If you are interested in becoming a certified alcohol and drug counselor, or CADC, in California, the first step is to find an educational provider approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). At Sober College, we offer CCAPP-approved education, and our program can be completed in just six months.
Before we dive into our addiction studies program and CADC certification in general, let’s discuss some facts about CCAPP and CCAPP certification.
What Is CCAPP?
This organization is the largest certification body in California for substance use disorder (SUD) counselors and other addiction professionals. Their credentials are recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), which regulates SUD treatment programs.
CCAPP plays a central role in setting education and training standards, issuing credentials, and advocating for the addiction treatment workforce in the state. They also advocate for patients with substance use disorders, working to improve and expand treatment options.
What Types Of CCAPP Certification Are Available?
There are many different types of CCAPP certification as well as additional specialty credentials that can be earned, including:
1. RADT (Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician)
A RADT is an entry-level position, and many people opt to become a RADT before earning their CADC certification. Becoming a RADT can be an excellent way to determine if addiction counseling is a good fit for you as a profession. You can remain registered as a RADT for up to five years, and by the end of this period, you must have completed your training to become a CADC.
2. CADC Certification
A CADC is a common type of addiction specialist, and in the State of California, there are three levels of CADC certification – CADC-I, CADC-II and CADC-III, the latter of which requires the counselor to have earned a bachelor’s degree. All three levels must complete 315 hours of approved educational units, and Sober College is an approved education provider.
Additionally, you must complete 215 hours of practicum experience and pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. From there, you will need to complete a set number of supervised work experience hours, depending on the CADC level. For instance, a CADC-I must complete 3,000 hours for certification.
3. LAADC (Licensed-Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) Certification
LAADCs are an advanced type of SUD counselor. CADC-I’s and CADC-II’s are not required to have a college degree, and a CADC-III needs to have earned a bachelor’s degree. However, if you have earned a master’s degree in behavioral science or an allied mental health profession, you can work toward becoming an LAADC.
Specialty Credentials
CCAPP also offers many interesting specialty credentials for addiction treatment professionals, and once you’ve earned your CADC or LAADC certification, you also might be interested in opting for one of these options, which require some additional continuing education. A few of these credentials also do require completion of a bachelor’s degree.
- Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional (CCDP)
- Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP)
- Medication-Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS)
- Intervention Specialist (IS)
- Women’s Treatment Specialist (WTS)
- Certified Treatment Executive (CTE)
- Certified Admission & Marketing Specialist (CAMS)
- Professional Recovery & Wellness Coach (PRC)
- Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (DOT SAP)
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Professional (DIP)
- Youth & Adolescent Addiction Specialist (YAAS)
You can learn more about each of these CCAPP certification options and specialty credentials at https://ccappcredentialing.org/sud-career-ladder/.
Should You Join CCAPP?
While you do not have to be a member of CCAPP to apply for CADC certification, there are some valuable perks that many addiction counseling professionals find beneficial, including:
1. Professional Recognition
- Membership helps show you’re committed to ethical, high-quality practice.
- Being part of the largest SUD counselor certifying body in California boosts your credibility with employers and peers.
2. Discounts on Certification & Training
Reduced fees on:
- Initial certification (e.g., RADT, CADC)
- Renewal fees
- Continuing education units (CEUs)
- Conferences and training events (including the CCAPP Annual Conference)
3. Free or Discounted Continuing Education (CEs)
- Access to free CE webinars and training opportunities.
- Discounted rates on approved CCAPP Academy and partner training programs.
- Helps you stay compliant with ongoing certification renewal requirements.
4. Job Board Access
- Exclusive or early access to job listings in the addiction treatment field.
- Opportunities posted by top treatment centers, nonprofits, and state agencies.
5. Advocacy & Policy Updates
- CCAPP represents members at the state and national levels, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and expanded career opportunities.
- Members receive updates on laws, policies, and DHCS regulations that impact SUD treatment professionals.
6. Networking Opportunities
- Invitations to local and statewide events, including conferences, workshops, and forums.
- Connect with other professionals, educators, and employers in the field.
7. CCAPP Membership Certificate & ID
- You’ll receive official documentation of your membership status, which can be useful for job applications and program verification.
8. Members-Only Resources
- Access to toolkits, forms, templates, and best practices for SUD treatment providers.
- Newsletters and updates that help you stay current in the field.
9. Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
- You can get involved in advisory boards, committees, or peer mentoring programs.
- You also can strengthen your resume while giving back to the profession.
10. Insurance & Liability Resources
- Members can access affordable liability insurance plans specifically designed for addiction counselors and treatment providers.
Becoming a CCAPP member gives you professional support, educational savings, career resources, and advocacy — making it especially worthwhile if you’re planning to build a long-term career in addiction counseling in California.
Earn Your CADC Certification at Sober College
At Sober College, we provide education for anyone wanting to become a CADC-I, II or III. Unlike many college and university programs, our program can be completed in just six months and is 100% online. We also offer rolling admissions, so you can get started at any time, and our program costs just $4,240, far less than most university tuitions.
Our curriculum is CCAPP-approved as well as NAADAC-approved and IC&RC-approved, which means it can be used throughout the United States to complete educational requirements for CADCs or the equivalent. The only exceptions include Alaska, Montana and North Dakota. To apply for our program, simply head to the Get Started tab on our homepage, select Apply and download our application.
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