Education · 1 of 4

The path

Shorter than most health careers. The certification comes after you start working, not before.

1. 1

   High school

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 English is the usual admission requirement. Psychology, biology and volunteering with people in crisis all help.

2. 2

   College diploma or degree

   2 to 4 years

   A 2-year addictions or social service worker diploma, or a 4-year degree in psychology, social work or addictions studies. A 1-year graduate certificate is common for people who already have a diploma or degree.

3. 3

   Placement

   1 to 2 semesters

   Every program includes unpaid field placement, about 400 to 700 hours, in a treatment centre, hospital or community agency.

4. 4

   First job

   Months

   Many grads start as a support worker or withdrawal management worker and move into counselling roles.

5. 5

   Certification

   About 2 years of work

   The CCAC (Canadian Certified Addiction Counsellor) credential from the CACCF (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation) needs 270 hours of education, 4,000 hours of supervised work, 300 hours of supervision and a 150-question exam.