New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements
New Jersey requires alcohol and drug counselors to obtain certification through the Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. The state offers two credential levels: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), requiring 270 hours of approved education and 6,000 supervised experience hours, and Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), requiring a master’s degree plus 4,500 supervised hours. Both credentials require passing written and oral examinations.
New Jersey’s alcohol and drug counselors serve as advocates, coaches, and educators. They’re the ones out there every day offering real help to people who might otherwise be lost in the throes of substance use disorder, providing vital support and resources aimed at overcoming the disease of addiction.
New Jersey’s alcohol and drug counselors are credentialed and regulated by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee (DCA-ADCC). If you’re looking to help people struggling under the weight of substance use disorder, getting certified or licensed through the DCA-ADCC puts you on the path to a meaningful, life-affirming career.
Certification Levels in New Jersey
New Jersey offers two primary credentials for alcohol and drug counselors, each with distinct education, experience, and examination requirements. Understanding the differences between these levels helps you plan your career path and determine which credential aligns with your current qualifications and professional goals.
Both the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) credentials authorize you to provide substance use disorder counseling services in New Jersey. The LCADC credential represents the advanced level of practice, requiring graduate-level education and conferring independent practice authority.
CADC vs. LCADC: Understanding the Distinction
The CADC credential serves as the entry-level professional certification in New Jersey. It requires 270 hours of approved alcohol and drug counseling education across five core domains, plus 6,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. CADC holders work under clinical supervision and cannot practice independently.
The LCADC credential represents the advanced practice level. It requires a master’s degree in a behavioral health field, 4,500 hours of supervised experience (less than the CADC requirement due to the graduate-level preparation), and both written and oral examinations. LCADC holders can practice independently, supervise other counselors, and provide clinical services without oversight.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements
Earning your CADC credential opens the door to professional addiction counseling work in New Jersey. The certification process involves completing specialized education, accumulating substantial supervised experience, and passing both written and oral examinations.
CADC Education Requirements
You’ll need to complete 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling education from an approved provider. These hours must be distributed across five distinct content domains, with 54 hours required in each domain. Each domain’s hours must be distinct—no course can count toward multiple domains.
The five required domains are:
- Assessment (54 hours) – Screening, intake procedures, biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning
- Counseling (54 hours) – Individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, and therapeutic interventions
- Case Management (54 hours) – Service coordination, referral processes, and client advocacy
- Client Education (54 hours) – Health education, relapse prevention, and recovery skills development
- Professional Responsibility (54 hours) – Ethics, confidentiality, documentation, and legal issues
The DCA-ADCC maintains a list of approved education providers on its website. You can also complete coursework through regionally accredited colleges and universities, IC&RC member board-approved programs, or NAADAC-approved providers.
Important Note: As of April 23, 2021, asynchronous (self-paced online) coursework is not acceptable for the initial 270-hour education requirement. You must complete courses through live in-person instruction or live virtual (synchronous) formats where you interact with an instructor in real-time.
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, the Advisory Panel of Certification of Behavioral Health Professionals of New Jersey (APCBNJ) will review your transcript to determine which courses may satisfy domain hour requirements. This transcript review service costs $75 and can significantly reduce the additional coursework you need to complete. You can submit your transcript review request through the APCBNJ website.
CADC Experience Requirements
You must complete 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in alcohol and drug counseling. These hours must be accumulated under the direct supervision of an LCADC or other qualified supervisor approved by the DCA-ADCC.
At full-time employment (40 hours per week), you can accumulate the required 6,000 hours in approximately three years. Part-time work extends this timeline proportionally. Your supervisor must document your work in each of the 12 core functions of addiction counseling and verify your competency development.
CADC Examination Requirements
New Jersey requires both written and oral examinations for CADC certification. This dual examination format distinguishes New Jersey from many other states that require only a written exam.
Written Examination: The IC&RC ADC examination is a 150-question computer-based test (125 scored questions plus 25 unscored pretest items). You’ll have three hours to complete the exam, which covers the 12 core functions across four domains: Clinical Evaluation, Treatment Planning/Collaboration/Referral, Counseling, and Professional/Ethical Responsibilities. The exam uses a scaled score from 200 to 800, with 500 required to pass. You’ll receive a preliminary pass/fail result on-screen immediately after completing the exam, with official results arriving within 2-3 weeks.
Registration for the written exam costs $216.30 and is completed through the Certification Board of New Jersey website. After registering and paying, you’ll receive an email from Prometric within 1-2 days with instructions to schedule your test appointment at a local testing center. The IC&RC offers study guides and practice exams to help you prepare.
