Addiction Counselor Requirements in Georgia
Georgia does not license addiction counselors through the state government. Instead, two nonprofit organizations certify counselors—the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) and the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board (ADACBGA). Minimum requirements include a high school diploma, 180-300 hours of training, 4,000-6,000 hours of experience, and passing a certification exam.
Addiction counselors in Georgia are the unsung heroes in a state that’s been ravaged by the prescription opioid and fentanyl crises. Using evidence-based treatments and plenty of compassion, these professionals are helping those affected by substance use disorder rebuild their lives and overcome the disease of addiction.
If you’re considering this career path, you’ll need to understand Georgia’s unique certification landscape. Unlike most states, Georgia doesn’t license addiction counselors through a state government agency. Instead, it defers credentialing to two respected nonprofit organizations, each offering its own certification pathways. This gives you options, but it also means you’ll need to make some strategic decisions about which path aligns with your education level, career goals, and timeline.
The good news? You can start working in this field with as little as a high school diploma, though you’ll need substantial training, supervised practice hours, and passing an exam to earn your credentials. And if you’re aiming higher—with a bachelor’s or master’s degree—you’ll have access to advanced certifications that open doors to independent practice and clinical supervision roles.
Last Updated: December 2025
Understanding Georgia’s Dual Certification System
Georgia’s approach to addiction counselor credentialing differs from that of most states. Here’s what you need to know: the state recognizes certifications from two separate nonprofit organizations, both nationally affiliated and both offering legitimate pathways to practice.
The two certifying organizations are:
- Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) – A member of NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals)
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) – A member of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
Both organizations offer multi-level certifications, from entry-level credentials requiring only a high school diploma to advanced clinical certifications requiring graduate degrees. Georgia employers, treatment facilities, and state agencies widely recognize both. And both have provisions for reviewing credentials earned through other certifying agencies if you’re moving to Georgia from another state.
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) Certification Requirements
GACA offers three certification levels, each corresponding to your education and experience:
Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (CACI)
The CACI is your entry point if you don’t yet have a bachelor’s degree. It allows you to practice under supervision and build toward more advanced credentials.
Minimum requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years full-time) of active practice as a chemical dependency counselor within the last 5 years—volunteer counseling under a GACA-Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) may be accepted
- 180 hours of education and training in alcoholism and drug abuse, including:
- At least 6 hours of ethics training
- 18 hours of cultural diversity training
- 3 hours of HIV/AIDS education
- Up to 90 hours may come from college coursework
- 220 hours of clinical supervision by a GACA-Certified Clinical Supervisor as a Counselor-in-Training, with at least 2 hours of individual supervision in each of the eight counselor skill groups
- Passing score on the NCC AP exam (NCAC I)
Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (CACII)
If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue the CACII, which requires more experience and training but grants a higher scope of practice.
Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years full-time) of active practice as a chemical dependency counselor within the last 8 years
- 270 hours of education and training in alcoholism and drug abuse, including:
- At least 6 hours of ethics training
- 27 hours of cultural diversity training
- 3 hours of HIV/AIDS education
- Up to 135 hours may come from college coursework
- 144 hours of clinical supervision by a GACA-Certified Clinical Supervisor as a Counselor-in-Training, with at least 36 hours of one-on-one supervision and at least 2 hours of individual supervision in each of the eight counselor skill groups
- Passing score on the NCC AP exam (NCAC II)
Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC)
The CMAC is reserved for professionals with graduate-level education and substantial experience. It represents the highest level of clinical practice within the GACA system.
Minimum requirements:
- Master’s degree or higher in a counseling-related field
- 6,000 hours of supervised experience in addiction counseling
- 500 hours of education in substance abuse and addictions
- Passing score on the appropriate NAADAC exam
GACA Application Process
To apply for GACA certification:
- Download the CAC Application from the GACA website
- Compile documentation of your education, training hours, and supervised experience
- Submit your completed application with all required supporting documents
- Wait for the monthly review by the Certification Committee
- Once approved, you’ll receive instructions for registering for the appropriate NAADAC exam
- Pass the exam to receive your certification
Important: You must be pre-approved by GACA before you’re eligible to sit for the exam. Don’t register for testing until you receive approval notification.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board (ADACBGA) Requirements
The ADACBGA offers three IC&RC-affiliated certifications:
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I)
The CADC I is an entry-level credential that allows you to represent yourself and practice as an alcohol and drug counselor in Georgia.
