Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements in Missouri
Missouri doesn’t require state licensure for substance abuse counselors, but professional certification through the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) is essential for employment. Requirements vary by education level: a high school diploma requires 4,000 supervised hours, an associate degree requires 3,000 hours, a bachelor’s degree requires 2,000 hours, and a master’s degree requires 1,000 hours. All candidates need 180 education hours, a 300-hour practicum, and must pass the IC&RC exam.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you understand the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve seen it up close in your family, or you’ve experienced it yourself. That struggle, that determination to help others find their way out, is what drives people to become addiction counselors in Missouri. The path forward starts with understanding how to obtain proper certification.
Missouri doesn’t require state licensure for substance abuse counselors, which might sound surprising at first. Instead, the professional community and employers rely on the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) to verify counselor qualifications through professional certification. While certification isn’t legally mandated, it’s practically essential—most treatment centers, hospitals, and private practices won’t hire you without it. The MCB is a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), meaning your Missouri credential carries weight nationwide.
MCB offers the following credentials for substance abuse counselors in Missouri:
- Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC)
- Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRAADC)
The MCB also offers the Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor I (MAADCI) and the Missouri Associate Alcohol Drug Counselor II (MAADCII), entry-level credentials often held by those completing requirements to become a CADC.
Why Certification Matters in Missouri
You don’t need state licensure to practice in Missouri, but here’s what matters: employers expect certification. Treatment centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private practices use MCB credentials to verify you’ve met professional standards for addiction counseling. Without certification, you’ll struggle to find meaningful work in the field.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), professional certification ensures counselors meet evidence-based treatment standards. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth for substance abuse counselors nationally, with Missouri showing similar demand trends.
The MCB system actually works in your favor. Unlike states with rigid licensing requirements, Missouri offers multiple entry points based on your education level. Whether you have a high school diploma or a master’s degree, there’s a clear path forward. You’re not locked out if you don’t have the “right” degree—you just need more supervised clinical hours to demonstrate your competency.
CADC Certification Requirements
To become a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), you must meet one of the following requirements, which varies depending on your education level:
- High school diploma
- 4,000 hours of work experience in the last 10 years
- 300-hour supervised practicum
- Associate degree or one-year addiction certificate
- 3,000 hours of work experience in the last 10 years
- 300-hour supervised practicum
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2,000 hours of work experience in the last 10 years
- 300-hour supervised practicum
- Master’s degree
- 1,000 hours of work experience in the last 10 years
- 300-hour supervised practicum
Regardless of your education level, you’ll also need 180 hours of education, including at least 6 hours in ethics. At least 20 of these hours must have been earned within the last year. Many of these hours can be completed through online addiction counseling certificate programs. This ensures you’re current on best practices and ethical standards in the field.
You must also take and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam.
If you’re qualifying for CADC certification with a college degree, it must be in one of the following areas of study. Many counselors pursue bachelor’s degrees in these fields specifically to meet certification requirements:
- Psychology
- Social work
- Criminal justice
- Family studies
- Communication
- Sociology
- Chemical dependency
- Counseling
- Nursing
- Human services
- Art therapy
- Applied behavioral science
- Education
If you’re unsure whether your degree qualifies as an applicable degree, you can contact the MCB directly at 573-616-2300 for verification before investing time in the application process.
CADC Application Requirements
All applicants must complete an application. Applications are available on the MCB credentials page. You’ll need to submit your completed application along with:
- Proof of at least 180 total hours of education
- Completed and signed Counselor Employment Verification form
- Supervised Practicum form (completed by a qualified supervisor)
- Competency Rating form (completed by your qualified supervisor)
- Educational transcripts (sent directly from the school to the MCB)
- IC&RC exam score
Make sure all documentation is complete before submission. Incomplete applications delay the process and push back your ability to start working as a certified counselor.
Upgrade to the CRADC and CRAADC Credentials
Once you have the CADC credential, you can upgrade to the CRADC by earning additional work experience:
- High school diploma: An additional 2,000 hours
- Associate degree: An additional 2,000 hours
- Bachelor’s degree: An additional 2,000 hours
- Master’s degree: An additional 1,000 hours
To upgrade from the CADC or CRADC to the CRAADC, you must have a master’s degree with a clinical application in an applicable area of study. This advanced credential also requires 2,000 hours of work experience in the last 10 years. The CRAADC opens doors to independent practice, clinical supervision, and higher-level positions in the field.
Certification Reciprocity
The MCB grants reciprocity based on comparable reciprocal-level credentials from any state’s IC&RC member board. If you’re already certified in another state and moving to Missouri, you can transfer your credential without starting from scratch.
You can begin the reciprocity process by contacting your current state board. Processing times vary from one board to another, with most taking between 30 and 45 days. This makes Missouri an accessible option if you’re relocating or expanding your practice across state lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Missouri require certification to work as a substance abuse counselor?
How long does it take to get certified as a substance abuse counselor in Missouri?
What’s the difference between CADC, CRADC, and CRAADC?
Can I transfer my certification from another state to Missouri?
Do I need a degree in addiction counseling specifically?
What does the 300-hour practicum involve?
Key Takeaways
- Missouri doesn’t require state licensure, but MCB certification is the professional standard expected by employers
- Work hour requirements range from 4,000 hours (high school diploma) to 1,000 hours (master’s degree), making certification accessible at multiple education levels
- All candidates need 180 education hours (including 6 in ethics), a 300-hour supervised practicum, and must pass the IC&RC ADC exam
- You can upgrade from CADC to CRADC or CRAADC with additional experience and advanced degrees, expanding your career opportunities
- Missouri offers reciprocity for comparable credentials from IC&RC member boards in other states, making relocation easier
- Degrees in 13 related fields qualify (psychology, social work, counseling, nursing, and others)—you don’t need a specific addiction counseling degree
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in Missouri?
Find accredited programs that meet Missouri’s certification requirements and take the first step toward making a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
Looking to specialize? Learn about gambling addiction counseling or explore opportunities as a certified peer support specialist.
Additional Information
The Missouri Credentialing Board can be reached by phone at 573-616-2300 or by email at [email protected].
The Missouri Addiction Counselors Association is an additional professional resource for networking, continuing education, and career support.