Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor Requirements in Oregon
Every opioid-related overdose death in Oregon is a stark reminder that the drug epidemic doesn’t discriminate. But behind these devastating accounts of drug addiction lie stories of hope and recovery. Drug and alcohol counselors are a vital part of the ongoing, unrelenting state, local, and private efforts to reach those with substance abuse disorders and help them find their way to recovery and a new life.
The Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon, a member of the Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), credentials substance abuse counselors in the state as Certified Alcohol Drug Counselors:
- CADC I: Associate proficiency credential
- CADC II: Baccalaureate proficiency credential
- CADC III: Graduate proficiency credential
Select an Oregon Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor Topic Below…
- Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC I) Requirements
- Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC II) Requirements
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III Requirements
- Application Process
- Additional Information
Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC I) Requirements
To become a CADC I, you must:
- Complete 150 hours of education in:
- Basic counseling skills
- Group counseling
- Pharmacology related to SUD
- Infectious diseases
- Counseling ethics
- Clinical evaluation (related to ASAM standards)
- Complete 1,000 supervised hours under the supervision of a qualified clinical supervisor (hours must be submitted and maintained through the Supervised Experience form)
- Take and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC II) Requirements
To become a CADC II, you must:
- Earn a BA/BS (or the equivalent through a combination of a degree, academic courses and specialized training)
- Complete 300 hours of education in:
- Basic counseling skills
- Group counseling
- Pharmacology related to SUD
- HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction
- Counseling ethics
- Counseling diverse populations
- Clinical evaluation (related to ASAM standards)
- Co-existing disorders/multiple diagnosis/dual diagnosis
- Complete 4,000 hours of experience under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor (hours must be submitted and maintained through the Supervised Experience form)
- Take and pass the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam
- Take and pass the written jurisprudence ethics exam
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor III Requirements
To become a CADC III, you must:
- Earn a master’s degree or higher in substance use disorders/addiction or in a related counseling field like social work, mental health counseling, psychology, etc.
- Complete 300 hours of education in:
- Basic counseling skills
- Group counseling
- Pharmacology related to SUD
- HIV/AIDS risk assessment and risk reduction
- Counseling ethics
- Counseling diverse populations
- Clinical evaluation (related to ASAM standards)
- Co-existing disorders/multiple diagnosis/dual diagnosis
- Theories of addiction (Tx)
- Complete 6,000 hours of supervised experience under a Board-approved supervisor (hours must be submitted and maintained through the Supervised Experience form)
- Take and pass the NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam
- Take and pass the written jurisprudence ethics exam
The Application Process
Applying for certification as a drug and alcohol counselor in Oregon is a multi-step process:
- Complete the CADC-Registration (CADC-R) application through Certemy before you begin your supervised experience. Once you’re registered, you’ll be considered a CADC candidate on the MHACBO Registry. You’ll also receive your CADC testing application at this time.
- Upon completion of all education and experience requirements, you must submit your CADC testing application and receive approval from the Board to register for the appropriate exam.
- If you are applying for the CADC I, you’ll receive your certification upon passing the ADC exam. If you are applying for the CADC II or CADC III, you’ll earn CADC I certification after passing the appropriate exam. You’ll also receive instructions for taking the ethics exam. Upon passing the ethics exam, you’ll earn your full CADC II or CADC III certification.
Additional Information
The Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon can be reached at 503-231-8164 or [email protected].