CERTIFICATION
About
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)
Please read all information prior to initiating application.
Thank you for your interest in the CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) credential offered by TCB, a member board of IC&RC.
Currently, TCB is not accepting applications for this credential from anyone who does not already hold a current LADAC II (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II) credential in Tennessee or an IC&RC CAADC eligible for reciprocity through a member board in a state or country outside of Tennessee.
For Current IC&RC CAADCs:
If you hold a current IC&RC CAADC credential eligible for reciprocity through another member board, please contact that board to initiate a reciprocity application.
For Current LADAC II:
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 AADC exam in order to become certified. If you hold a current LADAC II, please initiate the application through a link at the bottom of this page.
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.
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 link below). To begin a Certemy application you will:
- Select the appropriate self-enrollment link for the application 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 steps after the application is complete and notify you if any follow up action is required.
- Once all steps are verified, including a passing score on the IC&RC exam, you will be notified of your certification status.
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.
Download the CAADC Manual (PDF)
- For the CAADC: A minimum of a master’s degree in a behavioral health related field with a clinical component/application is required. *If your master's degree is not in a related field, you must apply for the appropriate CADC level.
Self-Enrollment Link
CAADC (requires a master's degree in a behavioral health-related field with clinical component)
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.