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California - CADCA, CADC I & CADC II Distance Learning Certification Training

To become a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in the state of California, you must follow the "career path" outlined by the California Certification Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselors.

Below we've explained all of the common abbreviations associated with becoming a Drug and Alcohol Counselor in California and we've mapped out all of the requirements and steps along the way.

ICDS offers a CAADAC and CCBADC approved distance learning program that satisfies the education and practicum requirements to become a CADC I / CADC II in the state of California.

Abbreviation Explanations - RRW/RS, ADCA, CADCA, CADC I & CADC II

• RRW/RS - Registered Recovery Worker/Registered Student
• ADCA - Alcohol/Drug Counseling Aide
• CADCA - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate
• CADC I - Certifed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level I
• CADC II - Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Level II

CADC Career Path

Steps	Requirements
1. RRW/RS	Must be enrolled in a drug counseling program Sign a Code of Ethics Submit RRW/RS application ($40 fee)
2. ADCA	Currently Working in an approved counseling setting Sign a Code of Ethics Submit ADCA application ($40 fee)
3. CADCA	High School Diploma/GED 315 hours addiction counseling education 300 hour practicum Pass the IC&RC Written Examination Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice Submit CADCA application with practicum log, internship evaluation, transcripts (sent from schools directly to CAADAC), two peer recommendation letters, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)
4. CADC I	Two years (4,000 hours) full time work experience as a CADCA in an approved counseling environment Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice Pass the IC&RC Case Presentation Method of Oral Review Examination Submit CADC I application with two peer recommendation letters, letter from director of supervised field experience and/or supervisor/project director of employing agency, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)
5. CADC II	Three years (6,000 hours) full time work experience as a CADCA in an approved counseling environment (continued from step 4) Sign a code of Ethics and Scope of Practice Submit CADC II application with two peer recommendation letters, letter from director of supervised field experience and/or supervisor/project director of employing agency, resume and photo ID ($145 fee for CAADAC members or $265 for non-members)

Distance Learning Counselor Training

The ICDS distance learning program fulfills the 315 hour (includes practicum hours) education requirement to begin the CADC career path. Tuition, FAQ and an application for the program are located on the distance learning page.

California Contact Information & Resources

• For more information about the credentialing process and the carreer path to becoming a CADC, visit the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Professionals.
• For more details about the program, see the distance learning page.
• To speak to an ICDS representative, submit a request for contact, or contact our administrative office at (866) 523-2669.

ICDS | PO Box 565 | Round Rock, TX