Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

Certification as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor is based on internationally adopted professional standards established by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). It's important to be familiar with all requirements for each before starting an application.

• For the CAADC: A minimum master’s degree* is required in a behavioral health related field with a clinical component/application. *Note: If your master's degree is not in a related field, you must apply for the appropriate CADC level.

Full requirements about the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor can be found in the CAADC Manual. All applicants are required to read the CAADC manual and become familiar with all requirements and policies related to certification before applying.

Download the CAADC Manual (PDF)

Certification vs. Licensure

The Tennessee Certification Board (TCB) offers a certification for alcohol and drug counselors. This certification is through IC&RC. Tennessee is also a licensure state for alcohol and drug counselors. Licensure is written into state statutes and is administered by the LADAC board under the State Department of Health. While the IC&RC certification is not required to practice, many people obtain the IC&RC certification in addition to state licensure given IC&RC's international recognition and reciprocity. More information about the state licensure board can be found here.

Certification for LADACs

For individuals who are currently licensed by the State of TN as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), we offer a different pathway to earning the CAADC. Recognizing licensure requirements align with certification requirements, you will be asked to submit proof of licensure in active and good standing AND required formal education of a qualifying master's degree in a behavioral health  field with a clinical component. The application fee will be $75. Everyone will be required to pass the IC&RC AADC exam in order to become certified.

Ready to Apply?

All applications are completed online through our Certemy online application system. To get started, applicants self-enroll into an application to create an account (see links below). Please read all requirements in the CAADC manual before applying and only apply for the CAADC level application you intend to complete. Starting the wrong application and changing your mind will require you to complete a new application. To begin a Certemy application you will:

• Select the appropriate self-enrollment application link that you intend to complete
• You will receive an email from Certemy to create a Certemy account (if you don't already have one). Check your junk/spam folders if you do not receive this email.
• Once in Certemy, click "Proceed in Certemy" to begin your application
• Complete application steps
• TCB will review all steps. Once all steps are completed, including a passing score on the IC&RC exam, you will be notified of your certification status.

Self Enrollment Links

CAADC (requires a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field with clinical component)

• Click for CAADC Application for Current Licensed LADACS in TN
  

To begin an application, please contact Chad Johnson at the Tennessee Certification Board stacey@tncertification.org to determine which application is right for you.

Unsure how to navigate the Certemy online application process? Click here for more information, and a step-by step guide.