Oral Examination: After passing the written exam, you’ll schedule an oral examination with the DCA-ADCC. The oral exam assesses your practical application of counseling skills, ethical decision-making, and case conceptualization abilities. The committee schedules oral examinations periodically throughout the year based on candidate volume.
CADC Application Process
Once you’ve completed your education, accumulated your supervised hours, and passed both examinations, you’ll submit your CADC application to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The application fee is $75.
Your application package must include:
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Documentation of 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling education
- Supervisor verification of 6,000 hours of supervised experience
- Proof of passing scores on written and oral examinations
- Application fee payment
You can access application materials and submit your application through the New Jersey MyLicense portal.
Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) Requirements
The LCADC credential represents the highest level of addiction counseling practice in New Jersey. This advanced credential requires graduate-level education, substantial clinical experience, and demonstrated competency through examination.
LCADC Education Requirements
You must hold a master’s degree or higher in a behavioral science field from a regionally accredited college or university. Acceptable degree fields include:
- Counseling (including Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Counseling, School Counseling)
- Social Work
- Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, or Community Psychology)
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Rehabilitation Counseling
- Other behavioral health disciplines with substantial coursework in counseling theories and techniques
Your graduate program should include coursework in human development, counseling theories, group counseling, assessment, research methods, and professional ethics. Programs accredited by CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) typically meet all educational requirements.
In addition to your master’s degree, you must complete 270 hours of specialized alcohol and drug counseling education if your graduate program didn’t include substantial addiction-specific content. The same domain distribution and approved provider requirements apply as for the CADC credential.
LCADC Experience Requirements
You must complete 4,500 hours of supervised clinical experience in alcohol and drug counseling. This reduced hour requirement (compared to the 6,000 hours for CADC) reflects the advanced clinical preparation provided by your graduate degree.
Your supervision must be provided by an LCADC or other qualified supervisor approved by the DCA-ADCC. At full-time employment, you can accumulate these hours in approximately two years. Your supervisor will document your development across all 12 core functions and verify your readiness for independent practice.
LCADC Examination Requirements
The LCADC examination process mirrors the CADC requirements: both written and oral examinations are required.
You’ll take the IC&RC ADC written examination (same 150-question exam as CADC candidates) and complete an oral examination administered by the DCA-ADCC. The oral examination for LCADC candidates may include more advanced case scenarios and clinical decision-making questions reflecting the independent practice authority the license confers.
LCADC Application Process
Your LCADC application requires:
- Completed application form
- Official graduate transcript showing a master’s degree or higher
- Documentation of 270 hours of alcohol and drug counseling education (if not included in graduate program)
- Supervisor verification of 4,500 hours of supervised experience
- Proof of passing scores on written and oral examinations
- Application fee of $75
Submit your application through the New Jersey MyLicense portal.
Education and Coursework Requirements
New Jersey’s education requirements ensure counselors possess comprehensive knowledge across all aspects of addiction treatment and recovery support. Understanding where and how you can complete these requirements helps you plan an efficient path to certification.
Approved Education Providers
You can complete your 270 hours of required education through several types of approved providers:
- DCA-ADCC Approved Providers – Organizations specifically approved by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs to offer addiction counseling education
- IC&RC Member Board Approved Providers – Education approved by any of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium member boards
- NAADAC Approved Providers – Programs approved by the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors
- Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities – Courses from accredited institutions that cover the required content domains
- APCBNJ Approved Providers – Programs approved by the Advisory Panel of Certification of Behavioral Health Professionals of New Jersey
The Certification Board of New Jersey maintains an updated list of approved education providers on its website. Before enrolling in any program, verify the provider’s approval status to ensure your coursework will count toward certification.
Online and Distance Learning
For initial certification education (the 270 required hours), you must complete courses through live instruction—either in-person or live virtual (synchronous) formats where you interact with an instructor in real-time. Self-paced online (asynchronous) courses are not acceptable for initial certification education as of April 23, 2021.
However, online and distance learning options are available for continuing education after you’re certified. You can complete up to 50% of your renewal continuing education hours through distance learning formats, including webinars, online courses, and virtual conferences.
Transcript Review and Course Equivalencies
If you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, you should request a transcript review from the Advisory Panel of Certification of Behavioral Health Professionals of New Jersey (APCBNJ) before enrolling in additional coursework.
The APCBNJ will evaluate your college courses to determine which may satisfy domain hour requirements. Many graduates find that their degree programs already cover substantial portions of the required content, significantly reducing the additional education needed.
