How to Get Credentialed as an Addiction Counselor in California
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—each aligned with California addiction counseling requirements.
🎓 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 an 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
What is an RADT?
An RADT (Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician) is the entry-level registration required to begin working in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) counseling in California.
🔗 How to Become an RADT
How do I register as an RADT?
You must complete an application through CCAPP Credentialing, agree to the code of conduct, and submit required documentation such as identification and proof of enrollment in or intent to enroll in an approved education program.
Do I need formal training before I register?
Before registering as an RADT, you must complete a 9-hour orientation course covering ethics, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. Course information and links are on the RADT page in the SUD Career Ladder. While no additional formal training is required at the time of registration, Title 9 regulations require that you begin an approved alcohol and drug education program soon after.
How long does RADT registration last?
Registration is valid for five years. You must complete education, supervised experience, and a certification application (including passing a certification exam) before the end of this time. Annual renewal is required to maintain your registration up to the end of the five-year deadline. See the RADT page in the SUD Career Ladder for details on renewal.
Can I work in a treatment program as an RADT?
Yes. Once registered, you can work under supervision in a licensed substance use disorder treatment facility, as allowed by DHCS regulations.
What happens if I don’t complete certification in five years?
Your RADT registration will expire and cannot be renewed after the five-year period. However, if you can prove a hardship, you may apply for a hardship extension, which can extend your registration for up to two years. If the registration is not renewed by the end of the extension period, you must become certified to continue working as a counselor. If you do not become certified, you will not be allowed to work as a counselor. This is outlined in the California Code of Regulations Title 9, Chapter 8 §13035.
Can I call myself licensed or certified if I have an RADT?
No. The RADT is a registration, not a license or a certification. Referring to yourself as “licensed” or “certified” while holding only an RADT is misleading and a violation of the Code of Ethics. Always represent your credentials accurately.