If you are just starting addiction counseling, you are likely focused on completing your educational requirements. While earning your initial addiction counselor credential is crucial, it’s also wise to understand the process of renewing your credential, which includes several steps.
In this guide, we will focus solely on renewing your counseling credentials.
Professional development or continuing education for drug counselors is an ongoing process aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and competencies in the field of addiction treatment. This is crucial for staying updated with the latest research, treatment modalities, and ethical guidelines.
Here's a breakdown:
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): These are courses or workshops that offer credits. They can be in-person or online and are often required for license renewal.
Certification Updates: With changes in treatment protocols or new discoveries, certifications may need to be updated or renewed. For example, in new York State counselors need to take 60 clock hours of continuing education for recertification.
Specialized Training: Counselors can opt for training in specific areas like harm reduction, dual diagnosis, or adolescent treatment.
Ethics and Confidentiality: Courses in ethics are often mandatory. In new York State, all applicants need to complete 6 hours of Ethics and 3 hours of MAT training as part of their continuing education.
Peer Reviews and Supervision: Regular sessions with a supervisor or peer reviews can provide valuable insights into one's practice.
Conferences and Seminars: These events offer networking opportunities and expose counselors to the latest trends and research in the field.
Publications and Research: Keeping up-to-date with scientific literature can provide new perspectives and treatment approaches.
Technology Adaptation: With telehealth and digital tools becoming more prevalent, staying tech-savvy is beneficial.
Reciprocity: Some states and organizations have reciprocity agreements for continuing education, making it easier to practice in different jurisdictions.
By engaging in these activities, drug counselors not only improve their own skills but also contribute to elevating the standard of care in the addiction treatment field.
Addiction counselor renewal is the process by which certified or licensed addiction counselors update their credentials to continue practicing legally.
This process varies by state and often involves the following steps:
1. Renewal Fee: Payment of a fee is usually required. The amount can vary by state and membership status.
2. Continuing Education Units (CEUs): Counselors must complete several CEUs to demonstrate ongoing learning and competency.
3. Ethical Standards: Some states require a signed copy of ethical standards or a declaration of no ethical or malpractice violations.
4. Deadline: Renewal applications must be submitted by a specific deadline to avoid lapses in certification.
5. Reciprocity: If you're moving states, you might be eligible for licensure by reciprocity, but this is optional and usually requires an application process.
6. Multi-State Licensure: You can be licensed in multiple states but must keep up with each renewal requirement.
7. State-Specific Requirements: Each state has its own set of rules. For example, you must complete the renewal in Georgia within 3 years.
8. Examinations: Some states may require you to pass an exam as part of the renewal process.
9. Online Renewal: Many states offer online renewal options for convenience.
Remember, failing to renew your certification or license can result in legal consequences and halt your practice.
Renewing drug counselor credentials is crucial for several reasons:
1. Standardization of Quality: Renewal processes ensure that counselors meet the updated standards and competencies in addiction prevention, intervention, and treatment[3].
2. Public Trust: Regular renewal builds trust among clients and healthcare providers, confirming that the counselor is qualified and up-to-date in their field.
3. Legal Requirement: Failing to renew credentials can result in legal consequences and the inability to practice, affecting both the counselor and those needing treatment.
4. Addressing Workforce Shortages: The U.S. is experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment shortage. Renewal ensures that qualified professionals are available to address this gap].
5. Evolving Best Practices: The field is transitioning from an "apprenticeship model" to a more balanced education and practice-based approach. Renewal ensures counselors are aligned with these evolving standards.
6. Continued Education: Renewal often requires Continuing Education Units (CEUs), ensuring that counselors are current with the latest research and methodologies.
7. Career Advancement: Updated credentials can open doors for career growth, including higher-paying positions and broader scopes of practice.
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Before we jump into each states recertification requirements I’d lke to discuss reciprocity.
Reciprocity is the mutual recognition of professional credentials between states or organizations. It allows professionals like addiction counselors to practice in different jurisdictions without having to go through the entire credentialing process anew. In the context of addiction counseling, reciprocity can be particularly beneficial for those who move between states or want to practice in multiple locations.
