CASAC Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CASAC exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CASAC Exam Format at a Glance

150

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

70.00%

Passing Score

Take a Full CASAC Exam Simulation →

📚 CASAC Topics to Study (84)

Alcohol And Drug Counselor · 11 cards Clinical Documentation and Reporting · 11 cards Ethical and Professional Responsibilities · 11 cards Foundations of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders · 11 cards Pharmacology and Medication-Assisted Treatment · 11 cards Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis · 11 cards Alcohol And Drug Counselor · 7 cards Alcohol And Drug Counselor · 7 cards Case Management and Continuing Care · 7 cards Case Management and Continuing Care · 7 cards Clinical Documentation and Reporting · 7 cards Clinical Documentation and Reporting · 7 cards Counseling Theories and Practice · 7 cards Counseling Theories and Practice · 7 cards Crisis Intervention Strategies · 7 cards Crisis Intervention Strategies · 7 cards Ethical and Professional Responsibilities · 7 cards Ethical and Professional Responsibilities · 7 cards Foundations of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders · 7 cards Foundations of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders · 7 cards Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills · 7 cards Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills · 7 cards Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills · 7 cards Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills · 7 cards Motivational Interviewing and Counseling Skills · 7 cards Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Pharmacology and Medication-Assisted Treatment · 7 cards Pharmacology and Medication-Assisted Treatment · 7 cards

See all 84 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample CASAC Questions & Answers

1. According to the CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles, which of the following actions would constitute a 'dual relationship'?

✓ Hiring a former client to do landscaping work at the counselor's home.

The CASAC Canon of Ethical Principles strictly prohibits dual relationships where there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client. Engaging in a business or financial relationship, such as hiring a former client, creates a secondary relationship outside of the therapeutic one, which can compromise professional boundaries and objectivity.

2. A client in early recovery reports persistent insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating three weeks after stopping alcohol use. What is the most likely explanation?

✓ Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) commonly presents with sleep disturbances, mood instability, and cognitive difficulties that can persist for weeks to months after acute withdrawal resolves.

3. Motivational Interviewing's OARS technique uses reflective listening. Which of the following is an example of a 'double-sided reflection'?

✓ 'So on one hand you enjoy the relief alcohol gives you, and on the other you're worried about your health.'

A double-sided reflection acknowledges both sides of ambivalence simultaneously, validating the client's mixed feelings and evoking change talk.

4. What is the role of 'affirmations' in Motivational Interviewing?

✓ To recognize the client's strengths, efforts, and past successes to build self-efficacy

Affirmations in MI acknowledge genuine client strengths and efforts, supporting self-efficacy and reinforcing the client's capacity for change.

5. What is the clinical significance of distinguishing between a substance-induced psychiatric disorder and an independent psychiatric disorder in a client with co-occurring substance use?

✓ The distinction guides treatment — substance-induced disorders are expected to resolve with abstinence, while independent disorders require ongoing psychiatric treatment even after substance use stops

Distinguishing between substance-induced and independent psychiatric disorders is essential because it determines whether psychiatric symptoms will resolve with abstinence or require separate, ongoing treatment.

6. In group counseling for substance use, confidentiality is:

✓ Not legally enforceable among group members but counselors should establish group agreements

Counselors cannot legally bind group members to confidentiality, but establishing clear group agreements is an ethical best practice.

🎯 Free CASAC Practice Tests

Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis · 11 questions Alcohol And Drug Counselor · 11 questions Ethical and Professional Responsibilities · 11 questions Pharmacology and Medication-Assisted Treatment · 11 questions Foundations of Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders · 11 questions Clinical Documentation and Reporting · 11 questions Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Pharmacology & Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Counseling Theories and Practice · 7 questions

📖 CASAC Guides & Articles

Your CASAC Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 CASAC Flashcards (572)🏆 CASAC Exam Simulation

Was this helpful?