Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Puerto Rico

Written by Marcus Delgado, Last Updated: January 6, 2026

Puerto Rico offers addiction counselor certification through two organizations: JCPAA (four levels from Associate to Counselor III) and IRBO (CADC and CAADC through IC&RC). Requirements range from a high school diploma with 39 training hours at the entry level to a master’s degree with thousands of supervised hours for advanced certification.

Puerto Rico’s addiction treatment landscape has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While financial constraints and limited resources once hindered efforts to help those struggling with addiction, an increasing number of community-based initiatives, harm reduction strategies, and federal grants have expanded access to care across the island.

At the heart of these efforts are Puerto Rico’s substance abuse counselors—dedicated professionals who provide evidence-based treatment and support. Whether you’re drawn to this field by personal experience or a passion for helping others, becoming certified in Puerto Rico opens doors to a meaningful career addressing one of the territory’s most pressing public health challenges.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the two certification pathways available, the requirements for each credential level, and how to choose the right path for your career goals.

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Understanding Your Certification Options

Puerto Rico recognizes two certification organizations for addiction counselors, each offering distinct pathways and benefits:

The Puerto Rico Certification Board for Addiction and Alcoholism Professionals (JCPAA) provides four progressive levels of certification designed for counselors at different stages of their careers. This path works well if you’re starting with a high school diploma or want to advance step-by-step as you gain experience.

The International Reciprocity Board of Therapeutic Professional Counselors (IRBO) offers two credentials through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). This path is ideal if you want credentials that transfer to other states or if you already hold a master’s degree in a behavioral health field.

Puerto Rico’s Department of Health recognizes both organizations, and both prepare you to provide addiction counseling services. The key difference lies in credential portability, education requirements, and career flexibility.

JCPAA Certification Pathways

The Puerto Rico Certification Board for Addiction and Alcoholism Professionals (JCPAA) offers four levels of certification that reflect your education and experience in the field:

Associate Addiction Counselor (CAA)

The CAA is your entry point into addiction counseling if you’re starting. Requirements include:

High school diploma or equivalent
39 hours of addiction continuing education (JCPAA core course)

This credential allows you to work in addiction treatment settings under supervision while you build experience and pursue additional education.

Addiction Counselor I (CAC I)

The CAC I builds on the CAA with added experience requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent
39 hours of addiction continuing education (JCPAA core course)
At least 6 months of full-time experience in counseling or human behavior within the past 5 years

This level recognizes your growing expertise and opens opportunities for more independent practice under supervision.

Addiction Counselor II (CAC II)

The CAC II marks your transition to professional-level practice. You’ll need one of the following:

Associate degree route: Associate degree plus two years (4,000 hours) of supervised work experience, OR
Bachelor’s or master’s route: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in human behavioral sciences plus one year (2,000 hours) of supervised work experience

All experience must be completed within the past 7 years. This credential demonstrates substantial clinical competence and positions you for leadership roles in treatment settings.

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Addiction Counselor III (CAC III)

The CAC III represents the highest level of JCPAA certification and requires significant education and experience. You must have one of the following (earned within the last 10 years):

Associate degree route: Associate degree plus 6,000 hours of supervised work experience
Bachelor’s route: Bachelor’s degree in human behavioral science plus 5,000 hours of supervised work experience
Graduate degree route: Master’s or doctoral degree in human behavioral sciences, plus 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in addiction counseling

You must also complete 270 hours of continuing education in addiction counseling. The CAC III qualifies you for advanced clinical roles, program supervision, and independent practice.

The JCPAA Application Process

Getting started with JCPAA certification is straightforward:

Request an application handbook by calling 787-918-3039 or emailing [email protected]
Complete the required education and experience for your chosen credential level
Submit your completed application with supporting documentation
Pay the application fee (contact JCPAA for the current fee schedule)
Await review and approval from the certification board

Processing times vary, so it’s a good idea to reach out to JCPAA early in your planning process.

IRBO Certification Pathways

The International Reciprocity Board of Therapeutic Professional Counselors (IRBO) offers two IC&RC credentials that provide national portability:

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

The CADC credential prepares you for professional addiction counseling practice. Requirements include:

300 hours of education, with 180 hours specific to substance use disorders (SUD) and 120 hours related to the ADC Domains
300 hours of supervised work experience
6,000 hours of clinical counseling experience with SUD clients
Passing score on the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam

The CADC is recognized across IC&RC member boards, making it valuable if you plan to practice in multiple states or relocate in the future.

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

The CAADC is the advanced-level IC&RC credential for master’s-prepared counselors. Requirements include:

Master’s degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatric nursing, addiction science, or marriage and family therapy with clinical application
180 hours of education specific to substance use disorders
2,000 hours of post-graduate clinical counseling experience
100 hours of post-graduate supervision providing SUD services
Passing score on the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam

The CAADC positions you for independent clinical practice, supervision of other counselors, and advanced treatment roles.

The IRBO Application Process

Follow these steps to pursue IRBO certification:

Download and complete the appropriate application:
- CADC Application
- CAADC Application
Submit your completed application with required documentation and fees
Await approval from the IRBO board
Upon approval, receive information about scheduling your IC&RC exam
Pass the appropriate IC&RC examination
Receive your certificate in the mail

For more information about the CADC and CAADC exams (see bottom of page), or contact IRBO at 787-636-5443 or [email protected].