Initial Assessment: New York State will evaluate your existing credentials to see if they meet the state's standards. This usually involves submitting proof of your education, training, and any certifications or licenses you hold.
Gap Analysis: If there are any discrepancies between your existing credentials and New York State's requirements, you may need to complete additional training or exams.
Fees and Documentation: Expect to pay a fee for the reciprocity process. You'll also need to submit all relevant documentation, such as proof of work experience and any continuing education credits.
State Exam: Some states, including NYS, may require you to pass a state-specific exam, even if you're already certified elsewhere.
Approval and Licensing: Once all requirements are met, you'll receive your New York State addiction counselor credentials, allowing you to practice legally within the state.
Continuing Education: Keep in mind that you'll still need to meet NYS's continuing education requirements to maintain your credentials.
By understanding and utilizing reciprocity, you can significantly streamline the process of becoming credentialed in New York State, making it easier to expand your practice and reach more clients in need.
To learn more about reciprocity in your state or a state you wish to move too you cn follow the links provided below for the states addiction counselor licensing and certification board.
Certified addiction counselors in Alabama must renew their certification every two years. They must take 20 hours of continuing education and receive renewal applications from the Board.
Renewals are on a quarterly schedule based on the initial certification date. For example, those certified in January, February, or March would renew in January.
All counselors must renew their certification every 2 years. They will need to take 20 hours of continuing education. The counselors will receive renewal applications from the Board. The Board provides access to some available courses on their website: AADAA Online Continuing Education.
To renew your license as a certified addiction counselor in Alaska, you need to:
Licenses initially issued on or before April 30, 2022, are required to complete 40 contact hours, which include three contact hours in professional ethics.
You can call ACBHC at (907) 332-4333 or email ACBHC at acbhc@akcertification.org for further reciprocity requirements and instructions.
To renew a substance abuse counselor license in Arizona, you can:
You can contact the AZBBHE at (602) 542-1882 for more information.
In Arkansas, all certifications must be recertified every two years. The deadline for renewal in 2022 is December 31st.
To renew a license, you must provide evidence of relevant professional or continuing education experience within the previous 24 months.
You must also complete at least 20 hours of continuing education (CE) activity during each license renewal period.
Three of these hours must be ethics hours.
The accrual period is July 1 through June 30 each year.
Certified addiction counselors in California must renew their certification every two years.
To renew, counselors must:
If a certification has expired for a year or more, the counselor must retake and pass the CATC exam before renewing. The exam costs $135 per attempt. Non-members also pay a $100 non-refundable processing fee.
Certified Addiction Treatment Counselors (CATCs) have specific continuing education requirements to maintain their certification. Here are the key points:
Total Hours: CATCs must complete 40 TAP 21-specific Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
Specialized Hours: Out of the 40 hours, 9 must be dedicated to addiction-specific laws and ethics.
Provider Criteria: The CEHs/CEUs must be obtained from providers that meet TAP 21 criteria and federal standards.
Documentation: All completed CEUs must be evidenced by a certificate of completion from the provider].
Degree Requirements: CATC V requires a Doctoral Degree in Addiction Studies or a related field. CATC N requires a Nursing Degree and meets the minimum ACCBC and DHCS requirements for AOD certification.
Accreditation and Advocacy: The ACCBC implements accreditation standards and provides public policy education and advocacy among consumers and other stakeholders.
It's crucial to adhere to these requirements to maintain your CATC certification and continue practicing as an addiction counselor.
Continuing Education (CE)
Continuing Education (CE) for certified professionals refers to structured educational settings like workshops, online courses, seminars, and academic coursework.
A single educational hour is a minimum of 50 minutes of uninterrupted learning.
For renewing ADACBGA credentials, the educational hours should focus on the 12 Core Functions of Alcohol & Drug (A&D) Counselors or the specific Performance Domains related to the credential being renewed.
The educational institution must either be regionally accredited and listed on the U.S. Department of Education's DAPIP website or provide a CE approval number from a recognized entity on the completion certificate (e.g., ADACBGA, BHAP, GSCSW, etc.).
Only certificates with provider numbers from the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) will be universally accepted without additional review.
