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Explore Your Path in Substance Use Disorder Counseling

RADT Registered Trainee & Registered Intern

NOTICE

RADT Fee Update Effective August 1, 2025

Beginning August 1, 2025, the Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician (RADT) fees will increase for all levels. The new fee will be $100 for initial applications and $60 for renewals.

Registration Process Overview

Three Entry Level Options to Choose From

Certification in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling is crucial for ensuring high standards of care and professionalism in the field. Organizations like the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) play a pivotal role in setting these standards. They offer recognized certifications that validate the skills and knowledge of counselors, enhancing their credibility and career prospects. By aligning with these bodies, counselors can access a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and professional development options.

1

RADT Trainee I

Registrant Trainee I (RADT Trainee I): Has completed the 10-hour orientation, submitted an approved application with CCAPP Credentialing, and has agreed to obtain 80 hours of formal education or training. First two years: One initial application and one renewal: Complete 80 hours of core competency education within 6 months. Must apply at least 120 days before registration expiry. Year three will require the RADT Trainee II application.

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2

RADT Trainee II

Registrant Trainee II (RADT Trainee II): Has completed the 80-hour AB 2473 training, including topics 1-12, successfully renewed RADT Trainee I registration, and is required to complete education toward certification each year. Must also complete a minimum 50 hours of AOD education annually towards 315 hours.

Once the 315 hours of AOD education requirements are completed, the next level is RADT Intern.

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3

RADT Intern

Registrant Intern: Has completed formal education and any other CO requirement to be an intern and is actively working toward certification while maintaining registration. Must also complete 25 hours of AOD continuing education annually.

*There is a 5-year limit on being registered; this period begins with the initial registration date as a RADT Trainee I. Individuals must become certified within that timeframe.

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Legacy & Masters

Legacy Registrant and Master Level (RADT): Registered before AB 2473 implementation and maintains active registration or holds a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, MFT, or counseling.

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State regulations limit this process to five years from the date of initial registration. Registrants must meet all requirements and apply for certification before the expiration date of the fifth year or sooner. In some cases, one can submit a hardship application and get up to two additional years. A hardship must be documented, and CCAPP may award a limited extension upon approval.

Registration with CCAPP

AB 2473 – AOD Counselor Educational Requirements

This draft Behavioral Health Information Notice (BHIN) from the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) outlines new education requirements for Alcohol or Other Drugs (AOD) counselors, effective January 1, 2026, in accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2473. It provides guidance for certifying organizations and counselor registrants.

Requirements Under AB 2473

  1. Core Competency Topics

Under AB 2473, new education requirements include mandated instruction in the following areas:

    • DSM (current edition)
    • ASAM Criteria
    • Cultural responsiveness (including disability inclusion)
    • Case management/care coordination
    • Electronic health record systems
    • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
    • Clinical documentation
    • Co-occurring disorders (mental health + SUD)
    • Confidentiality and ethics
    • Professional Boundaries
    • Behavioral health system navigation
  1. Education Hour Requirements

Group

Requirements

First-time registrants (after July 1, 2025)

Complete 80 hours of core competency education within 6 months. Must also complete a minimum 50 hours of AOD education annually.

Registrants before July 1, 2025

Must document core competency education by the time of initial certification.

Master’s degree holders (in psych, social work, MFT, counseling)

Exempt from the core competency requirement.
  1. Terminology Updates
    • First-year registered counselor: Not yet renewed registration.
    • Registered counselor: Renewed registration at least once.
  1. Registration and Renewal Procedures
    • Submission Timelines: Must apply at least 120 days before registration expiry.
    • Review Deadlines: Certifying organizations have 45 days to approve, deny, or mark applications incomplete.
    • Correction Window: Counselors have 30 days to respond to incomplete notices, with a 15-day review turnaround post-response.

Step-By-Step Instructions for First-Year Registered Counselors (RADT Trainee I)

Step 1: Initial Registration
When: Upon acceptance into a certification pathway
What to Do:

  • Submit all required documentation and fees to become a first-year registered counselor (RADT Trainee I).

Step 2: Complete 80 Hours of Core Competency Education
Deadline: Within 6 months of initial registration
Action:

  • Enroll in and complete 80 hours of core competency education as defined in HSC section 11833(b).

  • Use a CCAPP-approved education provider.

  • You may also access DHCS-sponsored free courses (available through June 30, 2028).

Step 3: Receive Completion Notification from Certifying Organization
Deadline: Within 45 days of completing the education
Action:

  • Certifying organization will send written verification of whether the 80-hour requirement was met.

  • If incomplete, complete the missing hours before your 1-year registration expires.

Step 4: Prepare for Renewal Application
When: Minimum of 120 days prior to registration expiration
Action:

  • Apply for registration renewal through your certifying organization.