Minimum requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 300 hours of alcohol and drug education, including at least 6 hours each in:
- Professional ethics
- Trauma-informed care
- Telehealth/e-counseling
- HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis C
- At least 6,000 hours (3 years full-time) of direct work experience, including at least 20 hours of one-on-one job supervision
- 300 hours of clinical supervision (25% must be one-on-one), including at least 15 hours each in:
- Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment
- Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral
- Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC exam
Many candidates complete their required education hours through online addiction counseling certificate courses that are specifically designed to meet certification requirements.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II)
The CADC II grants an independent scope of practice specific to addiction counseling, making it ideal for those with a bachelor’s degree.
Minimum requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field OR graduate degree in any field
- At least 300 hours of alcohol and drug education (same specialty areas as CADC I)
- At least 4,000 hours (2 years full-time) of direct work experience, including at least 20 hours of one-on-one job supervision
- 200 hours of clinical supervision (25% must be one-on-one), including at least 15 hours each in the four performance domains listed above
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC exam
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)
The CAADC is designed for master’s-level professionals and qualifies you to screen for, recognize, and coordinate care for co-occurring mental disorders—an increasingly important skill as dual diagnosis becomes more common in treatment settings.
Minimum requirements:
- Master’s or doctoral degree in a behavioral health field, including a clinical component with supervised internship, field placement, or clinical practicum
- At least 180 hours of alcohol and drug education (same specialty areas as other ADACBGA credentials)
- At least 4,000 hours (2 years full-time) of direct work experience, including at least 20 hours of one-on-one job supervision
- 200 hours of clinical supervision (25% must be one-on-one), including at least 15 hours each in:
- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
- Counseling and Education
- Ethical & Professional Responsibilities
- Passing score on the IC&RC AADC examination
ADACBGA Application Process
To apply for ADACBGA certification:
- Contact the ADACBGA directly at [email protected] to request application materials
- Complete your application and gather all required documentation
- Submit your application with supporting documents and fees
- Once approved, you’ll be notified with instructions for registering to take the appropriate IC&RC exam
- Pass the exam to receive your certification
Which Certification Should You Choose: GACA or ADACBGA?
This is one of the most common questions aspiring addiction counselors in Georgia ask. The honest answer? Both are legitimate, widely recognized, and will qualify you to work in the field. Here’s how to decide:
Choose GACA (NAADAC-affiliated) if:
- You prefer the NAADAC brand and national network
- Your employer requires or prefers GACA certification
- You plan to pursue NAADAC’s national Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential
- You want flexibility with reciprocity in NAADAC-affiliated states
Choose ADACBGA (IC&RC-affiliated) if:
- You prefer the IC&RC international network and reciprocity agreements
- Your employer requires or prefers IC&RC certification
- You plan to work with co-occurring disorders (CAADC addresses this explicitly)
- You may relocate to an IC&RC member state or territory
Practical considerations:
- Check job postings in your area to see which certification employers request more often
- Ask your current or prospective employer if they have a preference
- If you’re already working in the field, see which certification your clinical supervisor holds (they must supervise within their certifying organization)
- Consider reciprocity if you might move to another state—both NAADAC and IC&RC have reciprocity networks, but they’re different networks.
The good news? You’re not locked in forever. Some counselors hold dual certifications, and both organizations recognize transfers from the other if you meet equivalent standards.
Timeline and Process Overview
How long does it take to become certified in Georgia?
It depends on your starting point:
If you’re starting with a high school diploma:
- Complete 180-300 hours of education: 6-12 months (part-time study)
- Accumulate 4,000-6,000 work hours: 2-3 years (full-time employment)
- Complete 200-300 supervision hours: Concurrent with work hours
- Application review and exam: 1-3 months
- Total timeline: 3-4 years
If you have a bachelor’s degree:
- Complete 180-300 hours of education: 3-9 months (may have college credit applied)
- Accumulate 4,000-6,000 work hours: 2-3 years (full-time employment)
- Complete 144-200 supervision hours: Concurrent with work hours
- Application review and exam: 1-3 months
- Total timeline: 2.5-3.5 years
If you have a master’s degree in a related field:
- Complete 180-500 hours of specialized education: 3-12 months (depending on degree content)
- Accumulate 4,000-6,000 work hours: 2-3 years (full-time employment)
- Complete 200 supervision hours: Concurrent with work hours
- Application review and exam: 1-3 months
- Total timeline: 2-3 years
Can you work while pursuing certification? Yes. In fact, you must work in the field to accumulate your required supervised practice hours. Most candidates work as Counselors-in-Training under the supervision of a certified counselor while completing their education and supervision requirements.