At least 10 CE renewal hours must come from certificates with ADACBGA-issued provider numbers.
Official academic transcripts must be sent directly to the educational institution's board to count towards credentialing.
The courses must relate to behavioral health and the credential's 12 Core Functions or Performance Domains.
General courses like English or Math are not eligible.
For academic courses, the conversion is as follows:
All CE hours for renewal must be completed within the two-year renewal window.
For example, if a credential was issued on 09/01/2018 and expired on 10/01/2020, all CE hours must be completed between those dates to be valid.
Documentation of 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including:
3 hours of Ethics and Confidentiality.
Required Courses
Ethics for Addiction Professionals
Other California Substance Use Counseling Credentials
Licensed Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor
(LADAC)
Licensed Associate Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselor (LAADAC)
Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC)
Substance Abuse Technician (LSAT)
Continuing Professional Competency (CPC) refers to the sustained capability of a certified or licensed addiction counselor to continually acquire, assimilate, and utilize the expertise, abilities, and ethical discernment needed to function effectively as an addiction counselor. This aligns with widely recognized industry norms and professional ethical guidelines tailored to specific roles and environments.
Addiction counselors in Colorado must renew their certification every two years. The renewal period begins six weeks before the expiration date of August 31 of odd-numbered years.
To renew, addiction counselors must:
A maximum of 5 hours may be carried over from the previous renewal cycle if earned within three months of the renewal cycle. For example, if a licensee accrues 48 hours within the two-year renewal cycle, they can carry over 8 hours.
To renew an alcohol and drug counselor license in Connecticut, you must complete at least 20 hours of qualifying continuing education during the year you are renewing.
This includes at least two hours of ethics education.
The renewal application fee is $195. You can renew your license online.
Connecticut Certification Board, Inc. (CCB )
Certified addiction counselors in the District of Columbia must renew their licenses every two years. They must also complete at least 40 hours of continuing education credits during that time frame.
These credits must include:
You can call 202-671-4500 for questions or additional assistance.
You can submit supplemental application documents to the DC Board of Professional Counseling.
Certified Addiction Counselors (CADCs) must renew their credentials every two years in Delaware.
To recertify, counselors must complete 40 hours of continuing education.
This includes 20 hours of addiction-specific education and three hours in professional ethics and responsibilities.
Licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years.
To complete the recertification process, professionals can:
You can call DCB at (717) 540-4456. Licensure information is available on the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals website.
To renew a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential in Florida, you must earn 20 continuing education (CE) hours per year. The training content must be related to at least one of the CAC performance domains. The renewal date is June 30th annually.
You can use any course accepted by the Florida Certification Board (FCB) for the CAC credential. FCB-approved providers include colleges and universities accredited by a DOE/CHEA-recognized higher education accreditation agency.
Certified Addiction Professional (CAP)
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
Certified E-therapist (CET)
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA)
To renew your CADC certification in Georgia, you need to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. At least 10 hours must be from CE certificates issued by the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA).
The 40 hours of CE should include:
The ADACBGA offers a list of approved CEU courses and workshops. Each course should have a master's level presenter and cover one of the 12 core domains.
To renew your CADC (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor) certification, you must adhere to specific requirements set by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). The renewal requirements may vary depending on your specific
1. Ethics and Confidentiality Training: For renewal, individuals typically need to complete a certain number of hours of ethics and confidentiality training each year. According to the information, CADC renewals require three hours of ethics and confidentiality training every year.
2. Renewal Fee: A renewal fee is usually associated with the renewal process. The fee amount may vary from state to state, so it's essential to check with the specific certifying body for the current fee.
3. No Step-Down: It's important to note that the career ladder for CADC certifications is designed to advance upward, and it is not permissible to step down the ladder from any level
Renewal Application: Complete the Renewal of Certification application.
Continuing Education: You must complete 50 hours of continuing education and professional development. These educational hours and professional development hours must be CCAPP-approved.
The renewal requirements for CADC-II and CADC-III will likely be similar to those of CADC-I, including completing CCAPP-approved continuing education hours and ethics training. However, the specific requirements may vary based on your level of certification.
