PCB AAC Application | Revised January 2021
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS READ CAREFULLY
Prior to applying, all requirements must be met and documented.
Do not apply until all requirements are met.
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Mail: PCB, 298 S. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17109
2. Email: info@pacertboard.org NOTE: Only PDFs are permitted. Photos of applications are not accepted.
3. Fax: 717-540-4458 NOTE: faxing is an unreliable technology. Receiving a confirmation of fax does not
indicate it has been received. To confirm receipt of application, email info@pacertboard.org
.
REVIEW & APPROVAL PROCESS
1. Application submitted to PCB. To confirm receipt of application, email PCB at the above email address.
2. Staff reviews application. Allow up to 10 business days for review and processing.
3. Applicant will be emailed if there is any documentation missing or there are questions regarding an
application. Applications with pending problems will be held open for one year from date of receipt
after which they will be closed.
4. If you have not heard from PCB regarding your application after 10 business days, email
info@pacertboard.org
.
5. A certificate will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
AAC APPLICATION
Associate Addiction Counselor
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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ASSOCIATE ADDICTION COUNSELOR REQUIREMENTS
All requirements below must be met to apply. All required documentation must be sent in with an application
except for the official college transcript which is sent to PCB directly prior to application.
FORMAL EDUCATION
REQUIRED: Minimum high school diploma/GED.
Veterans may provide discharge documentation in lieu of a high school diploma/GED.
A copy of the high school transcript or diploma is acceptable or GED verification. If the school is from outside the
United States, an equivalency must be done by an organization that specializes in that process. The applicant is
responsible for arranging this process and all costs.
It is recommended you obtain documentation approximately three weeks prior to sending in your application.
Documentation of high school/GED can be included with your application or can be mailed to PCB or emailed
to info@pacertboard.org
by the educational institution prior to application.
College degree documentation can be used in lieu of a high school diploma/GED. The degree must be from an
accredited college/university that is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council on Higher
Education Accreditation. An official transcript sent directly from college/university is required. If the degree is
from outside the United States, a degree equivalency must done by an organization that specializes in that
process. The applicant is responsible for arranging this process and all costs.
Official transcripts are required and must be sent directly from college/university to PCB prior to application.
Official transcripts may be mailed to PCB or emailed to info@pacertboard.org
.
It is recommended you request transcripts approximately three weeks prior to sending in your application.
If you have a sealed official transcript in your possession, you may mail it in the sealed envelope to PCB prior to
your application arriving or mail it in with your application.
If you have outstanding debt or other issues which prevent the college/university from releasing your official
transcript, you must resolve these issues with the school prior to applying for certification.
CLINICAL WORK EXPERIENCE
REQUIRED: One (1) year of full-time or 2000 hours of part-time work experience as a drug
and alcohol counselor.
Qualifying work experience is defined as providing primary, direct, clinical, substance use disorder or co-
occurring counseling to persons whose primary diagnosis is that of substance use disorder or providing
supervision of said counseling. Applicant must have primary responsibility for providing substance use disorder
counseling in an individual and/or group setting, preparing treatment plans, documenting client progress and is
clinically supervised. No other work experience in the drug and alcohol field can be used for counselor
certification other than what is stated above.
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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Qualifying work experience can be from multiple employers to accumulate the required years/hours.
If the applicant’s work experience requirement is not fulfilled from their current employer, they must include
documentation from previous employer(s) verifying their title, duties and dates employed with their
application. DO NOT submit a resume as proof of previous work experience. Applicant must contact previous
employers and request detailed documentation of their employment from them.
The applicant must be currently employed as a drug and alcohol counselor at the time of application.
All work experience must have occurred within the last seven (7) years. Volunteer work is not acceptable. Time
spent participating in or facilitating mutual support groups is not acceptable.
Examples of positions/titles that typically are not eligible for counselor certification include but are not limited
to case managers, technicians, peer and recovery counselors/specialists, intake/admissions workers, drug
court/probation and parole professionals, etc.
Clinical internships completed as part of a college degree program may be eligible to use toward the required
work experience. Internships must be ones in which the student was providing drug and alcohol counseling as
described on page 10 of this application under Work Experience; internships must be well documented by the
agency in which the internship occurred; internships must have been supervised; internships must appear on
the official college transcript.
CURRENT JOB DESCRIPTION
REQUIRED: Copy of current counselor job description, obtained from current employer,
and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate clinical supervisor.
