Oregon Addiction Counselor Requirements | CADC Certification
Oregon offers three levels of addiction counselor certification: CADC I (150 education hours, 1,000 supervised hours, no degree required), CADC II (bachelor’s degree, 300 hours, 4,000 supervised hours), and CADC III (master’s degree, 300 hours, 6,000 supervised hours). All levels require passing national certification exams; CADC II and III also require Oregon’s jurisprudence ethics exam.
If you’re considering a career helping people overcome substance use disorders in Oregon, you’re entering a field where your work saves lives every single day. The path to becoming a certified addiction counselor here is clear, structured, and more accessible than in many states.
Oregon credentials substance abuse counselors through the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), a member organization of NAADAC. The state offers three certification levels, allowing you to start at an entry point that matches your current education and build your credentials as your career progresses.
Whether you’re just starting out or already hold a graduate degree, there’s a certification pathway designed for where you are right now.
Oregon CADC Certification Overview
Oregon structures its addiction counseling credentials into three distinct levels, each building on the previous one. This tiered approach lets you enter the field without a college degree and advance your certification as you gain education and experience.
Understanding how addiction counselor certification works nationwide provides helpful context for Oregon’s system, which aligns with national standards while maintaining state-specific requirements.
The three levels are:
- CADC I – Associate proficiency credential requiring 150 education hours
- CADC II – Baccalaureate proficiency credential requiring a bachelor’s degree and 300 education hours
- CADC III – Graduate proficiency credential requiring a master’s degree and 300 education hours
Each level requires supervised clinical experience ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 hours and national certification exams. CADC II and III candidates also complete Oregon’s written jurisprudence ethics examination. The good news is that you can work in the field while accumulating your supervised hours, making this a practical career path even if you’re supporting yourself or a family.
| Certification Level | Degree Required | Education Hours | Supervised Hours | National Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADC I | None | 150 | 1,000 | IC&RC ADC |
| CADC II | Bachelor’s | 300 | 4,000 | NAADAC NCAC II |
| CADC III | Master’s | 300 | 6,000 | NAADAC MAC |
CADC I Requirements (Entry-Level)
The CADC I certification is your entry point into addiction counseling in Oregon. You don’t need a college degree, making this an accessible starting point if you’re passionate about the work and ready to learn. Many counselors begin here while pursuing associate degree programs in addiction counseling, allowing them to work in the field and gain real experience while continuing their education.
To earn your CADC I certification, you’ll complete 150 hours of specialized education covering:
- Basic counseling skills – Foundational techniques for working with clients
- Group counseling – Facilitating therapeutic group sessions
- Pharmacology related to substance use disorders – Understanding how drugs affect the body and brain
- Infectious diseases – Health risks associated with substance use
- Counseling ethics – Professional standards and boundaries
- Clinical evaluation – Assessment skills based on ASAM standards
You’ll also accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience under a qualified supervisor. These hours must be documented through MHACBO’s Supervised Experience form, which your supervisor will verify as you progress.
The final requirement is passing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. This computer-based examination tests your knowledge across all the core competencies you’ve studied. Once you pass this exam, you’ll receive your CADC I certification without needing to take any additional Oregon-specific exams.
CADC II Requirements (Bachelor’s Level)
CADC II certification represents the professional standard for many addiction counseling positions in Oregon. At this level, you’ll work with greater independence and take on more complex cases. Most treatment facilities and programs prefer or require CADC II certification for their counseling staff.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in any field, though bachelor’s degrees in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or human services provide the strongest foundation. Oregon does accept equivalent education through a combination of degree coursework, academic courses, and specialized training if you don’t hold a traditional BA or BS.
Your education requirements double to 300 hours of specialized training covering everything from CADC I plus additional topics:
- HIV/AIDS risk assessment and reduction – Critical health education for high-risk populations
- Counseling diverse populations – Cultural competency and inclusive practice
- Co-existing disorders and dual diagnosis – Working with clients who have multiple diagnoses
The supervised experience requirement increases significantly to 4,000 hours under a Board-approved supervisor. This typically takes two to three years to complete if you’re working full-time in an addiction treatment setting. Your supervisor must document your progress using the same Supervised Experience form required for all levels.
CADC II candidates take the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam instead of the IC&RC exam required for CADC I. You’ll also complete Oregon’s written jurisprudence ethics exam, which tests your knowledge of Oregon-specific laws and ethical standards governing addiction counseling practice.
CADC III Requirements (Master’s Level)
CADC III certification is Oregon’s highest level of addiction counseling credential. At this level, you’re qualified for clinical leadership roles, supervision of other counselors, and independent practice. Many CADC III counselors run their own practices or serve as clinical directors in treatment programs.
You’ll need a master’s degree in substance use disorders, addiction counseling, or a related counseling field, such as clinical mental health counseling, social work, or psychology. Your graduate program should include substantial coursework in addiction theory and treatment.
