Your career with CCAPP

Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor*

(LAADC)


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LAADC

Perfect Your Purpose!

Elevate Your Career with Confidence: The Licensed Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LAADC) (a non-governmental license) credential from CCAPP not only highlights your exceptional capabilities and experience but also inspires trust among employers and clients alike. This prestigious achievement will propel your career to new heights, validating your unwavering dedication and expertise within the profession. With the LAADC designation, you showcase your commitment to fostering positive change and transforming lives. Embrace the power of certification and make a lasting impact on those you serve.

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LAADC

Initial Credential

Benefits of CCAPP’s Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor Credential:

A Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor is the highest level on CCAPP’s career path. With a master’s degree, professional liability insurance, and standards equal to or higher than licensing statutes in other states, the LAADC puts CCAPP counselors on par with other licensed disciplines in California. The Demand for licensed-level counselors has never been higher. Don’t wait for the California Legislature to recognize your qualifications, get licensed today! 

*LAADC is a non-governmental license.

      • Approval to be employed at state-licensed and certified facilities
      • Recognized as the highest level of competency in California; The security of knowing that you are on the path to the highest levels of certification in the state
      • Reciprocity throughout the United States and many countries
      • Ability to bill many insurance providers (CCAPP does not have a list of insurers that accept billing from a LAADC credentialed person)
      • Recognition of skills and competencies required to treat clients in any setting 
      • The pride that comes with saying, “I’m a CCAPP LAADC!”

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!

LAADC

Initial Credential Application Requirements

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Initial Application

Complete all steps in our online e-application system, called Certemy.

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CCAPP Code of Conduct

Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is a step in the application.

Z

State Code of Conduct

Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.

Z

Scope of Practice

Agree to and sign the CADC-CS scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.

Z

Exam

Passing score on the IC&RC AADC examination. See important exam information below.

Z

Professional Liability Insurance

Proof of Professional Liability Insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million per incident ($300,000 aggregate).

Z

College Education

Completion of a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science or an allied mental health profession. Completion of 315 hours of an approved college education. See academic content areas.

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Experience Hours

4,000 hours of supervised work experience.

Z

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.

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Application Fees & Discounts

Portfolio Review: $165 Member  |  $280 Non-Member

Written Exam: $174 Member  |  $338 Non-Member

**You must pay both the application review and written exam fees at the time of submission.

These 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

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

    • Use one email account. If you need to change your email, see the information below.
    • Don't use your work email. If you change jobs, it can be hard to access your Certemy account, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email is not easy and takes time. To avoid delays, use a personal email address.
    • When starting a new application, don't use a different email if you already have a Certemy account. Use the same name, email, and password you used for your original application.
    • To change your email or other profile details, you need to submit a request through the [Contact Us] section or tell CCAPP staff directly by phone or email.
    • To reset your password, go to the Certemy login page and click the [Forgot password?] button.
    • To change your name, go to your Certemy account and select the [profile details] link from the profile icon in the top right.
    • Be careful with your spelling. Your documents will be printed based on the information you provide.
    • If you need help, 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 NEW LAADC 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

LAADC & LAADC (CA)

LAADC is held by those who have taken the IC&RC ADC exam with CCAPP and have earned the international credential. LAADC (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.

Z

Renewal Application

Complete all steps in our online e-application system, called Certemy.

Z

CCAPP Code of Conduct

Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is a step in the application.

Z

State Code of Conduct

Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.

Z

Scope of Practice

Agree to and sign the LAADC scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.

Z

Continuing Education

Completion of 50 hours of CEUs including six hours in ethics and confidentiality. See important renewal information below.

Z

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.

Z

Application Fees & Discounts

$200 Member  |  $425 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 $70 late fee.  This totals $270 for members and $495 for non-members.

These fees are non-refundable

LAADC & LAADC (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 [email protected]. 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.

CCAPP will accept a maximum of eight (8) CEUs per day for education completed.

 

I. Continuing Education: Alcohol/Drug Counseling CCAPP (provider numbers are required, 40 hours minimum)

      • 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.

