Free Practice Questions for CATC

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Sample CATC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CATC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During intake, a client says they used fentanyl that morning and is now nodding off, breathing slowly, and unable to stay awake. What should the CATC counselor do first?

A.Complete the full psychosocial history before deciding what to do

B.Stop the interview, activate emergency medical procedures, and follow program overdose protocol

C.Ask the client to sign all admission paperwork quickly

D.Tell the client to sleep in the waiting area until they feel better

Explanation: Immediate safety overrides routine intake tasks. Slow breathing and decreased responsiveness after opioid use suggest possible overdose, so the counselor should activate emergency response and follow the facility protocol rather than continue assessment.

2A new outpatient client reports drinking most evenings but minimizes consequences. Which action best supports an initial alcohol-use screening?

A.Use a validated alcohol screening instrument and ask follow-up questions about quantity, frequency, and consequences

B.Assume the client has severe alcohol use disorder because they drink most evenings

C.Avoid structured tools because they make clients defensive

D.Ask only whether the client has ever attended AA

Explanation: Validated screening tools and focused clinical follow-up help the counselor gather consistent information without jumping to a diagnosis. Screening identifies whether further assessment is needed and helps frame the next steps collaboratively.

3A client from a community with strong stigma around treatment gives short answers and avoids eye contact during assessment. What is the most appropriate counselor response?

A.Document the client as resistant and move quickly through the form

B.Slow the pace, explain the purpose of each question, and invite discussion of cultural or family concerns about treatment

C.Confront the client about being dishonest

D.Ask a family member to answer sensitive questions for the client

Explanation: Culturally responsive assessment considers how stigma, family expectations, trauma, disability, and prior experiences can affect communication. Explaining the process and inviting the client's perspective builds rapport while still gathering needed information.

4A client states, "I cannot do this anymore," and reports access to firearms at home. What is the counselor's best next step?

A.Reassure the client that most people feel that way in early recovery

B.Conduct an immediate suicide risk assessment, involve supervision, and implement safety procedures

C.Wait until the next session to see if the statement continues

D.Focus on relapse prevention because suicidal thoughts are outside AOD counseling

Explanation: Statements of hopelessness plus access to lethal means require immediate risk assessment and safety action. A CATC counselor should use program procedures, consultation, and referral or emergency supports when risk exceeds the counselor's role.

5A client seeking admission reports daily heavy alcohol use and says they had a seizure the last time they stopped. What should the counselor prioritize?

A.Recommend outpatient groups because motivation is high

B.Assess withdrawal risk and arrange medical evaluation or medically monitored withdrawal management

C.Advise the client to stop drinking immediately at home

D.Delay admission until the client can prove seven days of abstinence

Explanation: A history of withdrawal seizures is a serious biomedical risk. The counselor should assess withdrawal potential and connect the client with an appropriate medical level of care rather than recommending unsupervised abstinence.

6A client says, "My probation officer thinks I have a drug problem, but I do not." Which response best assesses readiness to change?

A."You are in denial, and treatment will not work until you admit it."

B."What concerns, if any, do you have about how drug use is affecting your life right now?"

C."You should agree with probation so you do not get in more trouble."

D."Let us skip motivation and focus only on program rules."

Explanation: An open, nonjudgmental question helps assess the client's perspective and stage of change. It invites the client to explore discrepancy without forcing agreement.

7During assessment, a client describes week-long periods of little sleep, pressured speech, risky spending, and grandiose ideas that occurred during months of abstinence. What is the best clinical interpretation?

A.These symptoms should be ignored because the client is in AOD treatment

B.The pattern suggests possible independent bipolar-spectrum symptoms requiring mental health assessment

C.The symptoms prove the client is manipulating the counselor

D.The symptoms are expected withdrawal symptoms from all substances

Explanation: Symptoms that persist outside intoxication or withdrawal periods may indicate an independent mental health disorder. The counselor should document the timeline, consult, and refer for mental health assessment while coordinating SUD care.

