SUPD Scholars Pathway
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The Hawaiʻi Substance Use Professional Development (SUPD) Program is a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health and the Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD). In Hawai’i an estimated 13% of the population needed substance use disorder treatment, however, less than 1% received treatment. The focus of Hawai’i SUPD is to address the substance use workforce needs across the state including issues of recruitment, retention, and burnout. As part of this initiative the SUPD Scholars Pathway is meant to introduce students who are enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health to the substance use field and support them in meeting the certification requirements of a CSAC. |
What is a CSAC?
What is a CSAC?
A Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) is a professional counselor who through both education and demonstrated experience, is capable of providing the twelve-core functions and directly provides assessment, treatment planning and implementation, counseling, and discharge planning, as they relate to substance abuse treatment.
What can I do with a CSAC?
Individuals with CSAC's typically work with clients who are diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) in individual or group settings. CSAC's support their clients in identifying triggers, assessing their readiness for treatment, and helping them reach their goals. Common professions for those with a CSAC include substance use counselors, case managers, advocate, and outreach specialists.
How can I get a CSAC?
Individuals interested in an CSAC must submit an application to ADAD to declare intent and open a file. Please note that applicants must complete a background check and sign off on the CSAC Code of Ethics form.
ADAD will then review your application. Once it is approved, the file is considered open. The applicant must then complete all educational and clinical requirements within 7 years from time of application.
Below you will find the required educational and clinical hours based on the level of education completed.
If you have any questions regarding the requirements please reach out to hisupdtr@hawaii.edu.
To complete any remaining educational hours, you can:
- Find free ADAD approved trainings on the Hawai'i SUPD Training Page.
- Explore ADAD's Training Page where you can view their Training Calendar.
All CSAC applicants must complete a number of required clinical hours depending on their educational level. Most applicants complete their required clinical hours through their place of employment under a licensed up-to-date CSAC supervisor.
Once all hours are completed and reviewed, ADAD will send the applicant an examination application, in which they must complete and send back. ADAD will then pre-register the applicant for the exam, and it is then the responsibility for the applicant to schedule the CSAC exam and pass it.
The CSAC exam is a computer based, 150 multiple-choice questions and offered on an on-demand basis at an approved testing site. Applicants will choose the day, time, and site. There is a 3 hour time limit to complete the exam.
You can find study materials by visiting the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
SUPD Scholars Information Session March 2025
Introducing our SUPD Scholars 2025-2026
How to apply to the SUPD Scholars Pathway
The 2026 – 2027 recruitment period for the SUPD Scholars Pathway Opens on April 16. Please register for the information session by clicking the flyer or scanning the QR code or watch the session recording to find out more.
Additional Options to Reduce the Required Hours
Field Placement
By working with the Field Education Office to secure a substance use focused field placement, you can potentially reduce your clinical hours by up to 900 hours
Pre-Approved Electives
You can further reduce the required educational hours by taking pre-approved electives worth 45 additional hours each:
SW663: Treatment of Chemical Dependency
SW680: Inside the DSM
Important Links
Are there any fees associated with obtaining a CSAC?
- Initial application fee: $25
- Transcript ordering fee: Varies depending on educational institution
- Renewal fee: $25
- Examination fee: $125
- Retesting fee (if applicable): $125