To achieve certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), individuals undertake a structured pathway starting with obtaining approved education. Candidates must meet minimum requirements for addiction counseling education, gain practical training experience, and pass a comprehensive exam.

The state mandates education in substance use disorder (SUD) studies courses must align with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 21: Addiction Counseling Competencies- The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice. This publication outlines the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes, including competencies needed for addiction counseling. To access this document, click here (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019). 

CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals), a DHCS-approved-certifying organization, requires at least 315 hours of education from an approved school. If courses were taken at a school not approved by CCAPP, the courses must be approved during the certification process. This involves providing course descriptions from the school to ensure they meet the required standards. For approval by the CCAPP Education Institute, the courses must cover academic content areas specific to SUD studies which are highlighted here (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019). 

To check if a school is approved by CCAPP, click here.

CCAPP Academy is known for its user-friendly approach and hands-on learning, featuring a cutting-edge curriculum that keeps California counselors at the forefront of their profession. With ongoing expansion across the state, it now offers more locations and a diverse selection of classes. To explore the Academy, click here (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019). 

The State Department of Health Care Services, Substance Use Disorders Compliance Division (DHCS-SUDCD) oversees state-approved certifying organizations (CO). To view the education requirements of each CO, visit the DHCS website or click here. These organizations collectively mandate that applicants complete a nine-hour orientation course approved by the COs, covering:

-          Three hours of Ethics

-          Three hours of Boundaries

-          Three hours of Confidentiality

Separate courses covering these topics are not accepted. They must be part of a single approved orientation course (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019).

The next step is to register with the state before gaining any experience. It is suggested to secure employment before registration, as the state allows applicants five consecutive years to become certified once registered. Failure to become certified within this timeframe may result in an inability to continue working in this field. In exceptional cases, applicants may request a hardship extension, providing up to two more years to fulfill the requirements (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019). 

Once registered with a certifying organization approved by the DHCS, one can begin gaining experience to become certified. This involves obtaining at least 255 documented hours of supervised training and accumulating a minimum of 2,080 hours of documented work experience providing counseling services in an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD)/ SUD program. These hours can be acquired before, after, or concurrently with completing the required education (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019).

Following registration, the next step is certification. The certification for CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) consists of three levels, each reflecting varying levels of expertise and certification. The following are the levels and their respective requirements:

CADC I with Associate’s Degree (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019):

• Education: Complete an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science or an Allied Mental Health Profession. This degree must include 315 hours  of AOD-specific education from a school approved by the CCAPP Educational Institute. 
• Field Practicum: Complete a 255- hour field practicum arranged through the school in cooperation with the employer. 
• Work Experience: 2,080 hours in AOD Counseling
• Application: Complete the CADC I A application on Certemy, an online certification management platform (CCAPP Credentialing Handbook, 2023). 
• Exam: Pass the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) written exam. 

To learn more about the additional requirements for this position, click here. 

CADC I without Associate’s Degree (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019):

• Education: Complete 315 hours of AOD-specific education from a school approved by the CCAPP Educational Institute. 
• Field Practicum: Complete a 255- hour field practicum arranged through the school in cooperation with the employer. 
• Work Experience: 3,000 hours in AOD Counseling
• Application: Complete the CADC I B application on Certemy (CCAPP Credentialing Handbook, 2023). 
• Exam: Pass the IC&RC and ADC written exam. 

To learn more about the additional requirements for this position, click here. 

CADC II (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019):

• Education: Complete 315 hours of AOD-specific education from a school approved by the CCAPP Educational Institute. 
• Field Practicum: Complete a 255- hour field practicum arranged through the school in cooperation with the employer. 
• Work Experience: 6,000 hours in AOD Counseling
• Application: Complete the CADC II application on Certemy (CCAPP Credentialing Handbook, 2023). 
• Exam: Pass the IC&RC and ADC written exam. 

To learn more about the additional requirements for this position, click here. 

CADC III (California Addiction Credentialing Website, 2019):

• Education: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science or an Allied Mental Health Profession. This degree must include 315 hours of AOD-specific education from a school approved by the CCAPP Educational Institute. 
• Field Practicum: Complete a 255- hour field practicum arranged through the school in cooperation with the employer. 
• Work Experience: 4,000 hours in AOD Counseling
• Exam: Pass the IC&RC and ADC written exam. 

To learn more about the additional requirements for this position, click here. 

Becoming a certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in California is a rigorous, yet rewarding journey that entails structured education, practical experience, and successful examination. Starting with a foundation in substance use disorder studies aligned with SAMHSA guidelines, candidates progress through higher educational standards set by DHCS-approved certifying organizations like CCAPP. This includes registration, completion of essential orientation courses, and obtaining supervised training along with meaningful work experience in AOD/SUD counseling. This type of training and preparation leads to achieving one of the CADC levels, validating expertise and readiness to provide crucial counseling services. Through ongoing support from resources like CCAPP Academy and DHCS, this pathway ensures that counselors are equipped to address complex issues and meet the needs of clients and communities affected by substance use disorders across the state.

References:

• California Addiction Credentialing. (2019). Minimum Requirements. Retrieved from https://californiacredentialing.com/
• California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). (2023). CCAPP Credentialing Handbook CADC I/II/III. Retrieved from https://ccappcredentialing.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ADC-AADC-Credentialing-Handbook-Rev-08-17-2023.pdf