Additionally, if you complete your renewal after the expiration date, you may need to submit a letter to the credentialing board explaining the reason for the delay in renewal.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change, so visiting the official CCAPP website or contacting CCAPP directly for the most up-to-date and accurate renewal information is essential.
The continuing education requirements for Chemical Dependency Counselor I (CDCI) and II (CDCII) can vary by state and certifying body. However, the search results could have provided specific information on CDCI and CDCII. Here's some general guidance based on similar certifications:
Course Approval: Make sure the course is approved for your specific certification. For example, courses approved for CCAPP professionals can be applied toward CE requirements.
State Requirements: Some states have specific licensure requirements, including written examinations and work hours. It's crucial to check your state's guidelines.
Provider Approval: Ensure that relevant bodies like CCAPP, MCBAP, or NAADAC approve your continuing education course provider.
Documentation: Always record your completed courses, as you'll likely need to provide evidence of completion.
Specialized Hours: Some certifications require a certain number of hours dedicated to specialized topics like ethics or specific types of addiction.
Recertification Period: Pay attention to the recertification period, which is often every two years for similar certifications.
It's essential to consult with your certifying body for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Source
CACI: 40 total continuing education hours within the 2 years before date of expiration to include:
You will be charged a late fee if you submit your application after expiration. The late fee is $50 for members and $75 for non-members.
You can contact the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association at (770) 434-1000 or by email. Contact the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board at (770) 825-0481.
To renew a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credential in Hawaii, you must:
You can earn a maximum of 20 hours through distance learning. The courses must be at least two hours in length per subject covered. All subtopics must be related.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) will review all renewals.
If you pass the test, you will receive confirmation within 2-4 weeks. If you do not pass, you must wait 90 days to contact ADAD for a new testing application.
The review and processing of applications may take up to 6-8 weeks.
Certified addiction counselors in Idaho must renew their certification every two years. The renewal fee is $207. Renewal applications must be submitted on or before the counselor's certificate expires.
The Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselors Certification (IBADCC) requires 40 ICB-approved continuing education units (CEUs) within the two-year certification period.
The CEUs must include 4 hours of face-to-face ethics training and 20 hours of distance learning courses.
To be considered complete, a renewal application must include all required documents, including transcripts.
A complete application will ensure the certificate is mailed within 2-3 weeks of the cleared check.
Idaho accepts the Master Addiction Counselor (NBCC) certification for renewal applicants.
Certified addiction counselors (CADC) in Illinois must renew their certification every two years.
To renew, they must:
The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) recommends that 20 clock hours be taken each year.
To renew a mental health counselor license in Indiana, you need to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education.
This includes at least 20 hours of Category I continuing education, with two hours of Category I ethics continuing education.
To renew a National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC) license, you need to:
You can contact the licensing agency by phone at (317) 234-2064 or by email at pla5@pla.in.gov
The Iowa Board of Certification requires 40 hours of continuing education (CE) for certified addiction counselors to renew their certification every two years.
The CE hours must be specific to alcohol and drug abuse training.
The Iowa Board of Certification authorizes two-year terms for the following certifications: CADC, LADC, and LAADC.
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
]
Certified counselors must obtain forty (40) hours of continuing education during the two-year certification period to qualify for recertification.
Three (3) of the clock hours must be in ethics • The remaining 37 hours must be in relevant topics (i.e., alcohol & drug-specific, special populations, counseling, mental health, social work, etc.)
Up to 20 clock hours for each two-year certification period may be earned through online/distance learning.
Recertification applicants may use up to 10 hours of credit for in-service trainings (see Glossary of Terms) per recertification period, as long as IBC approves the in-service.
A minimum grade of “C” is required to receive college credit for clock hours. One semester hour equals 15 clock hours.
One-quarter hour equals 10 clock hours. If college courses are being used, an original transcript must be sent from the college to the IBC office via U.S. Mail or by email to INFO@iowabc.org directly from the registrar’s office. We do not accept transcripts from the applicant.