The transcript review costs $75 and typically processes within 2-3 weeks. Even if you need additional coursework after the review, knowing exactly which domains and how many hours you need saves time and money compared to completing all 270 hours without evaluation.
Examination Process
New Jersey’s dual examination requirement—both written and oral exams—ensures counselors demonstrate both knowledge and practical application skills. Understanding what to expect from each examination helps you prepare effectively.
Written Examination Details
The IC&RC ADC examination tests your knowledge across four primary domains:
- Domain I: Clinical Evaluation – Screening, assessment, and diagnosis
- Domain II: Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral – Developing treatment plans, coordinating care, and making referrals
- Domain III: Counseling – Individual, group, and family counseling interventions
- Domain IV: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities – Ethics, documentation, legal issues, and professional development
The exam presents scenario-based questions requiring you to apply knowledge to realistic counseling situations. You’ll need to demonstrate understanding of evidence-based practices, ethical decision-making, and appropriate interventions across diverse client populations.
The IC&RC updated the ADC exam content on March 1, 2023, restructuring from the traditional 12 core functions format to the current four-domain structure. Make sure any study materials you use reflect this updated content outline.
Preparing for the Written Exam
The IC&RC offers several preparation resources:
- Practice Exams – Available through the IC&RC website, these simulate the actual test format and difficulty
- Study Guides – Content outlines and study resources for each domain
- Exam Preparation Workshops – The Certification Board of New Jersey periodically offers exam preparation sessions covering test-taking strategies and content review
Most candidates benefit from 6-8 weeks of focused study time, reviewing their education materials, completing practice questions, and identifying knowledge gaps requiring additional review.
Oral Examination
New Jersey’s oral examination requirement distinguishes it from most other states in the IC&RC consortium. The oral exam assesses competencies that written tests cannot fully capture: your ability to articulate clinical reasoning, respond to unexpected scenarios, and demonstrate ethical judgment in real-time.
The oral exam typically involves:
- Case presentation and analysis
- Questions about your clinical decision-making process
- Ethical dilemma scenarios requiring you to explain your reasoning
- Demonstration of knowledge about New Jersey-specific regulations and resources
The DCA-ADCC schedules oral examinations based on candidate volume and committee availability. After passing your written exam, you’ll receive information about scheduling your oral examination.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
If you hold an addiction counseling credential from another state, you may be eligible for licensure in New Jersey through reciprocity or endorsement. Understanding these pathways can expedite your ability to practice in New Jersey.
IC&RC Reciprocity
New Jersey participates in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which facilitates credential portability among member jurisdictions. However, New Jersey does not accept the IC&RC “ADC” credential through reciprocity because the consortium’s ADC credential requires only a written examination, while New Jersey requires both written and oral exams.
If you hold an IC&RC credential at a higher level (such as the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Clinical Supervisor credential), you may be eligible for reciprocity. Contact the DCA-ADCC to determine whether your specific IC&RC credential qualifies.
The Certification Board of New Jersey provides detailed information about reciprocity applications on its website.
Endorsement from Other States
If you hold a state license or certification from a non-IC&RC state, you may apply for licensure by endorsement. The DCA-ADCC will evaluate your credentials to determine whether they meet New Jersey’s education, experience, and examination requirements.
In most endorsement cases, you’ll need to:
- Provide verification of your current credentials from your home state
- Submit documentation of your education and supervised experience
- Complete New Jersey’s oral examination (even if you passed a written exam elsewhere)
- Complete any additional education requirements if your state’s requirements fall short of New Jersey’s standards
New Jersey Addiction Counselor Salary Data
Understanding compensation expectations helps you make informed career decisions and plan your professional development. Salary data for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Jersey shows strong earning potential, particularly with advanced credentials and experience.
| Location | Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | Median Salary (50th Percentile) | Experienced (90th Percentile) | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey (Statewide) | $38,330 | $58,220 | $85,900 | $60,970 |
| Newark-Union, NJ-PA | $40,230 | $60,210 | $86,930 | $62,440 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $39,590 | $56,710 | $80,320 | $58,900 |
| Camden, NJ | $36,930 | $56,200 | $82,410 | $59,100 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | $34,410 | $51,990 | $75,570 | $53,730 |
| Ocean City, NJ | $37,480 | $54,430 | $81,950 | $57,640 |
Several factors influence earning potential in addiction counseling:
- Credential Level – LCADC holders typically earn 20-30% more than CADC-credentialed counselors due to their ability to practice independently and provide clinical supervision
- Experience – Counselors with 5+ years of experience and specialized training command higher salaries
- Practice Setting – Private practice, hospitals, and specialized treatment centers often pay more than community-based agencies
- Geographic Location – Urban areas and northern New Jersey generally offer higher compensation than rural southern regions
- Additional Credentials – Holding multiple licenses (such as LPC or LCSW in addition to LCADC) increases marketability and earning potential
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Maintaining your CADC or LCADC credential requires ongoing professional development through continuing education. New Jersey’s renewal requirements ensure counselors stay current with evidence-based practices, emerging research, and evolving treatment approaches.