All applicants must include a copy of their current counselor job description. This document is provided by your
employer and must be signed and dated by the applicant and their immediate clinical supervisor.
Job descriptions determine and verify eligible current work experience. Job description must clearly delineate
drug and alcohol counseling as a primary function of the position.
If you have held different counselor positions with your current employer, please provide all relevant job
descriptions with the application. For instance, if you started as a counselor assistant, then you were promoted
to a Counselor I and then a Counselor II, include all three job descriptions.
In lieu of job description(s), employer may provide an official position description on agency letterhead. This
required documentation must include the applicants’ dates of employment (to/from) employment status (full-
time or part-time), title of position, a detailed description of the duties and responsibilities for the position, and
the average number of hours per week the applicant worked.
ON-THE-JOB CLINICAL SUPERVISION
REQUIRED: 100 hours of on-the-job clinical supervision of qualifying work experience with
a minimum of 10 hours of clinical supervision in each counselor domain.
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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Supervision is a formal or informal process that is evaluative, clinical, educative, and supportive. It ensures
quality of clinical care and extends over time. Supervision includes observation, mentoring, coaching, evaluating,
inspiring, and creating an atmosphere that promotes self-motivation, learning, and professional development. In
all aspects of the supervision process, ethical and diversity issues must be in the forefront.
PCB has no requirements for who provides clinical supervision. The person providing clinical supervision is at
the discretion of the agency and DDAP staffing requirements.
Clinical supervision can be provided in an individual, one-on-one setting and/or observation of skills or group
supervision setting.
Clinical supervision can be provided by more than one supervisor. In this case, provide a copy of page 10 of this
application to all the supervisors documenting supervision on your behalf.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
REQUIRED: 100 hours of relevant education/training including 6 hours in substance use
disorders ethics.
Education is defined as formal, structured instruction in the form of workshops, trainings, seminars, in-services,
college/university credit courses, and online education.
There is no limit to the amount of online education that may be submitted.
Most three-credit college/university courses count as 45 hours. One training CE/CEU counts as one hour.
Out of state education is acceptable.
All education/training must be documented. College courses are documented with an official college transcript.
Trainings are documented with copies of training certificates.
Training certificates must have the applicant’s name, title of training, date(s) of training, the number of hours
being awarded, and the name of training organization. Training certificates submitted without this required
information on them will not be accepted.
If a training title on a certificate of attendance does not clearly indicate the education content, attach a copy of
the training description.
Training registration forms and/or training sign-in sheets are not acceptable forms of documentation.
Training must be non-repetitive meaning the same training cannot be claimed more than one time even if the
training is taken on different dates from different providers.
Official employer training tracking system/learning management system reports may be acceptable forms of
documentation for education/training provided that the report contains the name of the employee/applicant,
titles of each training, dates of each training, the number of hours of each training, and is signed by the
applicant’s supervisor.
There is no time limit on when the education/training was received.
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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CERTIFICATION FEE
REQUIRED: $150.00
(fee must accompany certification application)
The fee may be paid by check, money order or with VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express.
If an employer or organization is paying the fee, they must include the applicants name with the payment.
Fee payment information provided on page 7 of this application. E-receipts will be sent if using a credit card for
payment. Receipts for check or money order payments must be requested by applicant to PCB.
Applications received without payment will not be processed.
One-half of the fee is refundable if application is denied.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Email addresses provided to PCB must be active accounts that are checked regularly. We will not be able to contact
you without an email address. Please print legibly.
Applicants must either live or work in PA at the time of application.
APPEAL PROCESS
The purpose of appeal is to determine if PCB accurately reviewed an application that is denied. A letter
requesting an appeal must be sent to PCB within 30 days of the notification of PCB's action. An applicant shall be
considered notified three days after the relevant date of mailing. The appeal will be sent to the PCB Executive
Committee who will thoroughly review the entire application and materials to determine whether or not
applicant should have been denied approval. The applicant will be notified in writing as to the findings of the
Executive Committee.
FELONIES & DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
While felonies and disciplinary actions from other certification/licensing entities may not prohibit certification,
documentation is required to be submitted at the time of application. Certification through PCB does not mean
a professional should not disclose this information to potential employers and does not in any way exonerate
charges.
REQUESTS TO CHANGE APPLICATION
Professionals who wish to have their application re-reviewed for another credential PCB offers will incur a $50
application change/review fee.
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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CERTIFICATION TIME PERIOD
Certification encompasses two calendar years beginning on the date the application is approved. The certificate
issued to the professional lists the following information: name of professional, credential name, date of issue,
date of expiration and certification number.