The required forty (40) clock hours may be obtained in multiple categories. If desired, all forty (40) clock hours may be earned in
Category A. CATEGORY A - ATTENDING FORMAL TRAININGS
A minimum of twenty-five (25) clock hours must be obtained through permanent courses, workshops, and seminars. Accredited home-study courses may be included. Counselors will be assessed a CEU Processing Fee per submitted workshop that is online/distance learning or has not been IBC-approved. The fee is not charged for college courses submitted for IBC credit. Approved trainings may be found on the IBC website under the “Education” tab.
CATEGORY B - TEACHING OTHER PROFESSIONALS
A maximum of fifteen (15) clock hours may be obtained in this category. The number of hours awarded will equal the hours spent in actual teaching time. Credit also will be awarded for repeated workshop presentations offered by a counselor as the presenter. A course syllabus, certificate of completion, or letter from the training sponsor will need to be sent with the recertification to verify the training taught, when the training occurred, and how many hours were taught.
CATEGORY C - PARTICIPATORY LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Prior approval is recommended. A maximum of fifteen (15) clock hours may be obtained in this category, which includes documented credit for direct participation (e.g., public speaking or volunteering in a professional capacity) with substance abuse or community boards, committees, or task forces that are substance abuse related, as well as independent peer review. Involvement with IBC’s Board of Directors or committees is included. Volunteering as a parent, such as a teacher’s assistant or Cub Scout leader, DOES NOT qualify for credit.
According to the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board credentials, addiction counselors must renew their licenses every 24 months in Kansas..
To renew, they must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two years before their renewal expiration date.
The 30 hours must include:
The renewal fees are:
If you renew your license early, any continuing education taken after you renew your license cannot be used toward this renewal or the next renewal cycle.
In Kentucky, substance abuse counselors must renew their certification every three years.
You must complete 60 hours of continuing education (CE) classes to renew.
Three of these hours must be in ethics, and six must be in suicide assessment, treatment, and management.
The renewal fee is $300 for three years. You should complete your renewal two weeks before your renewal date.
You can call the Kentucky Board of Certification of Alcohol and Drug Counselors at 502-564-3296, ext. 222. The Kentucky Association of Addiction Professionals is another professional resource
To renew a Louisiana Substance Abuse Counselor Certification, you must:
RAC, CAC, and LACs must take 48 hours of continuing education to qualify for renewal
You can use any course accepted by ADRA to renew your CIT credential. There is no limit on the number of contact hours earned through home study distance learning trainings.
If you hold an active, non-expired certification through LA-ADRA, you have been auto-assigned into the Certemy system to maintain your credential through renewal/re-certification.
To renew their certification, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADCs) in Maine must complete 18 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.
This includes four hours of professional ethics.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs) must complete 25 hours of CE every two years, including four hours of professional ethics. LADCs who are also certified clinical supervisors need to complete 48 contact hours.
Continuing education activities include seminars, workshops, and institutes.
Counselors renew their certification annually on November 30th
For more information, click here.
In Maryland, substance abuse counselors must renew their credentials every two years.
To renew, you must:
The renewal fee is $200 for a certificate and $301 for a license. You can pay the fee by credit or debit card.
You must also complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) to renew. At least 30 hours must be in workshops, symposiums, and seminars. You can earn up to 10 of these hours through distance learning.
The Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists regulates substance abuse counselors. You can renew online through the Board's website.
It is illegal to practice in Maryland with an expired license. If your certificate has expired, you can apply for reinstatement.
For more information, click here.
Massachusetts
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant (LADCA)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Assistant (LADCA)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II)
Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP)
Certified Alcoholism Counselor (CAC)
Certified Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC)Certified Alcohol & Drug Abuse CounselorAdvanced Level (CADC-II)
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)
All substance abuse counselor licenses in Massachusetts must be renewed every two years.
To renew, you must:
You can apply for and renew your license online through the BSAS eLicensing System.
You can reach licensing contacts at 617-624-5076 or 617-624-5173.
Distance learning allows you to earn up to 50% of the required 40 hours of continuing education.
For more information, click here.
Certified addiction counselors in Michigan must renew their certification every two years. They can also choose to renew every three years.
To renew, counselors must complete:
The Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) is a member of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
The Minnesota Certification Board (MCB) requires recertification every two years. You will receive an email before your recertification date with instructions on completing the application online.
