Can my college courses be used for contact training hours?

      Yes, depending on the class. Classes in human services, psychology, sociology, social work may be used. You may be asked to provide a syllabus or course description.

 Do I have to take a test?

      Not for Counselor Technician or Counselor I. For Counselor II and Clinical Supervisor you must provide proof of successful completion of the NAADAC test. 

How long is my certificate good for?

      Certification must be renewed every two years. Certified Counselors must apply for re-certification 60 days prior to the date printed on their certificate. It is the responsibility of the counselor to apply.

 How do I recertify if my certification has expired?

      To be re-certified, submit the re-certification application with required documentation of 40 contact hours of substance abuse counselor training.

     Re-Certification occurs at the end of the certification period. A certificate holder may apply for a six-month grace period to meet the re-certification requirements by paying a late fee of $50.00. The $50.00 late fee for re-certification is due before the certificate expires.  

     If a certificate holder does not reapply before the certificate expires, the certification will become expired and the individual will need to meet current standards and pay all applicable fees as if the individual was completing a new application.

When will my file be reviewed?

     Files are reviewed monthly on the last Friday of the month.

 Can I send copies of college transcripts?

      No. We need to have original copies from the school sent directly to our office. These will stay in your file. We do not return original to applicant.

 Can I send copies of other training documents?

      Yes. We prefer that you only send copies of training certificates. We will not return originals that are sent to this office. All documents received by this office will be hole punched and placed in your file. We recommend that you keep a copy of everything that you submit to this office for your own records.

 How long do you keep my file? 

      If you have been certified, as long as your file is active we keep it in our active file area. If your certification has been expired for more than 6 months with no new application, your file is placed in the archive area.

    We will only keep hard copies of archived files for a period of 1 year. After 1 year, your file will be electronically archived for 6 years.  The electronic archived files will be destroyed after 6 years. 

     If you have started the application process for certification, but your application file is not completed for review by the commissioners within a 6 month period, your file will be placed in the incomplete file area for 6 months.  Your file will be destroyed after 6 months of being in the incomplete file area without new activity.

When will I be notified if I am certified or not?

      The applicants will be notified by mail at a minimum of three weeks after the files are reviewed of their status for certification. 

Can I get copies of my file or certificates?

      Yes. Copies of files cost $.25 per page. Replacement certificates are $15.00 each. Payment must be received prior to copying or replacement.

 Does Alaska accept certification from any other states?

      Alaska offers reciprocity/provisional certification.  Contact the Commission office for further information 907-332-4333.