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SUPD Scholars Pathway

Overview

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.

Introduction to a CSAC

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:

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).

Meet our 2024-2025 SUPD Scholars!

The Hawai'i Substance Use Professional Development Program (SUPD) has launched the SUPD Scholars Pathway that offers MSW students a stipend to: Enroll in electives that align with the CSAC requirements Access guidance and support with the CSAC application process Engage with field placements in the substance use field Take additional Hawai'i SUPD trainings Jeanell-Nohelani Corpuz Aloha kākou, My name is Jeanell-Nohelani Corpuz, and I am a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at U.H. Mānoa, specializing in Behavioral Mental Health. In addition to being a full-time student, I balance life with a full-time job and motherhood, caring for my two-year-old son. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, singing, and swimming. My goal in obtaining my CSAC is to enhance my career and build skills that will allow me to better understand and support individuals struggling with addiction, helping them effectively overcome substance use disorders. Rachel Nunies Aloha kākou, My name is Rachel Nunies and I was born and raised in Kalihi, on the island of Oahu. I am a proud mother of three keiki working toward my Masterʻs in Social Work. I have a passion for ʻāina-based education working with opportunity and at-risk adolescents, teens, and young adults. Earning my CSAC will give me the opportunity to serve and give back to my community through supporting the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders.

How do I become a SUPD Scholar?

The 2024 – 2025 recruitment period has now closed.  More information to come in the next school year.

Additional Options to Reduce the Required Hours

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Can’t find the answer to your question?                                                Email us at hisupd@hawaii.edu.

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