To renew your certification, you must:
The 40 hours of continuing education must include:
You can renew your certification online or by mail. To renew by mail, you can call or email the Board office to request a renewal application.
You can then mail the application and the required fee to the Board office.
To renew a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAT) license in Mississippi, you must:
You can call the Mississippi Department of Mental Health/ Division of Professional Licensure and Certification at 601-359-5360 or email them at "place at dmh.state.ms.us".
You can also find information on the web at www.dmh.ms.gov
To renew your Certified Addiction Counselor (CADC) credential in Missouri, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. You can complete 20 hours online and 20 hours in person.
Examples of acceptable continuing education include attending counseling workshops or seminars.
For the first renewal, you must document 20 hours of approved education related to the performance domains, including 3 hours of “live” ethics. After each renewal, you must document 40 contact hours every two years, including 6 hours of “live” ethics.
You can use Addiction Counselor CE to renew your CADC credential. Any course accepted by the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) applies to the CADC credential.
You can email profcounselor@pr.mo.gov to request a paper renewal form.
You must submit a copy of your Ethics Training with all renewals. You should only send in all training certificates if your name is part of the October 2023 Renewal Audit.
You can check the MCB website to see if your name was randomly selected for the audit.
The Montanna Credentialing Board has a 5 year reinstatement period for any eligible MCB Professional who let their credential(s) expire between August 1, 2017-August 1, 2023
To renew a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) license in Montana, you must complete 20 hours of continuing education (CE) each year.
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry lists acceptable CE courses. You can download the list from the MDL website.
The Board of Behavioral Health (the Board) processes renewals for mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and substance abuse counseling licenses. The Board prefers online renewals, but paper applications are also available.
You can renew online at https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/.
You can contact customer service at 406-841-2300 or dlibsdhelp@mt.gov if you have questions about accessing an existing account or creating a new one.
Online renewal transactions must be completed by 11:59 PM MST on the renewal deadline.
You can also contact the Board of Behavioral Health at:
Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC); Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC): Provisional Alcohol and Drug Counselor (PLADC)
To renew an alcohol and drug counselor license in Nebraska, you must:
You can contact the Licensure Unit at:
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services licenses alcohol and drug counselors. Licensure depends on completing addictions-related coursework and practical training, working under supervision.
In Nevada, substance abuse counselors must renew their licenses every two years.
Substance abuse counselors in Nevada must renew their license every two years.
To renew, counselors must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education.
These hours must include:
The Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors credentials substance abuse counselors. Counselors must earn a social science degree, complete supervised practice, and pass written and oral examinations.
The Nevada State Board of Examiners for Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors issues licenses and certifications to addiction counselors.
You can call the board at (775) 684-8922.
Nevada does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
However, individuals with an active license in good standing in another state may be eligible for licensure by endorsement and on passing a licensing examination.
To renew a counseling license in New Hampshire, you must:
You must renew your license every two years. You can earn up to 12 of the required 48 continuing education hours through approved distance learning education.
You can contact the New Hampshire Board of Licensing for Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professionals at (603) 271-6761 or NHLADC at nh.gov.
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
Certified Addiction Counselors (CADCs) in New Jersey must renew their certification every two years.
To renew, they must:
The course on mandatory legal standards is required for every renewal period. CADCs employed at a DMHAS-licensed substance use disorder treatment agency can take the course for free.
The Certification Board allows all recertification requirements to be completed through distance learning.
The renewal fees for CADCs scheduled to renew during fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023) will be waived.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
Certified addiction counselors in New Mexico must renew their licenses annually.
To renew, they must complete 40 hours of continuing education each year between October 1 and September 30..
The continuing education must include at least 12 hours of ethics. Licensees who provide supervision must also obtain 9 hours of supervision.
The board will notify the licensee of approval or disapproval of continuing education hours within 30 days after receiving documentation.
In New Mexico, the credential for drug counselors is known as Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC). The renewal policy for drug counselors in New Mexico is as follows:
Renewal Period: All credentials issued by the NM Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals expire 2 years from the date issued or renewed.
