Certification as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor is based on internationally adopted professional standards established by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The Tennessee Certification Board offers two pathways to ADC credentialing in Tennessee - CADC I or CADC II. The pathway you choose depends on your level of education, and has different requirements for experience and supervision hours.
Full requirements for the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor can be found in the CADC Manual. All applicants are required to read the CADC manual and become familiar with all requirements and policies related to certification before applying.
Download the CADC Manual (PDF)
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.
For individuals who are currently licensed by the State of TN as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC), we are offering a different pathway to earning the CADC. Recognizing licensure requirements align with certification requirements, you will be asked to submit proof of licensure in active and good standing. The application fee will be $75. Everyone will be required to pass the IC&RC ADC exam in order to become certified.
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 CADC manual before applying and only apply for the CADC 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:
CADC I
CADC II (requires a bachelor's degree in a behavioral health-related field)
If you are still unsure which application is for you, contact stacey@tncertification.org.
Unsure how to navigate the Certemy online application process?
Click here for more information, and a step-by step guide.
This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
No person, on the basis of race, color, or national origin will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any TCB program.