SUD Registered Counselors
As a Registered SUD Counselor (SUDRC), CADTP supports you on your path to certification with resources to help you succeed.
Explore the resources for CADTP Registrants. Access the application portal, read the FAQs, and access vital information for achieving your certification.
- Pathways Progress Tracking: Log your education and work experience through Accredible’s Pathways, earning badges as you reach key milestones.
- Registrant Liaison Program: Access a credentialing specialist for personalized guidance on your certification journey.
- Directories of Approved Education Providers: Find accredited courses to meet certification requirements.
- Resources Directory: Easily search a directory of all CADTP forms and resources.
- Online Renewals: Easily renew your registration or apply for registration online.
The DHCS, UCSD-hosted 80-Hour Core Competency Course is now open for registration.
Pathway to SUDCC
FAQ
Registrant FAQ’s
Explore the SUD Registrant FAQs to learn about the requirements for education, work experience, and the SUDCC certification exam.
Timeline to Achieve Certification
Applicants will have five years from the date of being registered as a SUD counselor to complete the following:
- 80 hours of Core Comptencies outlined in AB2473 (For counselors registered after 7/1/25)
- 315 hours of formal SUD specific education
- 255 hours of supervised SUD training as a substance use disorder counselor (effective for initial registrations on or after 11/1/2021)
- 2,080 hours of SUD counseling work experience
- Passing the SUDCC exam.
Requirements for Registrant Renewal
All registrants are required to renew annually and submit the following:
Registration Renewal Form Completed
A $60 Renewal Fee (Non-Refundable)
Signed Code of Conduct and Ethics
Documentation for the regisrtation level you qualify for:
SUDRC I – First-Year Registrant
- Applies to newly registered counselors who have not yet completed one full year of registration.
- Requirement: Must complete 80 hours of core competency education within six (6) months of registration and before first-year renewal.
SUDRC II – Mid-Level Registrant
- Applies to registrants who have completed the 80-hour core competency requirement but have not yet completed the full 315 hours of formal SUD counselor education.
- Requirement: Must complete 50 hours of AOD education annually toward the 315-hour certification requirement.
SUDRC III – Pre-Certification Registrant
- Applies to registrants who have completed all 315 hours of formal SUD counselor education but are not yet certified.
- Requirement: Must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CEs) annually until certification is achieved
The SUDCC Certification Exam
The SUDCC Certification Exam is a new exam developed by CADTP SUD Counselors for CADTP SUD Counselors. CADTP Registrants may opt to take the IC & RC exam through 12/15/25. To learn more about the SUDCC exam, Visit:
To apply for the SUDCC certification exam, you must complete the CADTP Exam Certification Application. Along with the completed application you will need to submit the following:
- Non-Refundable Payment of $350 ($175 for Exam and $175 for Initial SUDCC Certification)
- Government issued ID.
- Official Transcripts documenting the completion of at least 315 hours of formal, in-classroom education, at an accredited college or post-secondary school in alcohol and/or other drug education (see Academic Content Areas here for required courses). Official transcripts need to be mailed in a sealed envelope or emailed to the CADTP office directly from the college.
- Documentation of 2,080 hours SUD counseling work experience (see Work Hours Verification Form)
- Documentation of 255 hours of SUD supervised practicum hours that cover the 12 core functions (effective for initial registrations on or after 11/1/2021) (see Practicum Verification Form)
- Signed Code of Conduct/Ethics
PLEASE NOTE: Put the name (First and Last) on the application that matches the name on your photo ID. You must present a VALID GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID WITH SIGNATURE in order to be admitted to the examination. Approved forms for ID are: Drivers License, Government Issued ID Card (must have photo and signature), Passport, Military ID Card. No other forms of identification will be accepted.
If the application is approved, applicants will be notified by e-mail about the exam arrangements.
The Registrant Liaison Program
Experience dedicated support through your certification process with our expert Registrant Liaison. We help you overcome barriers—from fulfilling education requirements to achieving exam readiness. Read below and decide if the Registrant Liaison program is right for you! To learn more, visit: CADTP Registrant Liaison Program
The IC&RC Certification Exam
The IC&RC exam is no longer accepted by CADTP as of January 1, 2025.
The CADTP Registrant’s Pathway
Activate your account in CADTP’s Accredible system. Track your progress toward certification in three key areas: Education, Work Experience, and the Certification Exam. This platform is provided to ALL CADTP counselors, with Pathways offered exclusively to CADTP Registrants.
Once you are registered with CADTP as an SUDRC, you will receive your free Digital Credential. You can then create your account in Accredible.
Once your account is created you can access CADTP’s digital badge and certificate in your Accredible account so that you can proudly share and post your career achievements!
Pathways Login
Login to your Pathways and Digital Credentials Account in Accredible.
The Registrant Liaison Program
Partner with a dedicated Registrant Liaison to craft a tailored certification plan just for you.
Exclusively for CADTP Registrants!
Experience dedicated support through your certification process with our expert Registrant Liaison.
We help you overcome barriers—from fulfilling education requirements to achieving exam readiness.
Program Services
- Help with navigating the certification process
- Sourcing educational options
- Locating exam study materials, and more
Shamra Butler is a certified Certification Specialist. With six years working directly with CADTP registrants and certificants, she has the experience and knowledge to assist and support registrants throughout their certification journey! Be sure to read the testimonials below and decide if the Registrant Liaison Program is right for you!
This program is a part of the DHCS “Behavioral Health Workforce Development (BHWD)” Project No.: 22-20574, which supports the growth of California’s Behavioral Health Workforce.
