Evidence Based Screening and Assesment - Florida Certification Board - CAC

Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment is a comprehensive, content-specific course designed to meet the 50-hour Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment training requirement for the Florida Certification Board (FCB) Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) initial application. This course provides addiction professionals with in-depth, practical instruction on the use of validated, evidence-based screening and assessment instruments across the continuum of care. Content focuses on the purpose and proper application of screening versus assessment, biopsychosocial data collection, diagnostic formulation, risk identification, and clinical decision-making consistent with FCB standards. Learners examine widely accepted tools such as the ASI, SASSI, DAST, AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7, trauma and co-occurring disorder screeners, and other empirically supported measures, with emphasis on scoring, interpretation, cultural considerations, and ethical use. The course also addresses documentation standards, clinical interviewing skills, referral and level-of-care determination, and integration of assessment findings into individualized treatment planning. This training is designed to ensure CAC applicants develop the competency necessary to conduct accurate, ethical, and evidence-based screening and assessment in real-world substance use treatment settings, consistent with Florida Certification Board expectations.

This course will award 50 continuing education hours.