Your career with CCAPP
Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – I
(CADC-I)
—
Let’s Succeed Together!
With CCAPP, Career is Your Journey!
What is CADC?
A Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) from CCAPP is a certified counselor who helps people with addiction. They meet specific education and ethical standards set by the CCAPP Credentialing Board.
![Credential Landing CADC-I | CCAPP Credentialing](https://ccappcredentialing.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Credential-Landing-CADC-I.jpg)
CADC-I
Perfect Your Purpose!
By achieving the esteemed Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Level I (CADC-I) certification with CCAPP, you gain well-deserved recognition to propel your career forward in this noble profession. This accomplishment not only showcases your capabilities and experience but also serves as a testament to your unwavering commitment and dedication to driving positive change and saving lives. Embrace the power of certification and unlock your true potential to make a lasting difference in the world.
What brings you here today?
Skip to the section you are interested in:
CADC-I
Initial Credential
Benefits of CCAPP’s Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor – I Credential:
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- Approval to be employed at state-licensed and certified facilities
- Recognition of skills and competencies required to treat clients in any setting
- The security of knowing that you are on the path to the highest levels of certification in California
- The pride that comes with saying, “I’m a CCAPP CADC-I!”
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CCAPP Approved Schools
Before you enroll, purchase, or attend a class, make sure it is CCAPP approved! The following information can help you avoid any confusion or anxiety related to the school you attended, are attending, or are planning to attend!
CADC-I
Initial Credential Application Requirements Without a Degree
If you have an AA Degree in behavioral science or allied mental health profession, you can skip this section.
Initial Application
Complete all steps in our online electronic application system, called Certemy.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors. This is a step in the application.
State Code of Conduct
Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.
Exam
Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination. See important exam information below.
College Education
Completion of 315 hours of education from a CCAPP approved college. See academic content areas.
Experience Hours
3,000 hours of supervised work experience (including 255 hours of field practicum)
Membership
CCAPP credentials do not include membership. Membership is not required, however, if you are a member, it must be current and valid for 2 consecutive years prior to your renewal or you must pay the non-member price when you are due for renewal. See info on membership here.
Application Fees & Discounts
Application Review: $100 Member | $250 Non-Member
Written Exam: $150 Member | $300 Non-Member
Total Application Cost: $250 Member | $550 Non-Member
**You must pay both the application review and written exam fees at the time of submission.
Membership cost is $100 every year. Members save $198 on this application.
All fees are non-refundable
IC&RC
Important Exam Information
Applicants have four chances to pass the IC&RC exam. After that, the professional will need to complete the following in order to be eligible for another 4 chances:
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- 100 hours of clinical supervision (hours need to be dated after the last fail date)
- 20 hours of AOD education (must be through an approved provider)
- The non-refundable exam retake fee is $174 if the applicant is a CCAPP member and $300 for non-members
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IMPORTANT: If you have requested special accommodations do not schedule your exam, CCAPP staff will communicate with you once accommodations have been arranged.
Six to Eight Weeks Application Processing Times
Application processing times can take six to eight weeks. All steps in an application must be submitted in full, must be complete, and must be accurate. An application is complete when every step has a green bubble. A green bubble with a white checkmark means CCAPP staff have verified and approved that step. Any step that is rejected will have a red bubble and must be corrected by the applicant. The processing time will be delayed and not resume until the applicant corrects the rejected step and re-submits all/any rejected steps.
Certemy User Tips
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- Do not use multiple email accounts. If you need to change your email address, see below.
- Do not use your work email address. Accessing your Certemy account if you change jobs will become difficult, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email address is not a simple process and takes time. Avoid delays by using a personal email address.
- When opening a new application, do not use alternate email accounts if you already have a Certemy account. Re-enter the exact same information (name, email address, password) you submitted for the original application.
- Email or other profile changes must either be submitted through our [Contact Us] section or relayed to CCAPP personnel directly through a phone call or direct email.
- Password resets are done through the Certemy login portal with the [Forgot password?] button.
- Name changes are done in your Certemy account by selecting the [profile details] link from the profile icon on the top right.
- Be precise in your spelling: your documents are printed according to the information you provide.
- If you require assistance, use our information request form.
