California - CADCA, CADC I & CADC II Distance Learning Certification Training

California - CADAC Training & CertificationTo become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the state of California, the California Certification Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselors recommends a career path that is outlined below.

ICDS offers a CAADAC and CCBADC approved distance learning program that satisfies the education and practicum requirements to become a CADC I / CADC II in the state of California.

RRW/RS, ADCA, CADCA, CADC I & CADC II

  • RRW/RS - Registered Recovery Worker/Registered Student
  • ADCA - Alcohol/Drug Counseling Aide
  • CADCA - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate
  • CADC I - Certifed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level I
  • CADC II - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II

CADC Career Path

Steps

Requirements
1. RRW/RS
  • Must be enrolled in a drug counseling program
  • Sign a Code of Ethics
  • Submit RRW/RS application ($40 fee)
2. ADCA
  • Currently Working in an approved counseling setting
  • Sign a Code of Ethics
  • Submit ADCA application ($40 fee)
3. CADCA
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 315 hours addiction counseling education
  • 300 hour practicum
  • Pass the IC&RC Written Examination
  • Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice
  • Submit CADCA application with practicum log, internship evaluation, transcripts (sent from schools directly to CAADAC), two peer recommendation letters, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)
4. CADC I
  • Two years (4,000 hours) full time work experience as a CADCA in an approved counseling environment
  • Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice
  • Pass the IC&RC Case Presentation Method of Oral Review Examination
  • Submit CADC I application with two peer recommendation letters, letter from director of supervised field experience and/or supervisor/project director of employing agency, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)
5. CADC II
  • Three years (6,000 hours) full time work experience as a CADCA in an approved counseling environment (continued from step 4)
  • Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice
  • Submit CADC II application with two peer recommendation letters, letter from director of supervised field experience and/or supervisor/project director of employing agency, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)

Distance Learning Counselor Training

The ICDS distance learning program fulfills the 315 hour (includes practicum hours) education requirement to begin the CADC career path. Tuition, FAQ and an application for the program are located on the distance learning page.

California Contact Information & Resources