Substance Abuse Counseling Certification in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has two main levels of certification for those who hold degrees. The two levels are known as the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and the Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Each level has its own requirements that must be met by prospective Substance Abuse Counselors.

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Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Requirements

• You are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science with a clinical application. It is recommended that your degree be in Addiction Counseling.
• You are required to have logged 4,000 hours over two years in professional supervised employment in an AODA setting with at least 51% of these hours in direct client contact.
• If you have a non-Human Services Bachelor’s degree you will need to have 6,000 hours instead.
• You must have accrued 300 hours of direct supervision during your work experience.
• You need to have 300 hours of Addiction Counseling related education.
• With a minimum of 100 hours in alcohol and other drug abuse courses.
• You must have 6 hours in professional ethics and responsibilities.
• You must also have 6 hours in classes related to communicable diseases.
• You must sign the Code of Ethics.
• You must pass the PCB written examination.
• You can find the application for the CADC here.

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) Requirements

• You are required to have a minimum of a Master’s degree in a behavioral science with a clinical application. It is recommended that your degree be in Addiction Counseling.
• You are required to have logged 2,000 hours of professional supervised employment in an AODA setting with at least 51% of these hours in direct client contact.
• You must have accrued 300 hours of direct supervision during your work experience.
• You need to have 180 hours of alcohol and other drug abuse courses.
• You must have 6 hours in professional ethics and responsibilities.
• You must also have 6 hours in classes related to communicable diseases.
• You must sign the PCB Code of Ethics.
• You must pass the PCB Master’s level examination.
• You can find the application for the LADC title here.