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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
RADT Trainee I
Application Requirements
Orientation Prerequisite
You must complete a 10-hour approved Orientation Course that covers ethics, professional boundaries, confidentiality, sexual harassment, DEI, and LGBTQIA2+.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Sign the CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
State Code of Conduct
Sign the DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Completed Application
Finish all the steps in our online application system, called Certemy. Use the link below to open an application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the Regestrant Scope of Practice. Be sure to read it carefully! This is a step in the Certemy application process.
Official ID
Upload a copy of your official government ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Fees
As of August 1, 2025, the fee to apply is $100.
This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is required before any review begins. It does not guarantee approval or result in a registration. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
This fee cannot be refunded.
Before You Start
Before starting your application, please read the important information below, the processing times, and the tips for using Certemy.
10-Hour Orientation
The 10-Hour Orientation Course includes the topics of Ethics, Boundaries, Confidentiality, and Electronic Health Records (EHR). This is the required prerequisite course. It is separate from your application and must be completed to finalize your application for RADT Trainee I.
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) using a CCAPP-approved education provider.
📁 Upload Required: Proof of completion must be uploaded in Certemy before the 6-month deadline. Click here to upload.
📨 Step 3: Receive Completion Notification
⏱️ 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.
Renewal
📁 Step 4: Prepare for Renewal Application
📆 When: Minimum of 120 days prior to registration expiration
🛠️ Action: Apply for registration renewal through CCAPP
- 💳 Application fee
- 📄 Notification of 80-hour completion (or documentation of missing hours)
📬 Step 5: CCAPP 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.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR RADT TRAINEE I 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!
Attention CCAPP Program Members!!!
Expedited RADT Trainee I Initial Applications for CCAPP Program Members Only
To help you build your team, CCAPP will help new registrants get registered faster without waiting for the usual processing times. Starting now, CCAPP is offering a way to speed up RADT Initial applications for professionals who work for a CCAPP Program Member.
Applications must be complete (which means all steps have green bubbles) and must be sent with your 10-hour orientation completion certificate from CCAPP. Professionals will need to fill out an Expedite Request Form. Upon approval of the request, CCAPP will process their RADT Trainee I Initial application within two working days. Email the form to admin@ccapp.us.
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.
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
RADT Trainee II
Application Requirements
Education
You must complete a 50 hours of college education from a CCAPP-approved school.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Sign the CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
State Code of Conduct
Sign the DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Completed Application
Finish all the steps in our online application system, called Certemy. Use the link below to open an application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the Regestrant Scope of Practice. Be sure to read it carefully! This is a step in the Certemy application process.
Official ID
Upload a copy of your official government ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Fees
As of August 1, 2025, the fee to apply is $100.
This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is required before any review begins. It does not guarantee approval or result in a registration. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
This fee cannot be refunded.
Before You Start
Before starting your application, please read the important information below, the processing times, and the tips for using Certemy.
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 the 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
READY TO BEGIN YOUR RADT TRAINEE II 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!
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.
RADT Intern
Application Requirements
Education
You must have completed 315 hours of college education from a CCAPP-approved school.
CCAPP Code of Conduct
Sign the CCAPP Code of Conduct for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technicians. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
State Code of Conduct
Sign the DHCS Code of Conduct for Credentialed (including registered) Alcohol and Drug Professionals. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Completed Application
Finish all the steps in our online application system, called Certemy. Use the link below to open an application.
Scope of Practice
Agree to and sign the Regestrant Scope of Practice. Be sure to read it carefully! This is a step in the Certemy application process.
Official ID
Upload a copy of your official government ID, like a driver’s license, passport, or state ID. This is part of the application process in Certemy.
Fees
As of August 1, 2025, the fee to apply is $100.
This fee covers the cost of processing your application and is required before any review begins. It does not guarantee approval or result in a registration. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
This fee cannot be refunded.
Before You Start
Before starting your application, please read the important information below, the processing times, and the tips for using Certemy.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Registered Counselor Intern (RADT Intern)
🎯 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.
- 🧠 Prepare for and apply to take written and oral exams (if required)
- 💼 Meet practicum or work experience requirements
- 📑 Submit any additional 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 do so will result in the expiration of your registration and ineligibility to continue in the field without starting over.
READY TO BEGIN YOUR INTERN 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!
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.
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.