If you’re pursuing a career in addiction counseling, you’ve likely come across NAADAC certification as a way to validate your expertise and enhance your professional credibility. But is it the right choice for you?
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance in the field, understanding the benefits, requirements, and career impact of NAADAC certification can help you decide if applying is worth your time and effort. Let’s explore what this certification offers and whether it aligns with your career goals.
What Is The NAADAC?
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, is a leading national organization dedicated to supporting addiction counselors. Its mission is to educate, advocate, and empower professionals dedicated to treating addiction and substance abuse. With more than 100,000 members spanning both the U.S. and international regions, NAADAC is a vital resource for those in the addiction counseling field.
Purpose & Standards
NAADAC is committed to providing members with top-tier resources and support for addiction treatment. It sets rigorous standards for education, training, and ethical practice, as articulated in the NAADAC Code of Ethics. This code provides guidance to ensure professionals maintain integrity, competence, and responsibility in their work.
The NAADAC Code of Ethics is a detailed guide to upholding high conduct standards among addiction professionals. It addresses client welfare, confidentiality, professional competence, and relationships. By adhering to this code, counselors deliver optimal care to those struggling with addiction, fostering trust and respect within the community.
NAADAC Certification Vs. State Certification
If you’re considering a career in addiction counseling, counselors will be required to attain certification through their state credentialing organization. For instance, in California, you can be certified by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals, or CCAPP.
In most states, you must obtain a state-issued license or certification to legally work as an addiction counselor. On the other hand, NAADAC certification is voluntary, however, it does enhance your professional credibility and job prospects. This certification can make you more competitive for substance abuse counselor jobs, salary increases or leadership roles.
Many counselors obtain state certification/licensure first (since it’s required for practice) and then pursue NAADAC certification to enhance their credentials. Some states recognize NAADAC certification as part of their licensing process, meaning earning a NAADAC credential might help you qualify for state certification more easily. Additionally, if you are considering a move to another state in the future, it can be smart to consider applying for an NAADAC credential.
Types of NAADAC Certification
NAADAC offers several nationally recognized certifications for addiction counselors, each with different education, experience, and exam requirements. Here’s an overview of the main NAADAC certifications:
1. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I)
Best for: Entry-level addiction counselors who want national recognition.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or higher education (degree not required).
- 270 hours of education in addiction counseling.
- 6,000 hours (3 years) of supervised experience in addiction counseling.
- Pass the NCAC I exam.
2. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II)
Best for: Addiction counselors with a bachelor’s degree seeking higher recognition.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health field.
- 450 hours of education in addiction counseling.
- 10,000 hours (5 years) of supervised experience in addiction counseling.
- Pass the NCAC II exam.
3. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Best for: Experienced addiction counselors with a master’s degree.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in addiction studies, counseling, social work, or a related field.
- 500 hours of education in addiction counseling.
- 6,000 hours (3 years) of supervised experience (post-master’s).
- Pass the MAC exam.
NAADAC Membership: Should You Join?
Even if you don’t pursue NAADAC certification, becoming a NAADAC member comes with several valuable perks that can enhance your career in addiction counseling. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Continuing Education & Professional Development
- Free & Discounted Continuing Education (CE) – Access free online courses and discounted CE credits to maintain your state license or certification. (CE units will be required to renew your counselor certification.)
- Live & On-Demand Webinars – Regular training on addiction treatment, ethics, and best practices.
- NAADAC Annual Conference Discounts – Reduced rates for the NAADAC National Conference featuring expert speakers, networking, and workshops.
2. Career & Networking Opportunities
- Job Board Access – Exclusive listings of job opportunities in addiction counseling.
- Networking with Peers & Experts – Connect with other professionals through local and national NAADAC chapters.
- Mentorship & Leadership Opportunities – Get involved in committees and advisory boards to grow professionally.
3. Advocacy & Policy Influence
- Representation in Government Affairs – NAADAC advocates for addiction counselors and people with substance use disorders in state and federal legislation, and your membership dollars support these actions.
- Legislative Updates & Action Alerts – Stay informed on laws and regulations affecting addiction counseling.
4. Financial & Professional Perks
- Liability Insurance Discounts – Members get exclusive rates on professional liability insurance. This can be a huge benefit for those working in a private practice.
- Reduced Exam & Certification Fees – NAADAC members receive discounts on certification exams (NCAC I, NCAC II, MAC).
- Scholarships & Grants – Access funding for education, research, and professional development.
- Discounts on Books & Training Materials – Save on textbooks, study guides, and counseling resources.
5. Recognition & Credibility
- Use of NAADAC Membership Badge – Show your affiliation with a respected national organization.
- Membership Certificate – Demonstrates commitment to ethical standards and professional development.
NAADAC membership is open to all addiction professionals, including students, licensed counselors, and educators—even if they never apply for NAADAC certification.
Substance Abuse Counselor Certification: How To Get Started
Again, NAADAC certification is a voluntary step that you can take and all counselors will be required to fulfill their state’s specific counselor certification requirements. Typically, the entry-level counseling job title is known as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or CADC.
This is a very common type of substance use disorder (SUD) counselor and is similar to NAADAC’s NCAC-I certification. However, the requirements are slightly different. Let’s take a look at the CADC-I and CADC-II certification options.
CADC Requirements:
- High school diploma or higher education (degree not required).
- 315 hours of education in addiction counseling.
- 255 hours of practicum experience
- 3,000 hours of supervised experience in addiction counseling (6,000 hours for a CADC-II)
- Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. (IC&RC is a national and international testing organization recognized by most states and many countries.)
Most people who earn their CADC-I certification will go on to earn their CADC-II certification as they continue to complete supervised work experience hours. The NCAC-I certification is similar to the CADC-II certification in that it requires that addiction professionals fulfill the same number of supervised work hours.
As a side note, a CADC also might be known as an Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) counselor, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) or perhaps an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC). The names vary by state, but the requirements for this certification tend to be similar.
Sober College: Start Your Certification Journey
Sober College is an NAADAC-approved and IC&RC-approved addiction studies education provider. Our curriculum can be used to complete your educational requirements in most states as well as internationally. We serve students wishing to become either a CADC-I, CADC-II or CADC-III, as each of these requires the same number of educational units and practicum hours.
Unlike programs at traditional colleges or universities, which take years to complete and cost tens of thousands of dollars, our program can be completed in just six months. Additionally, the total cost for our program is just $4,250, with books costing an additional $300-$500 in total.
We also offer rolling admissions, so you can get started at any time. With our program, you never have to sacrifice quality, but you will save time and money. Our program also is 100% online, which is ideal for adults with work and family commitments.
Whether you opt for NAADAC certification or not, you will need to get certified with your state, and Sober College can be used to complete educational requirements for NAADAC as well as all states except Alaska, North Dakota and Montana. To download our application, head to the Get Started tab on our homepage.
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