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 a registrant later when ready to work
💼 Path 2: Get Registered (Work + School)
Start working while completing your education.
✅ Register as an RADT Trainee I
✅ Begin working under supervision
✅ Start school alongside your job
What Comes Next?
🔄 What Comes After You Start?
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Complete Your Education
– At least 315 hours of addiction-specific training from a CCAPP-approved provider.
📚 Start School -
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 Registration Updated
– Renew requirements vary upon level, visit the RADT Trainee & Intern page for details.
🎓 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
RADT Frequently Asked Questions
What is an RADT?
An RADT is the required entry-level registration for individuals beginning a career in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling in California, as outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Section 13035. The registration process includes three progressive levels:
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RADT Trainee I – First-year registration and may renew once; must complete 80 hours of core competency education within 6 months. You may renew Trainee I status only once, after which you must advance to Trainee II.
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RADT Trainee II – Progress from RADT Trainee I; requires at least 50 hours of AOD education annually for renewal.
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RADT Intern – For individuals who have completed 315 hours of AOD education and are actively pursuing certification.
For more details, visit our RADT Trainee & Intern page
How do I register as an RADT?
To register as an RADT Trainee I, you must complete an application through CCAPP Credentialing, agree to the CCAPP and DHCS Codes of Conduct, acknowledge the Scope of Practice, and submit required documentation, including a government-issued ID and proof of enrollment in a CCAPP-approved AOD education program. You are also required to complete 80 hours of core competency education within the first 6 months of registration.
Do I need formal training before I register?
Before registering as an RADT Trainee I, you must complete a 10-hour orientation course as specified by CCAPP. Course options are listed on the RADT page under the SUD Career Ladder. In addition, you are required to begin a CCAPP-approved alcohol and drug education program and complete 80 hours of core competency education within six months of your registration date, as mandated by Title 9 regulations and HSC §11833(b).
How long does RADT registration last?
Registration is valid for five years from your initial RADT Trainee I registration. RADT Trainee I status may only be renewed once; after that, you must advance to RADT Trainee II. You must continue progressing through the levels (Trainee I → Trainee II → Intern) and renew annually to maintain your registration. Within this five-year period, you must complete all education, supervised experience, and certification exam requirements. For full renewal and progression details, visit the RADT page in the SUD Career Ladder.
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.
Why did the RADT registration process change?
The RADT registration process was revised as a result of Assembly Bill (AB) 2473, which was signed into law in September 2022. Implementation guidance was issued through the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN).
These changes were designed to standardize entry-level counselor training across California. The new structure—RADT Trainee I, Trainee II, and Intern—ensures that all registrants complete 80 hours of core competency education within six months and continue progressing through education and experience milestones toward full certification. The updated process also enhances public protection by requiring annual proof of progress.