Chemical Dependency
Certification in Alaska
From entry-level technician to advanced clinical supervisor — a structured credentialing pathway for counselors dedicated to substance use recovery across the Last Frontier.
Credential Levels
Five Pathways in Chemical Dependency
ACBHC's CD track offers a progressive credentialing structure — whether you're entering the field or pursuing advanced clinical recognition.
Continuing Education
CEU Requirements
All CD certifications require 40 continuing education hours per 2-year renewal cycle. CEUs must come from ACBHC-approved providers or receive prior approval.
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
6 hours — Counseling Theory & Practice
6 hours — Co-occurring Disorders
22 hours — Elective: behavioral health, substance use, cultural competency, or trauma-informed care
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
6 hours — Evidence-Based Treatment Models
6 hours — Clinical Supervision Practices (CDCS only)
22 hours — Elective: cultural competency, trauma, co-occurring disorders, or indigenous healing practices
6 hours — Ethics & Professional Standards
12 hours — Alcohol & Drug Prevention / Education Content
22 hours — Elective: public health, harm reduction, or community outreach
Training must come from an ACBHC-approved provider or receive prior written approval before attendance
Online, hybrid, and in-person formats are all accepted
Log and upload CEU certificates through your portal account — the tracker generates your CEU list automatically
College coursework may substitute (3-credit course ≈ 45 CEUs) with prior approval
Track your CEUs in your portal account. Log hours, upload completion certificates, and monitor progress toward renewal in one place. Email reminders are sent automatically before your renewal date. Questions? Contact us at acbhc@akcertification.org or (907) 332-4333.
What You'll Need
Required Application Documents
All documents are submitted digitally through the ACBHC secure portal — no paper mail accepted. Have everything ready before starting your application.
📄 Initial Certification
Completed Application Form
Log in to the ACBHC portal and complete the application form for your level (CT, CDC I, CDC II, CDCS, or ADM) directly online.
Required — All LevelsOfficial Transcripts
Official transcripts from all accredited institutions, showing degree conferral or applicable coursework for your credential level.
Required — CDC I, II, CDCSSupervised Hours Log
A detailed log of all supervised work experience using the ACBHC standard hours form. Must be signed and verified by your qualifying clinical supervisor.
Required — All LevelsClinical Supervisor Verification Letter
A signed letter from your qualified supervisor confirming your work hours, areas of practice, and professional competency at the applied credential level.
Required — All LevelsCD Requirements Matrix
Completed matrix matching your education and experience to ACBHC standards. Use the degree-track or non-degree-track version as applicable.
RequiredBarrier Crime Acknowledgment
Attestation of understanding ACBHC's barrier crime policy. Certain criminal histories may require additional review documentation.
Required — All Levels🔄 Renewal & Recertification
Renewal Application Form
Complete the renewal application for your credential level. Available in your portal account when your renewal window opens — 90 days before expiration.
RequiredCEU Completion Certificates
Upload certificates from all approved continuing education activities completed during your renewal period, satisfying required hours and topic minimums for your level.
Required — All LevelsCEU Activity Log (CD Track)
A completed ACBHC CEU log summarizing all training activities, providers, dates, and hours. Your portal's CEU tracker can generate this automatically.
RequiredEthics Attestation
Signature confirming continued adherence to the ACBHC Code of Ethics (2025 edition). Completed through your portal at time of renewal submission.
RequiredEmployment Verification
Only required if there has been a significant change in your employment status, practice setting, or supervision arrangement since your last certification period.
ConditionalRenewal Fee Payment
Paid securely via Stripe at submission. Refer to the current ACBHC Fee Schedule on the Forms page for renewal amounts by credential level.
RequiredUpgrading Your Credential?
Applying for a higher level (e.g., CT → CDC I) requires additional documents — new transcripts, updated hours log, and a fresh supervisor verification letter. Contact ACBHC staff before submitting to confirm exactly what you'll need.
Application Process
Six Steps to Your Credential
The ACBHC application process is fully digital — no paper forms, no mailing anything. Here's exactly what to expect.
Complete Your Form on the Portal
Log in to your ACBHC portal account and fill out the application form for your credential level directly online.
Gather Supporting Documents
Collect transcripts, hours log, supervisor letter, CEU certificates, and barrier crime acknowledgment.
Upload via the Portal
Log in and upload all documents through your secure ACBHC dashboard. No mail accepted.
Pay Application Fee
Submit your fee securely via Stripe. Your application isn't complete until payment is confirmed.
Staff Review & Commissioner Approval
Staff review your packet and route it to a Commissioner. Track status live in your portal.
Receive Your Digital Certificate
Upon approval, your official certificate is delivered via Adobe Express to download or share.
Ready to start your application?
Create a free ACBHC portal account to access forms, upload documents, and track your application status in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About
the CD Track
How long does the application review process take?
Review timelines depend on application volume and completeness of your packet. Complete applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks. Incomplete submissions are returned with notes, which may extend the timeline. Track your status in real time through your portal account.
Can I apply without a degree if I have extensive experience?
Yes — the CT (Chemical Dependency Technician) credential is available to applicants without a college degree. For CDC I and above, a degree in a related behavioral health field is required. Use the CD Requirements Matrix (non-degree track version) when applicable. Contact acbhc@akcertification.org for guidance on your specific situation.
Does ACBHC accept out-of-state credentials or national certifications?
ACBHC evaluates out-of-state and national certifications (such as NAADAC credentials) on a case-by-case basis. In many cases, existing credentials can fulfill portions of the ACBHC requirements. Contact staff to discuss reciprocity options before applying.
What if my supervised hours were completed a long time ago?
Hours completed in the past may still be accepted, provided they were supervised by a qualified clinical supervisor and documentation is available. Older hours may require additional verification. ACBHC staff can advise on acceptable documentation for your specific circumstances.
How and when do I renew my certification?
Your renewal window opens 90 days before your certification expiration date. You will receive email reminders through your portal account. Log in, navigate to your certification dashboard, and follow the renewal prompts. All CEU certificates must be logged and uploaded before your renewal is considered complete.
What happens if my certification lapses?
If your certification expires, you may no longer use your credential title until reinstated. You may apply for reinstatement within a grace period by submitting a renewal application, required CEUs, and any applicable late fees. After an extended lapse, you may be required to reapply as a new applicant. Contact ACBHC as soon as possible if your credential has lapsed.
Still have questions? Our assistant can answer most common inquiries instantly.