The AAC is a time-limited certification. A professional may only hold the AAC for up to four years (initial
certification, plus one recertification). The AAC must upgrade to another certification prior to or at the time of
expiration of their AAC. Employment, education, and supervision accrued to earn and/or recertify the AAC will
be applied toward the upgrade. Professionals should contact the PCB office to determine what documentation
will be needed to complete the upgrade process.
RECERTIFICATION
To maintain the high standards of professional practice and to assure continuing awareness of new knowledge
in the field, the Board requires recertification every two years. Professionals should review the Recertification
Application for credential specific requirements listed on the Board website well in advance of their expiration
date.
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC APPLICANT INFORMATION & PAYMENT
Application can be completed and saved. You may then print the appropriate pages to submit to PCB.
TYPE OR PRINT LEGIBLY
Date:
DOB:
Female
□ Self-identify _____________________
Name:
SSN: (last four)
Print your name as it should appear on your certificate. Credentials and degrees will not be printed.
Home Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Cell Phone:
Primary Email:
PRINT LEGIBLY: EMAIL IS OUR PRIMARY WAY OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOU.
Secondary Email:
PRINT LEGIBLY: EMAIL IS OUR PRIMARY WAY OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOU.
Have you ever received any disciplinary action from another certification/licensing authority? Yes No
If yes, provide full details on a separate sheet.
Have you read and understood the PCB Code of Ethical Conduct? Yes No
The Code of Ethical Conduct is located at www.pacertboard.org, and click on Ethics.
Military Experience: □ Not Applicable □ Active □ Veteran
Ethnicity: □ American Indian or Alaska Native □ Asian □ Black or African American □ Caucasian □ Hispanic □ Latino
N
ative Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander □ Not specified: ______________________
Employment plans for the next two years: □ Increase hours □ Decrease hours □ No change □ Seek advancement
R
etire □ Move to a different career □ Unknown
PAYMENT INFORMATION
FEE OF $125 CAN BE PAID USING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING (CHECK ONE):
Check Money Order VISA MasterCard Discover American Express
Checks & Money Orders made payable to PCB
My employer/organization is mailing payment directly to PCB.
Email for receipt (if paying by credit card only): ________________________________________________________________
Number:
-
-
-
Sec. Code:
Exp. Date:
Name on Card:
Billing address:
(If different than Home Address)
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC: FORMAL EDUCATION
REQUIRED: Minimum high school diploma/GED.
I am documenting my high school diploma/GED.
Yes No
I am documenting my college degree.
Yes No
College/University:
Name on Transcript:
Date Transcript Requested:
Delivery Method:
Mailed to PCB
Emailed to PCB
AAC: EDUCATION/TRAINING
REQUIRED: 100 hours of relevant education/training including 6 hours in substance use disorders
ethics.
I have included copies of training certificates.
Yes No
I have included a copy of my training tracking system/learning management system report.
Yes No
My college transcript provides all or some of the relevant education.
Yes No
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC: CLINICAL WORK EXPERIENCE & JOB DESCRIPTION
REQUIRED: One (1) year of full-time or 2000 hours of part-time CLINICAL work experience as a drug
and alcohol counselor.
REQUIRED: Copy of current counselor job description, obtained from current employer, and which
must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate clinical supervisor.
CURRENT EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Employer Name:
How many hours do you work per week? _______________________________________________________________
Total hours/years worked in current position? ___________________________________________________________
I have attached my current counselor job description, dated and signed by both me and my supervisor. Yes No
Do you need to document previous employment to fulfill the experience requirement? Yes No
If yes, complete the section below AND submit a letter (on company letterhead) from previous employer(s) verifying your duties and dates employed
must be included with your application.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION (IF APPLICABLE)
Letter (on company letterhead) from previous employer(s) verifying your title, duties & dates employed must be included with your application.
Organization Name:
How many hours did you work per week? _______________________________________________________________
Total hours/years worked in previous position? __________________________________________________________
Organization Name:
How many hours did you work per week? _______________________________________________________________
Total hours/years worked in previous position? __________________________________________________________
Employer City:
Zip:
Applicant Position/Title:
Start Date in Current Position:
Organization City:
Zip:
Applicant Position/Title:
Start Date in Position:
End Date in Position:
Organization City:
Zip:
Applicant Position/Title:
Start Date in Position:
End Date in Position:
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC: ON-THE-JOB CLINICAL SUPERVISION
REQUIRED: 100 hours of on-the-job clinical supervision of qualifying work experience with a
minimum of 10 hours of clinical supervision in each counselor domain.