The education requirements match CADC II at 300 hours, covering all the same topics plus one additional requirement:
- Theories of addiction treatment – Advanced understanding of different therapeutic approaches and their evidence base
Supervised experience requirements reach 6,000 hours at this level, typically requiring three to four years of full-time work in addiction treatment settings. The extended supervision period ensures you’re developing the clinical judgment and expertise needed for independent practice and supervisory roles. Your supervisor must be Board-approved and will document your hours using MHACBO’s standard Supervised Experience form.
CADC III candidates take the NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam, the most advanced national certification available. You’ll also complete Oregon’s written jurisprudence ethics exam covering state-specific laws and regulations.
Application Process
Oregon’s certification process involves several steps that you’ll complete in sequence. Understanding this timeline helps you plan your path from the beginning.
Step 1: Register as a CADC Candidate
Before you begin accumulating supervised hours, you must complete the CADC-Registration (CADC-R) application through Certemy. This registers you as an official CADC candidate on the MHACBO Registry and allows you to start counting your supervised experience hours. You’ll receive your CADC testing application at this time, though you won’t submit it until you’ve completed all your education and experience requirements.
Step 2: Complete Education and Supervised Hours
Work through your education requirements and supervised hours simultaneously. Most counselors find employment at treatment facilities that provide the supervision needed while you’re completing your training. Your supervisor will need to sign off on your experience hours regularly using the Board’s official forms.
Step 3: Submit Testing Application
When you’ve finished all education and experience requirements, submit your CADC testing application to MHACBO. The Board will review your application and, once approved, authorize you to register for your national certification exam through the appropriate testing organization (IC&RC for CADC I, NAADAC for CADC II and III).
Step 4: Take the National Certification Exam
Schedule and pass your national certification exam. For CADC I candidates, you’ll receive your full certification immediately upon passing the IC&RC ADC exam. For CADC II and III candidates, passing your national exam earns you CADC I certification first. You’ll then receive instructions to take Oregon’s jurisprudence ethics exam.
Step 5: Complete Oregon Ethics Exam (CADC II and III only)
CADC II and III candidates must pass Oregon’s written jurisprudence ethics exam as a final step. Once you pass this exam, you’ll receive your complete CADC II or CADC III certification. The exam covers Oregon-specific laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern addiction counseling practice in the state.
Timeline and Cost Considerations
Understanding the time and financial investment required for each certification level helps you plan realistically. These timelines assume you’re working full-time in an addiction treatment setting while accumulating your supervised hours.
CADC I Timeline: 1-2 Years
If you’re starting without a degree and working full-time, expect 12 to 24 months to complete your CADC I. The 150 education hours can typically be completed in 3-6 months through workshops, online courses, or community college certificate programs. The 1,000 supervised hours take roughly 6-12 months if you’re working full-time in a treatment setting.
CADC II Timeline: 5-7 Years Total
Starting from high school graduation, you’re looking at four years for your bachelor’s degree, plus an additional 1-3 years for supervised hours and specialized training. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you can complete the CADC II certification in 2-3 years by focusing on the 300 education hours and 4,000 supervised hours. The 4,000 supervised hours typically require two years of full-time work in addiction counseling.
CADC III Timeline: 8-10 Years Total
This is a career-long journey that starts in high school. You’ll need roughly six years of higher education (bachelor’s plus master’s) followed by 3-4 years of supervised experience. Most CADC III candidates already hold CADC II certification and work toward the advanced credential while employed as professional counselors. If you already have a master’s degree in a related field, you can complete CADC III in 3-4 years.
Cost Considerations
Education costs vary widely depending on where you complete your training. Community college certificate programs for CADC I education requirements typically cost $1,500-$3,000. Bachelor’s degree costs range from $30,000-$100,000 depending on whether you attend public or private institutions. Most master’s programs run $20,000-$60,000.
Exam fees are relatively modest: IC&RC ADC exam costs approximately $250, while NAADAC exams run $195-$225. Oregon’s jurisprudence ethics exam adds another small fee. Application and renewal fees through MHACBO are additional expenses to budget for throughout your career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to become an addiction counselor in Oregon?
Can I transfer my addiction counselor certification from another state to Oregon?
How long does it take to complete the supervised experience hours?
Can I work as an addiction counselor while completing my certification requirements?
What’s the salary range for addiction counselors in Oregon?
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Oregon CADC certification?
What’s the difference between CADC and LMHC certifications in Oregon?
Can CADC I counselors work independently, or do they need supervision?
Key Takeaways
- Oregon offers three CADC certification levels, with CADC I requiring no college degree and serving as an accessible entry point into addiction counseling.
- All three levels require specialized education (150-300 hours), supervised clinical experience (1,000-6,000 hours), and passing national certification exams.
- CADC I candidates receive full certification after passing the IC&RC exam, while CADC II and III candidates must also pass Oregon’s jurisprudence ethics exam.
- You can work in treatment facilities as a CADC candidate while accumulating supervised hours, making this a practical career path even without prior savings.
- CADC II (bachelor’s level) is the professional standard for most counseling positions, while CADC III (master’s level) qualifies you for clinical leadership and independent practice.
- Timeline from entry to CADC III typically spans 8-10 years, including education when starting from high school, but those with existing degrees can complete certification much faster.
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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 January 2026.