JCPAA vs IRBO: Choosing Your Path

Both certification pathways prepare you for meaningful work as an addiction counselor, but they serve different career goals and situations. Here’s how they compare:

Factor	JCPAA	IRBO
Entry Requirements	High school diploma (CAA level)	Varies by credential (300+ education hours for CADC)
Credential Levels	Four progressive levels (CAA, CAC I, II, III)	Two levels (CADC, CAADC)
Portability	Puerto Rico only	Recognized across IC&RC member states
Exam Requirement	No exam for entry levels	IC&RC exam required for all credentials
Best For	Progressive career growth in Puerto Rico, starting without a college degree	National career mobility: master’s-prepared professionals

Choose JCPAA if you:

Plan to build your career primarily in Puerto Rico
Want to start with a high school diploma and advance gradually
Prefer a step-by-step credentialing pathway
I am currently working in addiction treatment and gaining supervised experience

Choose IRBO if you:

Want credentials recognized across multiple states
Hold or are pursuing a master’s degree in a behavioral health field
May relocate to the mainland US in the future
Value the reciprocity and portability of IC&RC credentials

It’s worth noting that some counselors pursue both certifications to maximize their career flexibility and demonstrate competence across multiple credentialing systems.

Salary Expectations in Puerto Rico

Understanding the financial realities of addiction counseling helps you plan your education investment and career path. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Puerto Rico earn competitive salaries relative to the local cost of living.

Percentile	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
10th Percentile	$22,730	$10.93
25th Percentile	$26,680	$12.83
Median (50th)	$32,600	$15.67
75th Percentile	$40,230	$19.34
90th Percentile	$51,720	$24.87

Entry-level counselors with CAA or CAC I credentials typically start near the lower end of this range. In contrast, experienced counselors with CAC III or CAADC credentials and several years of practice often reach the higher percentiles. Independent practitioners and those in supervisory roles may exceed these figures.

Salary potential increases with education level, years of experience, credential level, and practice setting. Counselors in private practice, specialized treatment programs, or leadership positions generally earn more than those in entry-level community health roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which certification should I choose—JCPAA or IRBO?

If you plan to work primarily in Puerto Rico and want a progressive credentialing pathway that starts with a high school diploma, JCPAA is an excellent choice. If you hold or are pursuing a master’s degree and want credentials that transfer to other states, IRBO’s IC&RC pathway offers national portability. Some counselors pursue both to maximize flexibility.

Can I practice as an addiction counselor while pursuing certification?

Yes. Entry-level credentials like the CAA allow you to work in addiction treatment settings under supervision while you accumulate the experience hours needed for higher-level certification. This lets you earn income and gain practical skills while advancing your credentials.

How long does it take to become certified in Puerto Rico?

Timeline varies by credential level. The CAA can be completed in a few months with the 39-hour core course. Higher credentials like CAC II or CADC require years of supervised experience—typically 1-2 years for bachelor’s holders, longer if you’re starting with an associate degree or working part-time while gaining hours.

Will my Puerto Rico certification work in other states?

JCPAA credentials are specific to Puerto Rico. However, IRBO credentials (CADC and CAADC) are issued through IC&RC and are recognized by member boards across the United States. If you think you might relocate or want national portability, the IRBO pathway offers that flexibility through reciprocity agreements.

Do I need to speak Spanish to work as an addiction counselor in Puerto Rico?

While certification requirements don’t explicitly mandate Spanish fluency, practical reality makes bilingual skills highly valuable. Most clients in Puerto Rico are Spanish speakers, and effective counseling requires clear communication and cultural understanding. If you’re not fluent, consider taking Spanish courses alongside your addiction counseling education.

How much do the certifications cost?

Certification costs vary by level and organization. JCPAA charges application fees and course fees for the 39-hour core curriculum. IRBO charges application fees and IC&RC exam fees (typically $200- $400 per exam). Contact each organization directly for current fee schedules, as costs change periodically.

What’s the job outlook for addiction counselors in Puerto Rico?

Demand for addiction counselors in Puerto Rico is growing as community-based treatment programs expand and federal funding increases access to care. The opioid crisis and substance use challenges across the island create a consistent need for qualified counselors. Career opportunities exist in community health centers, private treatment facilities, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations.

Can I upgrade from JCPAA certification to IRBO certification later?

Yes. Your education and supervised experience hours earned while pursuing JCPAA certification can often count toward IRBO requirements. If you later decide you want IC&RC portability, you can apply for IRBO certification by meeting their specific requirements and passing the IC&RC exam. Many counselors start with JCPAA and add IRBO certification as their careers evolve.

Key Takeaways

Puerto Rico offers two certification pathways: JCPAA (four progressive levels) and IRBO (two IC&RC credentials with national portability).
Entry-level credentials require only a high school diploma and 39 hours of training, making addiction counseling accessible to career changers.
Advanced credentials require a bachelor’s or master’s degree plus thousands of supervised clinical hours—plan for 2-6 years, depending on your starting education level.
JCPAA credentials work well if you’re building a career in Puerto Rico, while IRBO credentials through IC&RC provide reciprocity with other states.
The median salary for addiction counselors in Puerto Rico is $32,600 annually, with experienced counselors in advanced roles earning $ 40,000–$51,000+.
You can work in supervised roles while accumulating experience hours for higher credentials, allowing you to earn while you advance.
Spanish language skills aren’t required for certification, but are highly valuable for effective client communication in Puerto Rico.
Contact JCPAA at 787-918-3039 or IRBO at 787-636-5443 to request application materials and start your certification journey.

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