Certification
Certification is the process of evaluating an individual's experience, education, training, knowledge and competency as an addiction counselor. This function is accomplished by ICAADA's Certification Board, which is composed of elected members of ICAADA, with alternates, and at least one member appointed by the ICAADA Certification Chairperson. it is the intention of the Board to issue a credential based on the sum total of the applicant's experience, training, peer review, and overall judgement of service to the addictions constituency.
In developing a system for Certification, the Board will assume broad powers in assessing applicants and their portfolios. With these broad powers in assessing different categories of service, the Board may require additional evidence or information.
The Board, within its rules, will make every effort to function with maximum members present. In doing so, the Board will be employing an approach that is most favorable to the applicant. Board members will encourage an open dialogue with the applicant. However, the Board will respect all confidential material, oral or written.
The Certification Board may enlist technical assistance and consultation, as required from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction and other sources.
Board members who are named as a reference for an applicant will abstain from voting on the certification of that applicant.
Certification Requirements
Professionals working in the human-service field whose major responsibilities include counseling, care and advocacy of persons with alcohol and/or other drug problems may apply for certification. Those who specialize in alcohol/drug counseling can be employed in a variety of environments: churches, schools, business and industry, hospital-based inpatient programs, detoxification centers, halfway houses, prisons and jails, the courts, homeless shelters, or public and private outpatient clinics. Persons interested in certification may request application packets which explain the following requirements in complete detail.
ICAADA offers multiple levels of certification. All persons seeking certification must complete the following requirements:
A confidential evaluation by the candidate's peers and supervisors who are listed as references on the certification application;
A written examination passed at the established norm for each respective certification level;
A personal appearance before the Certification Board may be requested;
Payment of all application and/or certification fees.
Renewal of Certification
Renewal of Certification is required every two years. Payment should be attached to the renewal application according to current fee structure announced on the application form. Current membership in ICAADA will result in a substancial savings to the individual.
Renewal requires completion of a Renewal Application and documentation of at least 40 clock-hours of FIELD-RELATED education and/or training during the period of certification.
Allowable clock hours of training for renewal of certification:
Formal Alcohol and Drug Training - provided by independent agencies or institutions with open application policies. 40 clock-hours is allowable in this category.
Academic Courses - provided by accredited schools and universities. 40 clock-hours allowed in this category.
Workshops, Conferences, Seminars - such as ICAADA quarterly meetings, ICAADA conventions, AA conventions, AA conventions, etc.
Attendance at association meetings such as: ICAADA Business meetings, ICAADA Board of Directors Meetings, ICAADA Certification Board Meetings, ICAADA Regional Chapter Business Meetings may be used for a maximum of 5 continuing education hours per year regardless of the number of meetings you attend.
If you are an instructor of a workshop you can receive (2) hours preparation time per hour for the original presentation. (i.e. 6 hour workshop= 12 continuing education hours for the original presentation.)
Lapse of Certification
Counselors who allow their certification to lapse must file a request to the Board for reinstatement. This request must include the completed renewal application. The Board will assess a $60.00 late payment fee for submissions up to 6 months late. After that time, an individual must re-apply for certification and complete all requirements for certification under the current provisions.
Inactive Status
A person may apply for Inactive Status if unable to comply with the requirements for renewal of certification. For details, contact the ICAADA office.
Certification Fees
Membership fees and dues are listed on the membership information page of this website. The following are fees for certification:
Certification test fee: $150
Initial certification fee for two years: $200 ($500 Non-member)
Certification renewal every two years: $200 ($500 Non-member)
Click here to make payments online.
For questions about certification, please call our office at 317-923-8800 between 10-4, Monday through Thursday.
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