How to Become an Addiction Counselor with CCAPP Credentialing
Choose Your Path
🌟 How to Become an Addiction Counselor in California with CCAPP Credentialing
Want to learn how to become an addiction counselor in California? Whether you’re eager to jump into work, start school, or explore both, CCAPP Credentialing offers two flexible starting points for becoming a certified addiction counselor.
🎓 Path 1: Education First
Ideal if you want to start learning before entering the field.
✅ Enroll in a CCAPP-approved school
✅ Complete addiction studies
✅ Register as an RADT later when ready to work
💼 Path 2: Get Registered (Work + School)
Start working while completing your education.
✅ Register as a RADT
✅ Begin working under supervision
✅ Start school alongside your job
What Comes Next?
🔄 What Comes After You Start?
-
Complete Your Education
– At least 315 hours of addiction-specific training from a CCAPP-approved provider. -
Gain Work Experience
– At least 3,000 hours of supervised experience (or 2,080 if you have a qualifying degree), depending on the level you wish to certify as. -
Keep Your RADT Updated
– Renew annually with at least 45 hours of college education and 3 hours of counselor ethics is required.
🎓 Find an Approved CE Provider -
Apply for Certification (CADC)
– Once education + hours are done, you can apply to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. See the SUD Career Ladder.
Optional Membership
🧑🤝🧑 Why Join CCAPP Membership?
While CCAPP Credentialing manages your registration and certification, becoming a CCAPP Member gives you:
✔️ Discounts on credentialing fees
✔️ Discounts on continuing education (CE)
✔️ Legislative representation
✔️ Many other benefits