Become an SUD Counselor
CADTP is one of three SUD counselor certifying organizations recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Licensing and Certification Division (LCD). As required in the regulations, all certifying agencies are currently accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), a part of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certification is required by law for all those who provide counseling services in any program that is licensed or certified by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). (California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Section 13000, et seq., as effective on April 1, 2005). The regulations are available at www.dhcs.ca.gov.
Before being employed as a counselor in a DHCS licensed or certified program an applicant must register as a Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (SUDRC) by completing the Registration Application along with the following:
- Registration fee of $75.
- Signed Code of Conduct/Ethics
- Copy of ID (driver’s License)
- 2×2 photo of applicant
- A Prerequisite of a 9-hour orientation course must be submitted with the application. The course can be found online with either Breining Institute 9-hr Basics Bundle ($29), Quantum Units Ed Substance Abuse Counselor Ethics, Confidentiality, & Boundaries Course ($45), CCAPP Orientation Course ($50), DLCAS.com Orientation: Ethical Behavior for the Addiction Professional ($42). Mindful Continuing Education Substance Abuse Counselor Ethics, Confidentiality, and Boundaries ($36).
All registrants are required to renew annually. For renewal requirements go here: Renewal Requirements.
Applicants will have five years from the date of being registered as an SUD counselor to complete the following:
- 315 hours of formal SUD related education
- 255 hours of supervised SUD training as substance use disorder counselor (effective for initial registration registrations on or after 11/1/2021)
- 2,080 hours of SUD related work experience
- Passing the IC&RC Exam (for more information on the exam click HERE)
View in-depth Exam and Certification Requirements HERE
Approved SUD Education
Explore schools and universities that offer SUD education.
Start Here
Preview and download all the forms, handbooks, and guidelines you need to get started on your career as
Registration Application
Complete the Registration Application as your first step to becoming a registered SUD Counselor.
Code of Ethics
Initial and sign the Code of Ethics document.
Certification Candidate Handbook
The information you need to become a certified SUD Counselor.
Certification and Exam Application
Complete this application when you are ready to take the exam.
Practicum Verification Form
Practicum experience documentation for becoming a certified SUD Counselor.
Work Hours Verification Form
Work hours documentation for becoming a certified SUD Counselor.
Education Review
Complete this application if you would like to have your education reviewed prior to submitting your certification application.
TAP 21
A SAMHSA technical assistance publication. Addiction counseling competency. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professional practice.
Exam Retake Application
If you have failed your exam you must wait a period of 90 days before you can apply to retake the exam.
"No-Show" Exam Application
If you have missed your scheduled exam date
Exam and Certification Requirements
Become a SUDCC.
CADTP Certification Levels
Explore the Requirements for each Certification Levels below. View and Download the entire list here: CADTP Certification Levels.
SUDRC
- In accordance with HSC Section 11833(b)(1), any individual who provides counseling services in a licensed or certified DHCS AOD program, except for licensed professionals, must be registered or certified with a DHCS approved certifying organization.
- Registration is not equivalent to and is not an alternative to certification. Once registered the requirements for certification must be completed within five years, with an exception of a requested and approved personal hardship extension of an additional two (2) years.
SUDCC II
SUDCC II - Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Advanced Experience
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ 315 hours of formal SUD related education,
⇒ 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience.
SUDCC III-CS
SUDCC III-CS – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Clinical Supervisor (effective 1/1/19 all former CAODC-CS counselors will be grandfathered to the SUDCC III-CS upon renewal)
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ Bachelor’s degree in SUD related education
⇒ 5-years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience which includes 2 years’ experience in the direct supervision of SUD Counselors
⇒ Completed 40 hours of Clinical Supervisor specific education
SUDCC
SUDCC - Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ 315 hours of formal SUD related education,
⇒ 2080 hours of SUD related work experience (160 practicum)
SUDCC III
SUDCC III - Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Advanced Experience and Bachelor’s Level Education
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ Bachelor’s degree in SUD related education
⇒ 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience.
SUDCC IV
SUDCC IV – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor – Advanced Experience and Master's Level Education
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ Master’s degree in formal SUD related education
⇒ 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience
SUDCC IV-CS
SUDCC IV-CS – Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor Clinical Supervisor
⇒ Passed the IC&RC Exam
⇒ Master’s degree in formal SUD related education
⇒ 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience which includes 2 years’ experience in the direct supervision of SUD Counselors.
⇒ Completed 40-hours of Clinical Supervisor specific education