For details on CADC I/II/III and LAADC credentials, download the ADC/AADC Credentialing Handbook.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR NON-DEGREE APPLICATION IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens in Certemy. If this is your first time using Certemy, create a new account, otherwise, login to your existing account. Your application will be there waiting for you.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
ALREADY STARTED IN CERTEMY AND TRYING TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK?
The link below will take you back to Certemy without creating a new application. Please login to your existing account to resume your application or check on its status.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
CADC-I
Initial credential application requirements with an Associate’s Degree
Initial Application
Complete all steps in our online electronic application system, called Certemy.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is a step in the application.
State Code of Conduct
Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the CADC-CS scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.
Exam
Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination. See important exam information below.
College Education
Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science or Allied Mental Health Profession, including 315 hours of approved education
Experience Hours
255 supervised work experience (field practicum); and, 2,080 hours of supervised work experience (includes all practicum hours)
Membership
CCAPP credentials do not include membership. Membership must be current and valid for 2 consecutive years prior to your renewal or you must pay the non-member price.
Application Fees & Discounts
Application Review: $100 Member | $250 Non-Member
Written Exam: $150 Member | $300 Non-Member
Total Application Cost: $250 Member | $550 Non-Member
**You must pay both the application review and written exam fees at the time of submission.
Membership cost is $100 every year. Members save $198 on this application.
All fees are non-refundable
IC&RC
Important Exam Information
Applicants have four chances to pass the IC&RC exam. After that, the professional will need to complete the following in order to be eligible for another 4 chances:
-
-
- 100 hours of clinical supervision (hours need to be dated after the last fail date)
- 20 hours of AOD education (must be through an approved provider)
- The non-refundable exam retake fee is $174 if the applicant is a CCAPP member and $300 for non-members
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IMPORTANT: If you have requested special accommodations do not schedule your exam, CCAPP staff will communicate with you once accommodations have been arranged.
Six to Eight Weeks Application Processing Times
Application processing times can take six to eight weeks. All steps in an application must be submitted in full, must be complete, and must be accurate. An application is complete when every step has a green bubble. A green bubble with a white checkmark means CCAPP staff have verified and approved that step. Any step that is rejected will have a red bubble and must be corrected by the applicant. The processing time will be delayed and not resume until the applicant corrects the rejected step and re-submits all/any rejected steps.
Certemy User Tips
-
- Do not use multiple email accounts. If you need to change your email address, see below.
- Do not use your work email address. Accessing your Certemy account if you change jobs will become difficult, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email address is not a simple process and takes time. Avoid delays by using a personal email address.
- When opening a new application, do not use alternate email accounts if you already have a Certemy account. Re-enter the exact same information (name, email address, password) you submitted for the original application.
- Email or other profile changes must either be submitted through our [Contact Us] section or relayed to CCAPP personnel directly through a phone call or direct email.
- Password resets are done through the Certemy login portal with the [Forgot password?] button.
- Name changes are done in your Certemy account by selecting the [profile details] link from the profile icon on the top right.
- Be precise in your spelling: your documents are printed according to the information you provide.
- If you require assistance, use our information request form.
For details on CADC I/II/III and LAADC credentials, download the ADC/AADC Credentialing Handbook.
HAVE AN AA DEGREE AND READY TO BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens in Certemy. If this is your first time using Certemy, create a new account, otherwise, login to your existing account. Your application will be there waiting for you.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
ALREADY STARTED IN CERTEMY AND TRYING TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK?
The link below will take you back to Certemy without creating a new application. Please login to your existing account to resume your application or check on its status.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
Renewal Requirements
CADC-I & CADC-I (CA)
CADC-I is held by those who have taken the IC&RC ADC exam with CCAPP and have earned the international credential. CADC-I (CA) is held by individuals who transferred from another credential and are not eligible for the international credential or reciprocity outside California. Professionals may get the (CA) removed by applying for advancement and taking the appropriate exam.
Renewal Application
Complete all steps in our online electronic application system, called Certemy (cert-eh-mee).
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors. This is a step in the application.
State Code of Conduct
Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.
Continuing Education
Completion of 50 hours of CEUs including six hours in ethics and confidentiality. See important renewal information below.
