NCAC-II Exam Information and Outline
National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II
NCAC-II Exam Syllabus & Study Guide
Before you start practicing with our exam simulator, it is essential to understand the official NCAC-II exam objectives. This course outline serves as your roadmap, breaking down exactly which technical domains and skills will be tested. By reviewing the syllabus, you can identify your strengths and focus your study time on the areas where you need the most improvement.
The information below reflects the latest 2026 course contents as defined by NCC-AP. We provide this detailed breakdown to help you align your preparation with the actual exam format, ensuring there are no surprises on test day. Use this outline as a checklist to track your progress as you move through our practice question banks.
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
Exam Code: NCAC-II
Exam Name: NCC-AP: National Certified Addiction Counselor- Level II
Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice questions (scored)
- 10 pre-test questions (unscored- used for future exams)
- Total: 160 questions
Time Allotted: 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam.
Passing Score: The passing score is 500 on a scale of 200-800.
1. Orientation to the Treatment Process (14%)
2. Assessment (23%)
3. Ongoing Treatment Planning and Implementation (23%)
4. Addiction Counseling Practices and Skills (23%)
5. Professional Practices (17%)
- Orientation to the Treatment Process
- Introduction to addiction counseling
- Client rights and responsibilities
- Informed consent procedures
- Confidentiality and privacy regulations (e.g.- HIPAA- 42 CFR Part 2)
- Roles and boundaries of the counselor
- Overview of treatment modalities and levels of care
- Informed consent
- Confidentiality
- HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)
- 42 CFR Part 2
- Treatment modalities
- Client autonomy
- Professional boundaries
- Assessment
- Screening and intake procedures
- Clinical assessment tools (e.g.- ASI- SASSI)
- Diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 substance use disorders)
- Risk assessment (suicide- violence- withdrawal)
- Biopsychosocial assessment
- Cultural and individual considerations in assessment
- Assessment instruments (ASI- SASSI)
- DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- 5th Edition)
- Biopsychosocial model
- Co-occurring disorders
- Risk factors
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Cultural competence
- Ongoing Treatment Planning and Implementation
- Individualized treatment planning
- Goal setting and measurable objectives
- Evidence-based interventions (CBT- MI- 12-step facilitation)
- Crisis intervention and relapse prevention planning
- Coordination of care and referrals
- Documentation and progress notes
- Treatment plan
- Measurable objectives
- Evidence-based practice (EBP)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Relapse prevention
- Progress notes
- Case conceptualization
- Addiction Counseling Practices and Skills
- Individual- group- and family counseling techniques
- Client education on addiction and recovery
- Crisis management (de-escalation- safety planning)
- Pharmacology of psychoactive substances
- Stages of change (Transtheoretical Model)
- Client engagement and retention strategies
- Group therapy
- Family systems
- Client education
- Crisis intervention
- Psychoactive substances
- Pharmacology
- Stages of change (Precontemplation- Contemplation- Preparation- Action- Maintenance)
- Harm reduction
- Professional Practices
- Legal and ethical standards (NAADAC Code of Ethics)
- Professional development and self-care
- Supervision and consultation
- Cultural competence and diversity
- Documentation standards
- Advocacy and policy awareness
- NAADAC (Association for Addiction Professionals)
- Code of Ethics
- Supervision
- Cultural humility
- Professional boundaries
- Self-care
- Advocacy