Becoming a substance abuse counselor can be a highly rewarding field, but many are unsure how to get started in this career or even what type of training is required. Let’s discuss various types of substance abuse certification and the steps you’ll need to take to earn your credential.
RADT – A Potential First Step
A Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician, or RADT, is an entry-level position that requires very little training and is an excellent option to consider if you are just beginning a career as a substance use disorder counselor or SUD counselor.
RADT certification is designed for individuals just entering the field of addiction treatment. It provides the necessary credentials to work in a counseling or support role while meeting further educational and certification requirements. Holding the RADT allows individuals to work under supervision in settings such as treatment centers, hospitals, or rehabilitation facilities.
Typically, you need only a high school diploma or the equivalent for this position. You will need to enroll in an approved RADT certification program, such as one recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) or similar organizations. You’ll need to complete specific initial training (often around 9 to 12 hours) in addiction-related topics, including ethics, confidentiality, and an introduction to addiction treatment.
RADT credentials are common in California but are not available in every state. The credential must be renewed either annually or biannually. In some states, you may not be able to remain a RADT permanently. In California, for instance, you may remain a RADT for five years while working toward higher-level certifications.
CADC – A Common Type Of SUD Counselor
One common type of certified addiction counselor is known as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or CADC. This type of counselor is internationally recognized, and most states offer this type of credential although they might call it by a different name such as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) or perhaps Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (AOD).
Some states also offer substance abuse certification known as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor or CSAC. If you have both options, we advise opting for the CADC credential because both types of counselors handle the same work tasks, but the CADC is more easily transferable from state to state.
CADCs take an internationally recognized exam, the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam to earn their CADC certification. CSACs might be required to pass a state exam, but this exam likely won’t be reciprocal with other states. The IC&RC exams are recognized around the world.
In order to become a CADC, most states require that a candidate complete 315 units of approved education, a practicum/internship of 255 hours (sometimes longer), and pass the IC&RC ADC exam. Additionally, every state requires a specific number of supervised work experience hours before you can become certified. But first, let’s talk about the first three steps – education, practicum and the IC&RC exam.
CADC Education
At Sober College of Addiction Studies, we provide education for people wishing to become a CADC. Our addiction studies program has a NAADAC-approved, CCAPP-approved and IC&RC-approved curriculum. This means that, while we are based in California, people in most states can use the Sober College program to complete their CADC education requirements. This is just one facet that makes our program unique.
Not only is our program available in most states (except Montana, North Dakota and Alaska) our program can be completed in just six months. At a traditional university, it would take several years to complete a similar counseling certification program, and the cost would be far more expensive.
Our program costs just $4,250, with books costing an additional $300-$500. There are no hidden fees, and this is far less expensive than any college or university program. Our program also is 100% online, which is more flexible for working adults, and we offer rolling admissions so you can get started at any time.
The CADC Practicum
Every CADC candidate must complete a practicum experience, which is basically like an internship. You will work at an approved facility, and you must complete at least 21 hours handling each of the 12 Core Functions of Addiction Counseling. This includes tasks such as intake, patient orientation, patient evaluation, treatment planning, crisis intervention and more.
In California, you must complete 255 hours of practicum, although some states might require 300 hours or a slightly different amount. At Sober College, your practicum is included in our program, and you can get started with this internship experience upon completion of your first class.
The IC&RC Exam
IC&RC offers several exams for different types of addiction counselors. CADCs must pass the ADC exam, but the organization offers several additional exams for other types of addiction specialists, including Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP), Prevention Specialist (PS) and Peer Recovery (PR). These are certifications you might consider working toward once you’ve earned your initial CADC certification.
Work Experience Hours
When it comes to supervised work experience hours, each state sets its own standard, but you can expect to have to complete at least 3,000 hours and perhaps more. Given a 40-hour work week, this means it could take about 18 months (possibly less) to complete this step. In most states, your practicum experience hours will count toward this total.
Let’s take California as an example, which offers three levels of CADC certification. To become a CADC-I, you will need to complete 3,000 hours of supervised work. To become a CADC-II, you must complete 6,000 hours. Most CADC-I’s will work toward CADC-II certification.
California also recognizes a third level of CADC, the CADC-III. This person needs only to complete 4,000 hours, but they also must have earned a bachelor’s degree. CADC-I’s and II’s, only need a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Of course, this will not be unpaid work, it will simply be supervised. Often, this work includes additional benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. You also will be handling all of the same day-to-day tasks as a certified counselor.
Other Types Of Substance Abuse Certification
Once you’ve earned your CADC, you will have many additional opportunities to pursue. As stated above in the IC&RC section, you can become a PS or a CCJP, or, perhaps you would want to work toward becoming an Intervention Specialist or Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS).
These are just a few options, and if you complete your bachelor’s or master’s degrees, there are many supervisory roles you can take on should that seem interesting. If you are ready to take that first step toward substance abuse certification, Sober College can help! Contact us at any time to learn more about our program or to get started with the application process.
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