How to Get a Certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling
Certified alcohol and drug counselors work with alcoholics and drug addicts. They work in both voluntary settings, such as a rehabilitation center where the alcoholic or addict has agreed to go, or involuntary settings such as a correctional facility, usually meaning the addict has committed a felony in connection with his substance abuse.
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Instructions
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Obtain a high school diploma or GED and then get work experience toward certification as an alcohol and drug counselor. All states allow you to take the CADC examination after two years of paid alcohol- and drug-related work experience under supervision.
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Ask your supervisor if he's a certified supervisor or master of alcohol and drug abuse counselors. You want a supervisor whose credentials help you get your own certification in alcohol and drug counseling.
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Apply your high school diploma or GED, plus your work experience, toward certification by getting 150 hours of direct supervision working with clients. Do intakes, assessments and evaluations, but allow half your time for direct care.
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Those with a high school degree only should take 225 hours of college coursework in alcohol and drug addiction to meet the educational requirements. Your 150 hours of paid supervision while on the job won't count toward the 225 hours of college coursework. Talk to an enrollment counselor to find out exactly which classes to take.
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You can opt to attend college to get an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree in alcohol and drug addiction studies. While in school, apply for an internship at a hospital or drug rehab facility. An internship gives you direct experience working with substance abusers.
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After you've completed all prerequisites, study for the examination, peruse your school books and purchase exam study material. Allow yourself enough time to study.
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Download or send for an application. Complete it and send it back in with your application fee, which is typically $50 but can go as low as $25 in Hawaii or as high as $75 in Illinois. After you send in your application and fee, your CADC board will check and verify all the information.
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When you receive approval to take the exam, register and take it as soon as possible.
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