Renewal Cycle and Requirements
Both CADC and LCADC credentials renew on a biennial (two-year) cycle. Your renewal date is based on your initial certification date, and you’ll receive renewal notices from the DCA-ADCC approximately 90 days before expiration.
CADC Renewal Requirements:
- 60 continuing education hours every two years
- Maximum 30 hours through distance learning (online courses, webinars, virtual conferences)
- Minimum 30 hours must be live instruction (in-person or synchronous virtual)
- 6 hours in Legal and Ethical Standards (3 hours during first renewal, 3 hours every renewal thereafter)
- Payment of the renewal fee
LCADC Renewal Requirements:
- 40 continuing education hours every two years
- Maximum 20 hours through distance learning
- Minimum 20 hours must be live instruction
- 6 hours in Legal and Ethical Standards (3 hours during first renewal, 3 hours every renewal thereafter)
- Payment of the renewal fee
Important Note on Legal Standards Course: During your first renewal period after initial certification, the required 6-hour Legal and Ethical Standards course must be completed through live or synchronous (real-time virtual) instruction. For subsequent renewals, the 3-hour Legal and Ethical Standards requirement may include asynchronous (self-paced online) formats.
Approved Continuing Education Providers
Continuing education hours must be obtained from approved providers, including:
- DCA-ADCC-approved continuing education providers
- IC&RC member board-approved providers
- NAADAC-approved providers
- APCBNJ approved providers
- Regionally accredited colleges and universities
The Certification Board of New Jersey maintains an updated list of approved continuing education providers. Verify provider approval before completing coursework to ensure hours count toward renewal.
Distance Learning Limitations
You can complete up to 50% of your required renewal hours through distance learning formats (online courses, webinars, recorded presentations). The remaining hours must involve live instruction where you interact with presenters and other participants in real-time, either in-person or through synchronous virtual platforms.
This balance ensures you maintain both current knowledge through flexible online learning and interactive skills development through live training experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between CADC and LCADC in New Jersey?
Can I complete my 270 hours of education online?
Does New Jersey accept counseling credentials from other states?
How long does it take to schedule the written exam after applying?
How much does it cost to become a CADC in New Jersey?
Can courses count toward multiple domains in the 270-hour requirement?
Do I need a college degree to become a CADC?
How long does the credentialing process take from start to finish?
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey offers two credential levels: CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), requiring 270 hours of education and 6,000 supervised hours, and LCADC (Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor), requiring a master’s degree plus 4,500 supervised hours.
- Both credentials require passing written and oral examinations—New Jersey’s dual examination requirement distinguishes it from most other states that require only written exams.
- The 270 hours of required education must be distributed across five distinct domains, with 54 hours each, and courses cannot count toward multiple domains. As of April 2021, initial education must be completed through live instruction (in-person or synchronous virtual), not self-paced online formats.
- If you hold a bachelor’s degree, request a transcript review from APCBNJ ($75) before enrolling in additional coursework—this can significantly reduce the education hours you need to complete.
- CADC credentials require 60 continuing education hours every two years for renewal (maximum 30 hours distance learning), while LCADC requires 40 hours (maximum 20 hours distance learning).
- New Jersey addiction counselors earn competitive salaries, with statewide median wages around $58,220, and experienced counselors earn $85,900 or more. LCADC holders typically earn 20-30% more than CADC-credentialed counselors.
- New Jersey does not accept the basic IC&RC ADC credential through reciprocity because it requires only a written exam, but counselors from other states can apply for licensure by endorsement after meeting New Jersey’s specific requirements, including the oral examination.
- The written examination costs $216.30 and can be scheduled within 1-2 days of registration at Prometric testing centers throughout New Jersey, with the 150-question computer-based test taking three hours to complete.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in New Jersey?
Find approved education programs and begin your path toward CADC or LCADC certification. Start making a difference in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder.
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.