  • Include:

    • Application fee

    • Notification of 80-hour completion (or documentation of missing hours)

Step 5: Certifying Organization Acknowledges Renewal Application
Deadline: Within 7 days of receiving your application
Action:

  • You’ll receive written confirmation that:

    • Acknowledges receipt

    • Provides a timeline for review

    • Includes contact information

Step 6: Receive Decision on Renewal
Deadline: Within 45 days of receiving your renewal application
Possible Outcomes:

  • Approved: You’ll receive a new registration notice valid for 1 year.

  • Denied: You’ll receive written reasons and instructions for appeal.

  • Incomplete: You’ll be told what’s missing.

Step 7: Respond if Incomplete
Deadline: Within 30 days of receiving the incomplete notice
Action:

  • Submit any missing documentation.

  • Certifying organization must respond within 15 days with a final decision:

    • Approved

    • Denied

    • Still Incomplete

Step 8: Consequences if No Response
If you don’t respond within 30 days:

  • Your renewal review will be terminated.

  • You may submit a new application to re-register.

Annual Education Requirements

Ongoing After First Year and due the first time on the RADT Trainee I Renewal

Scenario A: Haven’t Completed 315 AOD Education Hours Yet

  • Requirement: 50 hours of AOD education for each annual renewal
  • Topics Must Include: California Code of Regulations Title 9 §13040 (a)(1)-(5) or BHIN core competencies

Apply for a RADT Intern: Already Completed 315 Hours of AOD Education

  • Requirement: 25 hours of continuing education (CE) for renewal
  • Same approved topics and provider requirements apply

Step-By-Step Instructions for Registered Counselors (RADT Trainee II)

Step 1: Attain Trainee II Status
When: Upon completion of the 80-hour core competency education and successful registration renewal
What to Do:

  • Complete all 80 hours of AB 2473 education (Topics 1–12).

  • Submit a renewal application as outlined in RADT Trainee I steps.

  • Upon renewal approval, you become a RADT Trainee II.

Step 2: Begin Annual Education Toward Certification
Requirement: Minimum of 50 hours of AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) education per year
Action:

  • Enroll in a CCAPP-approved or DHCS-recognized education provider.

  • Ensure coursework is counted toward the 315-hour requirement for certification.

Step 3: Track Progress Toward the 315-Hour Requirement
Ongoing Requirement:

  • Maintain a cumulative record of AOD education hours completed.

  • You must reach 315 total hours before advancing to the next level.

Step 4: Maintain Active Registration
When: Every 12 months from your most recent renewal
Action:

  • Renew registration annually with your certifying organization.

  • Submit:

    • Application and fee

    • Proof of continuing education hours (minimum 50 per year)

Step 5: Advance to RADT Intern
When: Upon completing all 315 hours of AOD education
Action:

  • Apply for upgrade to RADT Intern status with your certifying organization.

  • Include documentation of your completed education.

  • Meet any additional intern-level requirements.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Registered Counselors (RADT Trainee II)

Step 1: Attain Intern Status
When: After completing 315 hours of AOD education
What to Do:

  • Submit documentation verifying completion of 315 hours of AOD education.

  • Meet any additional intern eligibility requirements outlined by your certifying organization.

  • Receive confirmation of upgrade to RADT Intern status.

Step 2: Actively Work Toward Certification
Ongoing Requirement:

  • Remain actively engaged in the certification process.

  • This includes preparing for and applying to take the written and oral exams (if required), meeting practicum or work experience requirements, and submitting any other documentation requested by your certifying organization.

Step 3: Complete 25 Hours of Continuing Education Annually
Every 12 Months:

  • Complete a minimum of 25 hours of AOD-related continuing education each year.

  • Courses must be from CCAPP-approved or DHCS-recognized providers.

  • Maintain documentation of completed hours for renewal purposes.

Step 4: Maintain Active Registration
When: Annually from your most recent renewal
Action:

  • Submit a renewal application to your certifying organization each year.

  • Include:

    • Renewal fee

    • Proof of 25 hours of annual continuing education

    • Any updates required by your certifying organization

Step 5: Track Your 5-Year Registration Limit
Important:

  • The 5-year registration clock begins on the date you first registered as a RADT Trainee I.

  • You must achieve full certification within 5 years of that initial registration date.

  • Failure to become certified within this timeframe will result in the expiration of your registration and ineligibility to continue in the field without starting over.

Take the Next Step in Your Counseling Career

Ready to advance your career in substance use disorder counseling? Dive deeper into the certification options available through CCAPP. Whether you’re aiming for a broad focus or a speciality, explore the pathways that align with your career goals. Begin your journey today and make a meaningful impact in the field. Click below to learn more about the opportunities that await you.

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