Explore Your Path in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
RADT Legacy and Master’s Degree
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
Legacy and Masters Degree
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 CCAPP, counselors can access a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and professional development options.
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
- 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
- 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. |
- Terminology Updates
-
- First-year registered counselor: Not yet renewed registration.
- Registered counselor: Renewed registration at least once.
- 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.
Core Competencies
We've created a crosswalk document to illustrate the alignment between current education on the 12 Core Functions and the core competencies requirements.
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!
⚪ Legacy Registrants & Master’s Level Registrants
Definition:
- Individuals registered before AB 2473 implementation who maintain active registration
- OR hold a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or marriage/family therapy
Note: These individuals may be exempt from the new core competency requirements depending on their educational background and registration status.