Membership
CCAPP credentials do not include membership. Membership is not required, however, if you are a member, it must be current and valid for 2 consecutive years prior to your renewal or you must pay the non-member price when you are due for renewal. See info on membership here.
Application Fees & Discounts
$100 Member | $400 Non-Member
*If the credential status is expired more than 30 days, the applicant must complete all initial renewal requirements and submit with the above renewal fee plus a late fee of $70 for members or $138 for non-members.
All fees are non-refundable
CADC-I & CADC-I (CA)
Important Renewal Information
Expired Credentials
If your renewal application was completed after your due date, you will be required to submit a letter to the CCAPP Credentialing Board, providing an explanation as to why your credential has lapsed. Please be sure that the letter includes a valid date and an original signature. Once composed, you can scan and attach it to an email to forms@ccapp.us. You may also mail the original copy of the letter to our Sacramento address if you do not have access to a scanner. Please mail the original letter to:
CCAPP Credentialing Board
PO Box 214127
Sacramento, CA 95821
Upon receiving your letter, you will be added to the Board’s calendar for review. They will review your information and make a decision before reaching out to you with instructions on moving forward. Please note that it is your responsibility to complete this letter as soon as possible and any delays on your part may slow down the processing of your renewal.
Renewal of Certification hours - Clarification
A total of 50 hours of continuing education is required every two years for most CCAPP credentials. These hours must include a minimum of 40 continuing education hours, of which six must be in ethics. Continuing education hours must be earned through a CCAPP-approved provider with a current provider number. 10 hours may be earned in "professional development (professional development hours PDHs). PDHs do not have to be earned through CCAPP providers. The 50-hour requirement can be met with all CEH education, or any combination of hours, as long as the PDH portion is NOT MORE THAN 10 HOURS.
I. Continuing Education: Alcohol/Drug Counseling CCAPP (provider numbers are required, 40 hours minimum)
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- Workshops/seminars: Counseling Skills Basic Courses including at Masters Level may not be used for renewal. A minimum of 30 hours must be completed in workshops and seminars on counseling skills and must be given by approved providers with current CCAPP-approved provider numbers. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the workshop has an approved provider number. All documentation must have the approved provider number and be in advanced alcohol/drug skills.
- Design/Implementation/Presentation of Alcohol/Drug Counseling Topics for an approved CCAPP provider number. (Document by submitting a letter from the administrator, supervisor, or coordinator of activity starting date, type of activity, hours involved, the outline of activities, and sample brochures, handouts, and other educational materials.
- Initial oral training by Approved ICRC/AODA Supervisors. (Document by submitting a copy of the Certificate)
- Ethics: Six (6) hours effective Jan. 2013. Nine (9) hours effective June 1, 2024, a minimum of three (3) of these hours must be on the subjects of diversity, inclusion, culture, equity, or LGBTQIA2+.
- Trainers receive 1 hour for preparation for each hour of training and each hour for presentation.
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II. Professional Development Hours: CCAPP provider numbers are not required (10 hours maximum)
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- Design/Implementation/Presentation of Alcohol/Drug Counseling and related topics. Not an approved provider program. (Document by submitting a letter from the administrator, supervisor, or coordinator of activity starting date, type of activity, hours involved, the outline of activities, and sample brochures, handouts, and other educational materials.
- In-service Education. Formalized training within institutions such as clinics and treatment centers provided for the development/enhancement of skills. (Document by submitting a letter or certificate verifying participation.
- Self-improvement seminars, workshops, etc. Formal organized workshop/training which focuses on personal and professional growth issues:
- Burnout workshop/seminar;
- Personal Growth (identification of strength and limitations, stress management, relaxation, leisure time skills, proper nutrition, spirituality):
- Relapse prevention;
- Professional Growth (self-assessment, resources, professional behavior, support services; i.e., ACA. eating disorders, child abuse, etc., peer assistance.) (5)Instruction hours of retreat programs which meet the above criteria of professional development are accepted.
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Included as Professional Development
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- CCAPP Board of Directors Meeting participation. CCAPP Credentialing Board meeting participation.
- CCAPP District Meeting Participation
- Approved CCAPP/CCAPP Credentialing Committee Volunteer Work (document by submitting letter or certificate verifying participation).