Salary Expectations for Addiction Counselors in Georgia
What can you expect to earn as an addiction counselor in Georgia?
According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Georgia earn competitive salaries that increase with experience and credentials:
| Location | Entry Level (10th Percentile) | Median Salary (50th Percentile) | Experienced (90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (Statewide) | $31,850 | $48,530 | $73,250 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell | $32,740 | $50,420 | $76,890 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $30,210 | $45,680 | $67,320 |
| Columbus | $29,550 | $44,190 | $64,880 |
| Savannah | $31,120 | $47,280 | $70,650 |
Factors affecting your earning potential:
- Certification level (entry-level vs. advanced credentials)
- Education (high school vs. bachelor’s vs. master’s)
- Years of experience
- Practice setting (nonprofit vs. private practice vs. hospital)
- Geographic location (metro Atlanta pays more than rural areas)
- Specialized skills (co-occurring disorders, specific treatment modalities)
Certification Options for Out-of-State Counselors
Moving to Georgia with credentials from another state?
Both GACA and ADACBGA have provisions for recognizing certifications earned through other agencies.
GACA reciprocity:
GACA considers reciprocity for addiction counselors who hold NAADAC-affiliated certifications from other states. If your current certification meets reciprocal standards, you may be able to transfer without retaking exams or completing additional education. Contact GACA directly to have your credentials reviewed.
ADACBGA reciprocity:
As an IC&RC member board, ADACBGA participates in the IC&RC reciprocity network. If you hold an IC&RC credential from another member board (found in over 100 jurisdictions internationally), you may be eligible for reciprocal certification in Georgia. The process typically involves:
- Submitting proof of your current IC&RC credential
- Demonstrating good standing with your current certifying board
- Meeting any Georgia-specific requirements (such as state ethics training)
- Paying transfer fees
Important: Reciprocity is not automatic. You must apply and be approved before representing yourself as certified in Georgia. Start this process before you relocate to avoid gaps in your ability to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become an addiction counselor in Georgia?
Which certification is better: GACA or ADACBGA?
How long does it take to get certified in Georgia?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while pursuing certification?
What’s the difference between CADC I and CADC II?
Will my certification from another state transfer to Georgia?
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Georgia certification?
How much does it cost to get certified in Georgia?
Key Takeaways
- Georgia doesn’t license addiction counselors through the state government—two nonprofit organizations (GACA and ADACBGA) handle certification instead.
- You can start with just a high school diploma, but you’ll need 180-300 hours of training, 4,000-6,000 supervised hours, and passing an exam to earn certification.
- Both GACA (NAADAC-affiliated) and ADACBGA (IC&RC-affiliated) offer legitimate, recognized certifications—choose based on employer preference and reciprocity needs.
- Plan for a 2-4 year timeline from start to certification, depending on your education level and whether you’re working full-time in the field.
- Bachelor’s- and master’s-degree holders qualify for higher-level certifications with greater independent practice authority and the potential to treat co-occurring disorders.
- You can (and must) work in the field while pursuing certification to accumulatethe required supervised practice hours.
- Reciprocity is available for counselors certified in other states through NAADAC or IC&RC networks, but you must apply and be approved before practicing in Georgia.
- Median salaries for addiction counselors in Georgia range from $44,000 to $50,000, with experienced professionals in the Atlanta metro earning up to $76,000.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in Georgia?
Find accredited programs that can help you meet Georgia’s certification requirements and take the first step toward making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
Salary data sourced from the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
Additional Information
Questions? Contact the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association at (770) 434-1000 or through their online contact form.
Or contact the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board at (770) 825-0481 or [email protected].