Credentials

MCAP Standard Application

Requirements Overview

🎓 Formal Education

  • Master’s degree or higher is required.

📚 MCAP Training

  • Completion of 161 hours of training in MCAP-approved topics, designed to build foundational skills in addiction and mental health counseling.

💼 Work Experience

  • Completion of 4000 hours of relevant work experience.

👥 Supervision

  • At least 200 hours of supervised work experience, focused on developing your knowledge and skills as an addiction professional.

📝 Letters of Recommendation

  • Submission of three letters of recommendation that support your readiness and suitability for MCAP certification.

🖥️ Exam Requirement

  • Applicants may only register for the exam after application requirements have been reviewed and approved by the Certification Board.
  • Pass a 125-item, multiple-choice certification exam. The exam is designed to assess knowledge, skills, and competencies essential to substance abuse and mental health practice.
  • The passing score is 74%, with all questions weighed equally.

Before you apply, please review the MCAP Standards, Requirements & Application Guide carefully. It’s your responsibility to ensure all requirements are met and instructions are followed.

A complete MCAP application includes the following:

  1. Online application and fee payment.
  2. Proof of formal education and MCAP training.
  3. Verification forms from employers and supervisors.
  4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you in a professional or official capacity.

📲 Application Process

  • All applicants must have an active FCB account.
  • The MCAP application is submitted online through your FCB account.
  • You must:
    • Answer all application questions.
    • Upload training documentation.
    • Pay the required application fee.

📂 Required Forms and Supporting Documents

Applicant-Provided Form and Documentation

  • Master’s degree in related field
  • MCAP Training Verification Form
  • Must provide training certificates for each training listed on the Training Verification Form.

Verification Forms and supporting documentation

⏳ Timeframes and Deadlines

  • Once the application fee is processed, your application is routed for initial review.
  • You will receive a status update within 30 days, including any pending requirements.
  • The timeline for full review depends on the completeness and quality of submitted documents.
  • Applicants have 12 months from the date the application is assigned to meet all requirements, including passing the exam.
  • If more time is needed, a continuation fee may be paid to continue the process.

💻 Exam Information

Applicants are approved to register for the MCAP exam only after all application materials are reviewed and accepted by the Board.

🖥️ Exam Highlights

  • 125-item, multiple-choice computer-based exam.
  • Administered at statewide testing sites (primarily colleges/universities).
  • Exam fee is paid to the Board; proctoring fee (max $35) is paid to the test site.
  • Each item has one correct and two incorrect (but plausible) answers.
  • All questions are equally weighted (1 point each).
  • Passing score is 74%.

📊 Scoring

  • Unofficial score is displayed immediately after testing.
  • Official scores are processed weekly and entered into your application record.
  • Retests are available with payment of new exam and proctoring fees.
  • There is a 30-day waiting period between test attempts.

🏅 MCAP Credential Award Process

  • Your MCAP credential is awarded once a passing exam score is recorded.
  • You will receive an award notification via email, which includes:
    • Immediate access to print your wallet card from your FCB account.
    • Instructions for verifying your certification online.
  • In addition, you will receive the following by U.S. Mail:
    • A physical wall certificate.
    • A letter of congratulations.
    • Information on maintaining your credential.

⚠️ Important: Please ensure that your mailing address is up to date in your FCB account to avoid delays in receiving your materials.

🔄 Renewal and Maintenance

  • The MCAP credential is valid for 12 months and always expires on June 30.
  • To renew, you must complete 20 continuing education (CE) hours annually.
    • CEs must relate to one or more MCAP domains: Clinical Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management and Referral, Client, Family and Community Education, Documentation, Clinical Supervision, or Professional Responsibilities.
  • The Board sends a renewal notice 60 days before the renewal period opens.
  • Late renewal is available with additional fees and CE requirements. Contact us for assistance.