services. Fortunately, ADAD and DORA have a cooperative relationship and where difficulties have arisen, we have been able to work together to resolve them.

One problem that has grown over time is that many CAC applications are being returned as incomplete due to applicants requesting acceptance of certain college courses in place of CAC required training. Without clear guidance from the field, these decisions have been very difficult for DORA to make, and with a growing number of incomplete applications, DORA is is finding it harder to process applications for certification and licensure for addiction professionals in a timely manner. ADAD responded to this by working with stakeholders, including Scott DeMuro, representing SACC, to develop clear guidlines for applicants and DORA in regards to granting college equivalency for CAC required training.

It is clear that certain courses have addiction specific information that is not addressed in mental health undergraduate and graduate training. Additionally, some required classes cover information that is specific to addiciton treatment in Colorado. No college equivalency is granted for these CAC required classes, unless a special arrangement has been made with the college such that their courses do cover the ADAD required information.

On the other hand, there are a number ofCAC required training classes whose learning objectives could adequately be met through undergraduate or graduate education. Some basic descriptions were created to offer CAC applicants a better understanding of when they may apply college education in place of CAC required training. DORA has posted a document with this information.

Hopefully, this will make the process of submitting applications for certification a little clearer and easier for addiction professionals, which in turn could help speed the process for applications being processed. You can access this document at this web address:

DORA's College Equivalency Document

Marc S. Condojani, LCSW, CACIII

Clinical Training Coordinator

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division

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