Late Renewal Penalty: If your license is not renewed within 30 days of expiration, a late renewal penalty of $100 plus the renewal fee will be applied. If the license is not renewed by October 31, it will automatically expire, and you must refrain from practicing. You will need to reapply to obtain a new license.
Application Instructions: For renewing the LADAC credential, you can refer to the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department's Counseling and Therapy Practice Board for the application instructions.
Board of Directors: The New Mexico Credentialing Board is also accepting applications for interested Certified Professionals to join their Board of Directors
All credentials issued by the NM Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals expire 2 years from the date issued or renewed.
For technical assistance, you can contact RLD.CTHelpDesk@rld.nm.gov
CASAC (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)
This credential is intended for individuals who provide direct clinical care services and substance use disorder counseling. It includes diagnostic assessment, evaluation, intervention, referral, and counseling in individual and group settings.
In New York State, the renewal process for a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) is critical in maintaining your professional standing.
The renewal cycle typically occurs every three years. It is essential to ensure that counselors are up-to-date with the latest practices and ethical standards in addiction counseling.
Steps for Renewal:
Continuing Education: Accumulate 60 hours of approved continuing education (CE) credits. These credits should be relevant to substance abuse and addiction treatment. Make sure to keep records of all completed courses and certificates.
Application Submission: Complete the renewal application form provided by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). This usually involves updating personal and employment information.
Documentation: Along with the application, submit proof of your completed CE credits. This can be in the form of certificates or official transcripts.
Fees: Pay the renewal fee, which is generally around $100-$200, depending on various factors like your certification level and the processing speed you require.
Ethical Standards: You may also be required to sign a statement affirming your commitment to adhere to the ethical standards and guidelines set forth by OASAS.
Review and Approval: Once your application and all supporting documents are submitted, they will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. If everything is in order, your renewal will be approved, and you'll receive a new certificate, usually valid for another three years.
Notification: Expect to receive a renewal notice a few months before your certification expires. Some organizations also offer digital notifications to make the process smoother.
By successfully renewing your CASAC certification, you validate your skills and demonstrate a continued commitment to providing high-quality care in addiction counseling.
Visit OASAS.org
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (formerly known as CSAC)
Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor)
Certified Clinical Supervisor (Clinical Supervisor)
In North Carolina, certified substance abuse counselors (CSACs) must renew their certification every two years.
They must complete 60 clock hours of continuing education (CE) before the renewal deadline.
The CE hours must include:
LSACs must also renew their license every two years, but they only need to complete 40 clock hours of CE.
To renew, you must use the LearningBuilder credentialing software. The renewal fee is $150.
If your credential expires, you can renew it within five years. After five years, you must apply again, including fees, testing, and hours.
NDBACE partners with consortiums and state agencies to offer approved training and continuing education for addiction counselors practicing in North Dakota.
All licensed addiction counselors must complete a minimum of 40 contact hours of continuing education in two years beginning January 1st of even-numbered years, at least six hours of which must be on the topic of professional.
Ethics.
Board-approved continuing education must:
▪ Be directly related to or supportive of addiction counseling practice
▪ Enhance the addiction counselor’s professional development and competence
Board-approved continuing education can include workshops, refresher courses, in-service training at addiction facilities, professional conferences, seminars, and education programs presented by organizations such as NAADAC or educational and national or state health organizations.
For more information, review a complete list of Guidelines for Continuing Education.
Approved Continuing Education Programs
An approved program is one specific program, with defined continuing education contact hours to be given in any year, approved by the board.
To receive CEUs for a conference or program you attended OR to request approval for a conference or program you are coordinating and sponsoring, please complete and submit the form below.
To renew a Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDCA) in Ohio, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years. Of the 40 hours, six hours must be specific to Substance Abuse Disorder, and three hours must be in Ethics.
The Licensure and Certification office recommends starting the renewal application process 120 days before expiration.
In Oklahoma, you can renew your Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC) certificate or license annually by applying and paying fees. You can mail the form to the Oklahoma State Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors.
To renew your certification, you must also complete continuing education coursework.
The Oklahoma Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors has waived the face-to-face requirements for all substance abuse certifications expiring through June 30, 2023.
You can now complete all continuing education coursework through approved distance learning programs.