- Examination performed by qualified CPM Evaluators/Commissioners
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Not Included in Professional Development
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- Volunteer 12-step work
- Volunteer counseling at step houses/service centers
- 12-step meeting attendance, camps, retreats, conferences, etc.
- Group or individual counseling or psychotherapy
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30-Day Application Processing Times
Application processing times can take up to 30 days. All steps in an application must be submitted in full, must be complete, and must be accurate. An application is complete when every step has a green bubble. A green bubble with a white checkmark means CCAPP staff have verified and approved that step. Any step that is rejected will have a red bubble and must be corrected by the applicant. The processing time will be delayed and not resume until the applicant corrects the rejected step and re-submits all/any rejected steps.
Certemy User Tips
-
- Do not use multiple email accounts. If you need to change your email address, see below.
- Do not use your work email address. Accessing your Certemy account if you change jobs will become difficult, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email address is not a simple process and takes time. Avoid delays by using a personal email address.
- When opening a new application, do not use alternate email accounts if you already have a Certemy account. Re-enter the exact same information (name, email address, password) you submitted for the original application.
- Email or other profile changes must either be submitted through our [Contact Us] section or relayed to CCAPP personnel directly through a phone call or direct email.
- Password resets are done through the Certemy login portal with the [Forgot password?] button.
- Name changes are done in your Certemy account by selecting the [profile details] link from the profile icon on the top right.
- Be precise in your spelling: your documents are printed according to the information you provide.
- If you require assistance, use our information request form.
ATTENTION CAADE & CADTP TRANSFER APPLICANTS
If you are a CAADE or CADTP transfer, DO NOT use this application until you have been issued a CCAPP certification! You must have a valid CCAPP certification ID number to use this renewal application. Please return when you have received your CCAPP certification in your digital wallet. Please visit our transfer website for details.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens the Certemy login page. Your renewal application is already there waiting for you.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
DONT HAVE A CADC-I (CA) RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens a new CADC-I (CA) renewal in your Certemy account.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
DONT HAVE A CADC-I RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens a new CADC-I renewal in your Certemy account.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
CADC-I
Transfer Requirements
Current Credential
Upload an electronic copy of your current credential with the organization you wish to transfer from.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselors. This is a step in the application.
State Code of Conduct
Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.
Completed Transfer Application
Complete all steps in our online electronic application system, called Certemy (cert-eh-mee).
Experience
3,000 hours of supervised work experience (including 255 hours of field practicum)
Fees
The transfer application fee is $45.
This fee is non-refundable
IMPORTANT
Transferring from one certifying organization to another does not extend your expiration date.
CADC-I
Important Transfer Information
*Upon approval, your expiration date will be the same as it currently is with the certifying organization you are transferring from. If you are expired, you will transfer as expired and will need to complete a renewal application.
Six to Eight Weeks Application Processing Times
Application processing times can take six to eight weeks. All steps in an application must be submitted in full, must be complete, and must be accurate. An application is complete when every step has a green bubble. A green bubble with a white checkmark means CCAPP staff have verified and approved that step. Any step that is rejected will have a red bubble and must be corrected by the applicant. The processing time will be delayed and not resume until the applicant corrects the rejected step and re-submits all/any rejected steps.
Certemy User Tips
-
- Do not use multiple email accounts. If you need to change your email address, see below.
- Do not use your work email address. Accessing your Certemy account if you change jobs will become difficult, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email address is not a simple process and takes time. Avoid delays by using a personal email address.
- When opening a new application, do not use alternate email accounts if you already have a Certemy account. Re-enter the exact same information (name, email address, password) you submitted for the original application.
- Email or other profile changes must either be submitted through our [Contact Us] section or relayed to CCAPP personnel directly through a phone call or direct email.
- Password resets are done through the Certemy login portal with the [Forgot password?] button.
- Name changes are done in your Certemy account by selecting the [profile details] link from the profile icon on the top right.
- Be precise in your spelling: your documents are printed according to the information you provide.
- If you require assistance, use our information request form.
For details on CADC I/II/III and LAADC credentials, download the ADC/AADC Credentialing Handbook.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR TRANSFER IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens the Certemy login page. Your renewal application is already there waiting for you.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!
ALREADY STARTED YOUR RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?
The link below opens the Certemy login page. Please login to your account to resume your application.
DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!