PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free CASAC Practice Questions

Pass your Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CASAC Exam

150

Total Questions

IC&RC

125

Scored Questions

IC&RC

3 hrs

Time Limit

IC&RC

500/800

Passing Scaled Score

IC&RC

$245

Exam Fee

NY OASAS

30 days

Retake Wait

IC&RC

CASAC is required to practice as a substance use counselor in New York State. The IC&RC ADC exam provides reciprocity with most other US states, plus several international jurisdictions.

Sample CASAC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CASAC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is NOT one of the four core functions of a CASAC?
A.Screening, assessment, and engagement
B.Treatment planning, collaboration, and referral
C.Counseling and education
D.Financial planning and investment
Explanation: Financial planning and investment is not a core function of a CASAC. The four core functions are: 1. Screening, assessment, and engagement; 2. Treatment planning, collaboration, and referral; 3. Counseling and education; and 4. Professional and ethical responsibilities.
2What is the primary purpose of screening in the context of substance abuse counseling?
A.To determine the client's eligibility for insurance benefits.
B.To establish a definitive diagnosis of a substance use disorder.
C.To determine whether a client is appropriate for and eligible for admission to a particular program.
D.To develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Explanation: Screening is a process for evaluating the possible presence of a particular problem. The outcome is normally a simple yes or no. It is not intended to establish a definitive diagnosis. The primary purpose of screening is to determine whether a client is appropriate for and eligible for admission to a particular program.
3Which of the following is a key component of a comprehensive substance abuse assessment?
A.A client's credit score.
B.A client's driving record.
C.A client's history of substance use, including patterns, frequency, and consequences.
D.A client's political affiliation.
Explanation: A comprehensive substance abuse assessment should include a detailed history of the client's substance use, including the types of substances used, the patterns and frequency of use, and the consequences of use on various aspects of the client's life.
4Which of the following is the best definition of 'engagement' in the context of substance abuse counseling?
A.The process of building a therapeutic alliance with the client.
B.The process of getting the client to agree to all treatment recommendations.
C.The process of having the client sign all necessary paperwork.
D.The process of the client paying for services.
Explanation: Engagement is the process of building a therapeutic alliance with the client. This involves establishing rapport, trust, and a collaborative working relationship. It is a crucial first step in the treatment process.
5What is the purpose of a treatment plan?
A.To document the client's failures in treatment.
B.To provide a roadmap for the client's recovery journey.
C.To satisfy the requirements of insurance companies.
D.To be used as a legal document in court.
Explanation: A treatment plan is a written document that details the client's goals, objectives, and strategies for recovery. It serves as a roadmap for the client's recovery journey and is developed collaboratively by the counselor and the client.
6Which of the following is an example of a SMART goal in a treatment plan?
A.The client will stop using drugs.
B.The client will feel better.
C.The client will attend three AA meetings per week for the next month.
D.The client will get a job.
Explanation: A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 'The client will attend three AA meetings per week for the next month' is a SMART goal because it is specific (three AA meetings per week), measurable (the client either attends or does not), achievable (it is a reasonable goal for many clients), relevant (it is related to recovery), and time-bound (for the next month).
7What is the primary goal of collaboration in substance abuse counseling?
A.To ensure that all providers are using the same treatment approach.
B.To coordinate care and services for the client with other professionals and agencies.
C.To report the client's progress to their family members.
D.To make sure the client is following all the rules of the program.
Explanation: Collaboration involves working with other professionals and agencies to coordinate care and services for the client. This can include doctors, therapists, social workers, and probation officers. The goal is to provide the client with comprehensive, holistic care.
8When is it appropriate to make a referral for a client?
A.When the client is not making progress in treatment.
B.When the client has needs that are outside the counselor's scope of practice.
C.When the client is non-compliant with treatment recommendations.
D.When the client's insurance will no longer cover services.
Explanation: A referral is appropriate when a client has needs that are outside the counselor's scope of practice. For example, a client may need medication management from a psychiatrist, or they may need housing assistance from a social worker. It is the counselor's ethical duty to refer the client to the appropriate professional or agency.
9Which of the following is an example of an evidence-based practice in substance abuse counseling?
A.Aversion therapy
B.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
C.Rebirthing therapy
D.Primal scream therapy
Explanation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-established, evidence-based practice for treating substance use disorders. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. The other options are not considered evidence-based practices for substance abuse counseling.
10What is the purpose of psychoeducation in substance abuse counseling?
A.To provide clients with information about the disease of addiction and the recovery process.
B.To teach clients how to use drugs and alcohol responsibly.
C.To convince clients that they are powerless over their addiction.
D.To help clients get in touch with their inner child.
Explanation: Psychoeducation involves providing clients with information about substance use disorders, the effects of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body, and the recovery process. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

About the CASAC Exam

The Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) exam is the New York State credentialing exam for substance use disorder counselors. CASAC candidates take the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination, a computer-based test of 150 multiple-choice items administered through Pearson VUE in English or Spanish.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Scaled 500/800

Exam Fee

$245 (NY OASAS / IC&RC)

CASAC Exam Content Outline

23%

Screening, Assessment, and Engagement

Screening tools, biopsychosocial assessment, motivational interviewing, treatment matching, and engaging clients in care.

18%

Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral

Individualized treatment plans, ASAM placement criteria, interdisciplinary collaboration, and referral coordination across levels of care.

28%

Counseling

Individual and group counseling techniques, evidence-based modalities (CBT, MI, 12-step facilitation), and family systems approaches.

15%

Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Confidentiality (42 CFR Part 2, HIPAA), professional boundaries, ethics codes, mandated reporting, and cultural competence.

16%

Education, Documentation, and Continuing Care

Client and family psychoeducation, clinical documentation, relapse prevention, recovery support planning, and continuing care.

How to Pass the CASAC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled 500/800
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam fee: $245

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CASAC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master ASAM placement criteria — assessment and level-of-care questions appear throughout the exam
2Drill 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality rules separately from HIPAA
3Know DSM-5-TR substance use disorder criteria cold
4Practice motivational interviewing principles (OARS, stages of change)
5Memorize key withdrawal protocols and overdose presentations for major substances

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CASAC exam?

CASAC is the New York State credential for alcoholism and substance abuse counselors. The exam itself is the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) examination, administered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium and overseen in New York by OASAS.

How many questions are on the CASAC exam?

The IC&RC ADC exam contains 150 multiple-choice questions: 125 scored items and 25 unscored pretest items. The questions appear in random order.

What is the passing score for the CASAC exam?

Scoring uses a scaled-score model. Candidates must achieve a scaled score of 500 out of 800 to pass. The historical first-time pass rate is roughly 70-75%.

How long is the CASAC exam?

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the 150-question computer-based exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

How much does the CASAC exam cost?

The CASAC examination registration fee is $245 paid to NY OASAS. The exam can be retaken after a 30-day waiting period if you do not pass.