II. Professional Development Hours: CCAPP provider numbers are not required (10 hours maximum)

      • 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:
        1. Burnout workshop/seminar;
        2. Personal Growth (identification of strength and limitations, stress management, relaxation, leisure time skills, proper nutrition, spirituality):
        3. Relapse prevention;
        4. 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.

Included as Professional Development

      1. CCAPP Board of Directors Meeting participation. CCAPP Credentialing Board meeting participation.
      2. CCAPP District Meeting Participation
      3. Approved CCAPP/CCAPP Credentialing Committee Volunteer Work (document by submitting letter or certificate verifying participation).
      4. Examination performed by qualified CPM Evaluators/Commissioners

Not Included in Professional Development

      1. Volunteer 12-step work
      2. Volunteer counseling at step houses/service centers
      3. 12-step meeting attendance, camps, retreats, conferences, etc.
      4. Group or individual counseling or psychotherapy

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

    • Use one email account. If you need to change your email, see the information below.
    • Don't use your work email. If you change jobs, it can be hard to access your Certemy account, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email is not easy and takes time. To avoid delays, use a personal email address.
    • When starting a new application, don't use a different email if you already have a Certemy account. Use the same name, email, and password you used for your original application.
    • To change your email or other profile details, you need to submit a request through the [Contact Us] section or tell CCAPP staff directly by phone or email.
    • To reset your password, go to the Certemy login page and click the [Forgot password?] button.
    • To change your name, go to your Certemy account and select the [profile details] link from the profile icon in the top right.
    • Be careful with your spelling. Your documents will be printed based on the information you provide.
    • If you need help, use our information request form.

For details on CADC I/II/III and LAADC credentials, download the ADC/AADC Credentialing Handbook.

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 LAADC (CA) RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?

The link below opens a new LAADC (CA) renewal in your Certemy account.

DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!

DONT HAVE A LAADC RENEWAL IN CERTEMY?

The link below opens a new LAADC renewal in your Certemy account.

DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT IF YOU ALREADY HAVE ONE!

LAADC

Transfer Requirements

Z

Current Credential

Upload an electronic copy of your current credential with the organization you wish to transfer from.

Z

CCAPP Code of Conduct

Signed CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is a step in the application.

Z

State Code of Conduct

Signed DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is a step in the application.

Z

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.

Z

Completed Transfer Application

Complete all steps in our online e-application system, called Certemy.

Z

Scope of Practice

Agree to and sign the scope of practice. Read it carefully! This is a step in the application.

Z

Professional Liability

Proof of Professional Liability Insurance coverage in the amount of $1 million per incident ($300,000 aggregate).

Z

Education

A Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science or an Allied Mental Health Profession. Proof of completion of 300 hours of alcohol/drug counseling specific education, with at least six hours specific to counselor ethics (This can be included in the MA degree)

Z

Experience

Proof of 4,000 hours of supervised experience

LAADC

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

    • Use one email account. If you need to change your email, see the information below.
    • Don't use your work email. If you change jobs, it can be hard to access your Certemy account, especially if you forget your password. Changing your email is not easy and takes time. To avoid delays, use a personal email address.
    • When starting a new application, don't use a different email if you already have a Certemy account. Use the same name, email, and password you used for your original application.
    • To change your email or other profile details, you need to submit a request through the [Contact Us] section or tell CCAPP staff directly by phone or email.
    • To reset your password, go to the Certemy login page and click the [Forgot password?] button.
    • To change your name, go to your Certemy account and select the [profile details] link from the profile icon in the top right.
    • Be careful with your spelling. Your documents will be printed based on the information you provide.
    • If you need help, use our information request form.

For details on CADC I/II/III and LAADC credentials, download the ADC/AADC Credentialing Handbook.

LET US HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT APPLICATION!

We've created a navigation system to ensure you are choosing the correct application.

Use the button below to be taken to the navigator to assist you in your transfer.

ALREADY STARTED YOUR TRANSFER 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!