CADTP Certification Levels
The California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) offers a structured pathway for individuals pursuing careers in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counseling. This pathway begins with the Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor (SUDRC) designation, which serves as the initial registration required for employment in Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) licensed or certified programs. The SUDRC is not a certification but a registration status that allows individuals to gain the necessary education and experience to become certified counselors.
Following the SUDRC registration, CADTP provides eight levels of certification for SUD counselors, each reflecting a combination of education, work experience, and supervisory responsibilities.
These certifications are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and recognized by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), ensuring that certified counselors meet rigorous standards for professional competence in SUD treatment.
SUDRC
- Complete a 9-Hour Registrant Orientation Course
- Renew annually while working toward SUDCC Certification
SUDCC
- Met Certification Requirements of:
- 315 hours of formal SUD education
- 255 hours of supervised SUD training/practicum
- 2080 hours of SUD related work experience
- Passed approved exam
SUDCC II
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience
SUDCC II-CS
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience with at least 2 years of experience in the direct supervision of SUD Counselors
- 40 hours of clinical supervisor education courses
SUDCC III
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- Bachelor’s degree in SUD related education
- 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience
SUDCC III-CS
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- 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 IV
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- Master’s degree in formal SUD related education
- 5 years or 10,000 hours of SUD work experience
SUDCC IV-CS
- Met Certification Requirements, plus:
- 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