Information below is to be completed by applicant’s current and/or previous clinical supervisor(s).
This page is to document the clinical supervision hours provided to the applicant, not their total work hours.
The total hours of clinical supervision should be 100 hours but could be more depending on the applicants’ length of
employment or could be less if the applicant was provided clinical supervision from a previous employer.
Applicants may copy this page and provide it to previous clinical supervisors.
Applicant Name:
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR INFORMATION
Name:
Email:
Phone:
Employer Name:
CLINICAL SUPERVISION DOCUMENTATION
Clinical Supervision was provided to the above-named applicant in the following Domains:
DOMAIN
EXACT NUMBER OF HOURS
Screening, Assessment, & Engagement
Treatment Planning, Collaboration, & Referral
Counseling
Professional & Ethical Responsibilities
Supervisor Attestation:
I attest that the above-named applicant has been provided with clinical supervision as documented above.
______________________________________________________ _______________________________________
Supervisor Signature Date
Position/Title:
Licenses, Certifications and/or Degrees:
Employer City:
Zip:
TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF CLINICAL SUPERVISION:
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC: ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & RELEASE
This page must be completed by the applicant. It must be notarized and submitted with the application.
RELEASE
I request that the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) grant the credential to me based on the following assurances
and documentation:
I subscribe to and commit myself to professional conduct in keeping with the PCB Code of Ethical Conduct;
I certify that the information given herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I also
authorize any necessary investigation and the release of information relative to my application;
Falsification of any documents will nullify this application and will result in denial or revocation of certification;
I consent to the release of information contained in my application and any other pertinent data submitted to or
collected by PCB to officers, members, and staff of the aforementioned Board;
I consent to authorize PCB to gather information from third parties regarding education, employment and/or
supervision and understand that such communication shall be treated as confidential;
Allegations of ethical misconduct reported to PCB before, during, or after application for certification is made
will be investigated by PCB and could result in the nullification of the application or denial or revocation of
certification.
INITIAL EACH STATEMENT
I have read and understood this Acknowledgements and Release.
I either live or work in Pennsylvania at least 51% of the time.
I understand one-half of the application fee is refundable if application is denied.
I understand that my application is open for a period of one year after the date of review. If I fail to fulfill all
certification requirements within that year, the application will be closed, and no refund will be issued.
I understand that if I request to have my application re-reviewed for another credential PCB offers,
I will incur a $50 change/review fee.
Applicant:
Signature:
Date:
PRINT NAME LEGIBLY
NOTARY PUBLIC ONLY
Name:
Date:
I attest that I am a notary public and the above-named applicant satisfactorily proved to be the person whose name is
subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.
In witness whereof, I hereby set my hand and official seal.
__________________________________________________ SEAL:
Notary Public Signature
PCB AAC Application | www.pacertboard.org | info@pacertboard.org | Revised January 2021
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AAC: CHECKLIST
Applicant Name:
Page must be completed and submitted with the application. Do not submit your application until checklist is reviewed,
completed and all documentation is compiled.
Prior to applying, all requirements must be met and documented. Use the table below as a guide for gathering
documentation.
Do not submit any documentation with an application that is not listed on the table or the application
unless specifically instructed by a staff member. Do not apply until all requirements are met.
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Mail: PCB, 298 S. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17109
2. Email: info@pacertboard.org NOTE: Only PDFs are permitted. Photos of applications are not accepted.
3. Fax: 717-540-4458 NOTE: faxing is an unreliable technology. Receiving a confirmation of fax does not indicate it has been
received. To confirm receipt of application, email info@pacertboard.org
.
I acknowledge, that to the best of my ability, I have submitted a completed application.
Signature:
Date:
REQUIREMENT DOCUMENTATION
Application page with payment
Page 7
Formal Education page
Page 8
Education
High School Diploma/GED/college transcripts or
diploma
Copies of training certificates (if applicable)
Clinical Work Experience
Page 9
Previous relevant employment documentation
(if needed)
Current job description
Obtain from employer
Supervision page
Page 10
Notarized Acknowledgement & Release page
Page 11
Checklist page
Page 12
Disciplinary Actions?
Include letter of explanation with application
Convicted of a felony?
Include letter of explanation with application
Company paying fee?
Include applicant name on payment
Copy entire application for records