Certification level:  Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADAC I)

Persons seeking the CADAC I certification must provide: 

One year (2,000 hours) of supervised full-time counseling experience;

Prove at least 6 hours of specialized training in HIV/Aids and 6 hours in Ethics training.  These classes are available from our training link, online, or in some cases, in local classrooms. 

A degree in the human services area from four-year accredited colleges or universities, specialized education in alcoholism or drug abuse, or a minimum of 3 years of experience in a self-help program (AA, NA, Al-Anon, etc.) will be considered as partial satisfaction of up to six months of this requirement, but a degree is not required for CADAC I status.

Evidence of 180 hours of formal training (alcohol and/or drug training).

Documentation of at least 220 clock-hours of an approved, supervised practicum in specific alcoholism and drug counselor functions, using the 12 core functions.

Successful completion of a case presentation that will be rated by the certification board by certified counselors.

Score at least 500 on the certification test which is administered 4 times a year in Indianapolis.