Master Addictions Counselor (MAC)
The NBCC Master Addictions Counselor (MAC) credential was created jointly by the American Counseling Association (ACA), specifically the International Association of Addiction and Offenders Counselors (IAAOC), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The MAC credential attests to the educational background, knowledge, skills, and competencies of the specialist in addictions counseling. Effective January 22, 2004, NCCs who hold the NBCC MAC credential are eligible to seek Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) status through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
The Examination for Master Addictions Counselors (EMAC) is required for this certification.
Earning the MAC certification
In addition to holding the NCC credential, the requirements for the MAC certification include:
- Documentation of a minimum of 12 semester hours of graduate coursework in the area of addictions which may include coursework in group and/or marriage and family counseling (up to six semester hours) OR 500 CE hours specifically in addictions.
- Three years supervised experience as an addictions counselor at no fewer than 20 hours per week. Two of the three years must have been completed after the counseling master's degree was conferred.
- A passing score on the Examination for Master Addictions Counselors (EMAC).