8A client reports tolerance, repeated failed efforts to cut down, continued use despite worsening custody problems, and giving up weekend activities to use. What is the most appropriate counselor action?

A.Document the reported criteria and refer or consult for diagnosis within the program's scope and procedures

B.Tell the client they definitely have severe SUD and write it as a final diagnosis without review

C.Ignore diagnostic criteria because CATC practice uses only self-report labels

D.Diagnose a personality disorder because custody problems are present

Explanation: The counselor should organize assessment data around accepted SUD criteria and follow agency rules for diagnosis, supervision, or referral. The scenario supports multiple SUD criteria, but final diagnosis must remain within role, competence, and program procedure.

9A client's partner calls during intake and offers information about the client's recent overdoses. What should the counselor do?

A.Accept detailed information and disclose that the client is applying for treatment

B.Explain confidentiality limits, obtain the client's written consent before two-way discussion when possible, and document clinically relevant collateral information

C.Refuse to listen to any information from collateral sources under all circumstances

D.Tell the partner the client's assessment results to encourage family involvement

Explanation: Collateral information can improve assessment, but communication must respect confidentiality rules. The counselor can explain limits, seek valid consent for reciprocal disclosure, and document information relevant to safety and treatment.

10A client meets criteria for residential treatment but has childcare barriers and limited insurance coverage. What is the best assessment response?

A.Recommend the clinically appropriate level of care while exploring feasible options, supports, and barriers with the client

B.Downgrade the recommendation solely because residential treatment is inconvenient

C.Tell the client they are not serious unless they accept the first available bed

D.Avoid documenting barriers because they are not clinical issues

Explanation: Assessment should identify clinical need and practical barriers. The counselor can recommend the appropriate level of care while helping the client explore resources, alternatives, and steps that preserve safety and engagement.

About the CATC Exam

The ACCBC CATC credential certifies California alcohol and other drug counselors. ACCBC requires approved addiction-specific education, registration and supervised field experience, a qualifying CATC or IC&RC exam, and 2,240 supervised clinical hours before initial certification.

Exam sponsor: ACCBC / approved examination provider. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

ACCBC-approved CATC or IC&RC examination route; ACCBC's current public pages do not publish one fixed question count.

Time Limit

Varies by approved examination route

Passing Score

Passing score on an ACCBC-approved CATC or IC&RC examination

Exam / Certification Fees

$185 exam eligibility application; $190 initial certification fee

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

35%

Screening, Intake, and Assessment

Initial contact, orientation, biopsychosocial assessment, ASAM placement, referral, crisis screening, and treatment readiness.

40%

Treatment Planning, Counseling, and Case Management

Person-centered goals, motivational interviewing, group counseling, relapse prevention, family systems, coordination, and recovery supports.

25%

California Law, Ethics, Documentation, and Professional Practice

Confidentiality, releases, progress notes, boundaries, mandated reporting, supervision, cultural responsiveness, and DHCS program expectations.

Preparing for the CATC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Passing score on an ACCBC-approved CATC or IC&RC examination
Assessment: ACCBC-approved CATC or IC&RC examination route; ACCBC's current public pages do not publish one fixed question count.
Time limit: Varies by approved examination route
Exam / certification fees: $185 exam eligibility application; $190 initial certification fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 100 available questions
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CATC: Suggested Study Strategy

1Study addiction counseling as applied in California AOD programs: intake, ASAM-informed placement, documentation, confidentiality, and supervised scope.

2Practice scenario questions that ask for the next best counselor action rather than isolated definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the CATC credential?

The current California CATC path is administered by ACCBC, the Addiction Counselor Certification Board of California.

How many supervised hours are required for CATC certification?

ACCBC lists 2,240 supervised clinical or field experience hours providing AOD counseling services in DHCS licensed or certified AOD settings.