• Addiction and mental health workers
• Counsellors and social workers
• Law enforcement professionals
• Health and social services professionals
• Recent college or university graduates in related fields of study

Earning a Certificate or Diploma in Professional Addiction Studies can open doors into the field of addiction for the following professions:

• Counsellor
• Nurse
• Mental Health Work
• Crisis Outreach
• Social Worker
• Guidance Counsellor
• Child and Youth Worker
• Law Enforcement Professionals

Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF)

The Diploma in Professional Addiction Studies is pre-approved by the CACCF as meeting the core educational requirements for the ICADC or CCAC certifications.

The Certificate in Professional Addiction Studies may be used on a course-by-course basis towards the specific skill and knowledge categories required for ICADC or CCAC certifications if you have previous related education that you are able to combine. Contact the CACCF for details.

Please be advised that the educational component is one of the requirements for certification. Visit the CACCF website for the full requirements.

NEW Associate Addiction Counsellor (AAC)

This entry-level certificate is intended for students, counsellors in training, or new graduates working towards completing their CCAC or ICADC certification.

To be an Associate Addiction Counsellor you must be attending, or have completed, education in a pre-approved program. The Professional Addiction Studies Certificate and Diploma are pre-approved programs.

For more information on the ICADC/CCAC certifications, visit:

Website: http://www.caccf.ca/certifications
Phone: (866) 624-1911
Email: info@caccf.ca

In all cases, students register with McMaster Continuing Education at the course level (i.e. when registering in a course offered by McMaster Continuing Education). In most cases, students must also register at the program level with the association or institute.

It is the responsibility of the students to comply with the program admission and course requirements of the professional association or institute. Each organization has its own requirements regarding application, admission, program and membership. Students should contact the organization for detailed information concerning their program.