The Sober College School of Addiction Studies (SCSAS) is an Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) Approved Education Provider. We offer an approved Alcohol and Drug Counselor Training program that is designed with you in mind. The SCSAS curriculum was developed to be both comprehensive and flexible, created by real Addiction Professionals working in the fields of Addiction & Treatment we provide our students with the education they need to reach their goals and begin a new career. Our online Alcohol & Drug Counselor training program can be completed in as little as 6 months, and can help you become an International Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IAADC) at your own pace.
To learn more about our Alcohol & Drug Counselor training program and becoming a IAADC in Iowa give us a call at 424.229.4179.
How to Become an International Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IAADC) in Iowa
Below are the requirements for becoming an International Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (IAADC) in Iowa based on the Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) site.
This credential is reciprocal with other IC&RC member boards offering the AADC credential.
Requirements
- A Master’s Degree in a behavioral science (i.e. Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, and Criminal Justice) plus completion of at least 180 clock hours of AODA specific education.
- An additional six (6) clock hours must be obtained in counselor ethics as well as three (3) clock hours specific to Racial/Ethnic (see Glossary of Terms for definition).
*Applicants may utilize up to 50% of the education hours from online/distance learning or IBC approved in-service training. An in-service training is education and training which occurs within the counselor’s agency, only for agency staff and conducted only by agency staff.
*If using college classes, the formula for converting credit to clock hours is: one semester hour equals 15 clock hours and one quarter hour equals 10 clock hours. A minimum grade of “C” must be earned or the course will be ineligible. Only original transcripts sent directly from the college/university to the IBC office via U.S. Mail will be accepted and reviewed.
Documentation will be according to instructions on Form 04 of the application, “Workshop Documentation.” See Glossary of Terms for definitions.
Experience
- 2,000 clock hours of supervised experience in performing all 4 Domains of the IAADC within the past six years.
Domains
The domains are:
- Domain I: Screening, Assessment and Engagement
- Domain II: Treatment Planning, Collaboration and Referral
- Domain III: Counseling and Education
- Domain IV: Ethical and Professional Responsibilities
Documentation
Documentation of this will be according to instructions on Form 05, “Experience Resume.”
- 300 hours of on-the-job supervision in the 4 domains are required, with a minimum of 25 hours in each domain.
Documentation of this will be according to instructions on Form 06, “Documentation of Domain Experience.”
- Passing score on the Supervisor’s Counselor Evaluation (Form 09 of the application).
- Passing score on the IC&RC AADC exam
Supervised Experience
IBC believes that supervised experience in performing the Domains of the Alcohol and Drug Counselor is essential in order to obtain quality skills as an alcohol and drug counselor. Therefore, IBC requires a minimum amount of supervised experience be completed in order to qualify for certification.
For the purpose of counselor certification, IBC defines supervision as:
A specific and definitive clinical process of a counselor’s professional development in the didactic, experiential, and application of the Domains. Supervision takes place in the context of one to one and/or small groups. Methods for supervision may include – but are limited to – case review, direct supervision, video and/or audio review, and observation of the counselor’s professional interaction with clients and staff.
The main goals of clinical supervision are to provide the opportunity to develop competency in the Domains, provide a context for professional growth and development, and ensure a continuance of quality patient/client care.
Qualifications to Supervise
The following qualifications are necessary to supervise an applicant for certification purposes:
IBC certified counselors in good standing are eligible to conduct supervision (either on site or through contracted services) for the purpose of certification. Certification applicants must be supervised by a counselor certified at a level equal to or higher than the level for which the applicant is applying. Accordingly,
- A CADC may supervise a practicum student or CADC applicant.
- An IAADC/IADC may supervise a practicum student, CADC, or IADC applicant.
- An IAADC may supervise a practicum student, CADC, IADC or IAADC applicant.
- Supervisors outside of Iowa will need to provide a copy of their substance abuse credential.
Supervisor Designate (for IADC and IAADC applicants only): If an IADC applicant does not have a supervisor who is an IAADC/IADC, or an IAADC does not have a supervisor who is certified as an IAADC, that applicant may use his/her supervisor so long as the supervisor meets both of the following criteria:
- The supervisor must have at least 6000 hours (3 years full time) experience in the
substance abuse setting, and would need to provide to the IBC office a letter from his/her agency that he/she is a supervisor in good standing; - The supervisor would need to submit to the IBC office a copy of his/her applicable
certification or license (IADC, IAADC, CCDP,CCS, LISW, LMSW, LBSW, LMFA, LMHC, MD, DO,
Psychologist or other certification/license as approved by IBC).
*Only 50% of initial counselor education can come from online; and only 20 hours of online education can count toward recertification in the state. When an individual applies for their credential/license with the Iowa Board of Certification, they must also apply for CEU Approval.