Transferring a SUD Certification

A SUD Counselor’s guide to transferring an out-of-state certification to CADTP.

The mission of CADTP’s substance use disorder counselor certification program is to provide quality certification, at a reasonable cost, with a focus on customer service.

Reciprocity

Reciprocity is the process of transferring counseling credentials to a new certifying agency.

Reciprocity is a process that allows SUD Counselors to transfer their credentials to a new certifying agency. This happens when a counselor moves to a different state, a certifying agency loses its credentials, or the counselor decides, for another reason, to make a change.

The certifying agency is responsible for all aspects of managing registration and certification requirements and government regulations for counselors to ensure a licensed and educated workforce.

The CADTP Certification, known as the Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor (SUDCC) (formerly the CAODC) has been continuously nationally accredited by ICE/NCCA.  The CADTP certification is approved by DHCS for counselors to work in any state-licensed or certified alcohol and drug treatment program.

CADTP believes a significant part of its responsibility to its members and the SUD program field, in general, is to provide this service and to keep the costs of certification reasonable. CADTP views its customers as a vital aspect of quality certification and strives to provide superior service to those customers; potential counselors, registered and certified counselors, employers, DHCS, and the public.

CADTP is committed to assessing and improving our certification program to ensure the CADTP certification processes are streamlined, the certification meets the needs of the current SUD treatment field, and our technology provides tools for counselors and employers to ensure a strong workforce.

When a candidate is granted reciprocity their certification expiration date will expire on the same date that their current certificate expires with the certifying organization transferring from.  Renewal thereafter will be every 2 years at the fee set for your level of certification, see certification level descriptions here: Certification Levels.

The counselor must be previously certified or registered by one of the certifying organizations (CO) approved by the Department of Health Care Services (listed on DHCS website), or a certifying organization previously recognized by DHCS (Within six months of that CO no longer being recognized).

Counselors whose certification is current (unexpired) may apply for CADTP certification without requiring testing provided their certification meets all eligibility criteria specified for the SUDCC certification, including,

• exam equivalency

• SUD educational hours

• required hours of actual work experience. 

Registrants may also apply and will maintain their original registration date as they cannot exceed the five-year period as required by regulations.

Counselors who have been certified or licensed in another state, where their certification or license is current may apply for CADTP certification without requiring testing provided their certification or license meet or exceed all eligibility criteria specified for the SUDCC certification, including,

• exam equivalency

• SUD educational hours

• required hours of actual work experience. 

Certification Lapse

Counselors who have been previously certified by one of the certifying organizations approved by the Department of Health Care Services, where their certification has lapsed (expired), can apply for CADTP certification but will be required to test at whatever certification level they are applying for.

Getting the Process Started

To begin the Transfer Process, complete the Reciprocity Form. Then head over to the Transfer Credentials page to see a list of other forms you may need to complete, depending on your unique situation.

If you have questions, drop us a note or give us a call at the Contact Us link below.