Exam Formats

Computer Based: IC&RC exams only. Candidates must go to an approved location on a scheduled date to take their examination on a computer.

Online: PCB exams only. Candidates can use their own computer to take the examination on an on-demand basis. Click here for more information on online examinations.

Paper & Pencil: PCB exams only. Offered on a limited basis at an approved location on pre-determined dates.

 

EXAMINATIONS OVERVIEW

Examinations are designed to demonstrate competence, therefore not everyone should or will pass. Examinations vary in length (number of question and time allotted to take the exam) and format (computer based, online or paper and pencil). All examinations are multiple choice.

 

Candidates for exams will be permitted to test only after their application is approved. This means that all requirements for the certification they are pursuing have been properly documented and met. Once an application is approved, the candidate will be emailed instructions to register for the examination. Exam scores are not released over the phone.

 

EXAM

TYPE

FORMAT(S)

QUESTIONS

TIME 

EXAM GUIDE

Peer Specialist (CPS)

PCB

Paper & Pencil and Online

50

1.5 hours

Download Guide

Recovery Specialist (CRS)

PCB

Paper & Pencil and Online

50

1.5 hours

Download Guide
Family-Based Therapy (FBT) PCB Paper & Pencil and Online 75 1.5 hours Download Guide

Associate Addiction Counselor (CAAC)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide
Clinical Supervisor (CCS) IC&RC Computer Based 150 3 hours Download Guide

Allied Addiction Practitioner (CAAP)

IC&RC

Paper & Pencil and Online

50

1.5 hours

Download Guide

Prevention Specialist (CPS)

IC&RC

Computer Based

150

3 hours

Download Guide

Special Situations and Accommodations

Individuals with disabilities and/or religious obligations that require modifications in examination administration may request specific procedure changes in writing with official documentation to PCB no fewer than 60 days prior to their examination date. Contact PCB on what constitutes official documentation. PCB will coordinate appropriate modifications to the examination process when documentation supports the need. If a reader or scribe is required for a testing candidate, the only testing option is at an approved testing site. Remote proctoring/in-house or in-office testing is not an option in this case. 

Cancellation/Rescheduling Policy

If testing at an approved testing site: Candidates are required to arrive on time for their examination. Candidates who arrive late will not be permitted to take the examination and will be charged cancellation/rescheduling fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule their examination less than five days prior to their scheduled date will be charged the full examination fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule more than five days before their scheduled date will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.

If testing by remote proctoring/at-home or at-office testing:  Candidates are required to start on time for their examination. Candidates who start late will not be permitted to take the examination and will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.  Candidates who cancel or reschedule their examination less than five days prior to their scheduled date will be charged the full examination fee. Candidates who cancel or reschedule more than five days before their scheduled date will be charged a cancellation/rescheduling fee.

Retesting

Candidates who fail the examination can retest after a 90-day wait period from the date of their last examination. Candidates will be sent instructions and fee information. Candidates have three (3) opportunities to retake an examination. If a candidate fails the examination four (4) times, they must submit a study plan to PCB and wait one-year from the date of the final failed examination before they will be permitted to retest again.