Oregon CADC Certification
Continuing Education Requirements and Courses.
To renew a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor III (CADC III) certification in Oregon, you must:
You will receive an initial renewal notice 45 days before your due date. You can renew online.
You can log into the Licensee Portal to download a digital wallet card or the full-page verification.
The Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) certifies Oregon's behavioral health workforce.
In Pennsylvania, certified substance abuse counselors must renew their certifications every two years.
To renew, counselors must complete 40 hours of continuing education in the substance abuse field, including at least three hours in ethics.
CEUs must include:
Three-hour ethics training is required every two years to recertify
The renewal fee is $100 for AAC recertification and $200 for other certifications.
You can renew your certified addiction counselor license in Rhode Island in October of the year.
You can renew your license through the Rhode Island Department of Health, Chemical Dependency Licensing Board.
To renew your license, you must:
You can contact the Rhode Island Board for the Certification of Chemical Dependency Professionals at 717-540-4456. You can also contact the Rhode Island Board of Licensing for Chemical Dependency Professionals at 401-222-3045
For more information
To renew a certified addiction counselor license in South Carolina, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. The CE hours must be specific to alcohol and drug abuse training and include 6 hours of professional ethics. You can earn a maximum of 20 hours through distance learning.
The reporting period is from September 1 to August 31 every two years. The deadline is August 31st in odd years.
You can renew your license online with the South Carolina LLR. The LPC renewal fee is $150.
The South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors oversees licensure, renewals, and continuing education requirements for all mental health professionals in South Carolina.
For more information
The South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (BAPP) requires that all certificates and licenses be renewed annually. The renewal process for certified addiction counselors, licensed addiction counselors, and certified prevention specialists changed in 2023 and went into effect on July 1, 2023.
The renewal fee is $2,400. You must also submit 40 hours of BAPP-approved continuing education every two years.
Those with dual credentials must submit 60 hours every two years.
You can mail your application and fee to
BAPP at
3101 West 41st Street, Suite 205,
Sioux Falls, SD 57105.
The application fee is $250 and should be paid by money order or check
To maintain your license as a substance abuse counselor in Tennessee, you must complete 15 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) each year.
This includes 6 hours related to counselor ethics. You must renew your license every two years.
You can contact the Tennessee Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors by phone at 615-532-3202 or 1-800-778-4123.
Everyone holding an IC&RC credential through the TCB must renew every two (2) years in order to maintain active certification.
Steps to complete renewal include:
To renew a certified addiction counselor license in Texas, you must:
Licensees receive a reminder postcard at least 30 days before their renewal date. The postcard is sent to the licensee's address of record
To renew a substance abuse counselor certification in Utah, you must:
You can contact the Division of Professional and Occupational Licensing (DOPL) by email at doplbureau3@utah.gov or by telephone at (801) 530-6628
Licensed alcohol and drug counselors in Vermont must renew their license every two years.
To renew, you must:
Your license expires at midnight on the date of expiration, which is printed on your license.
You can apply for a license, renew, or update an application online. You can also request a verification.
Please allow the OPR at least 3-5 business days for processing the application before inquiring.
You can reach the Department of Health Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs at (802) 651-1550.
Vermont Alcohol and Drug Addiction Certification Board (VADACB)
The Virginia Board of Counseling requires that certified substance abuse counselors (CSACs) renew their licenses by June 30th of each year. CSACs must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education in substance abuse.
They must also document 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours in professional ethics and responsibilities.
The Virginia Certification Board offers two options for completing the recertification process:
The application fee is $175 and is non-refundable. The application is valid for one year from the date of receipt
For more information
Substance use disorder professionals must renew their certification every year on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card. Substance use disorder professionals must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. An enhancement plan is required.
See the section on continuing competency for more information about the enhancement plan.
Beginning with the first full CE period after January 1, 2014, substance use disorder professionals must complete three hours of training in suicide assessment, including screening and referral. The training must be repeated once every six years.
To renew a certified addiction counselor license in Washington, you must complete 12 hours of professional development and 28 hours of continuing education every two years.
This totals 40 hours. You must renew your license annually, on or before your birthday.
At least 14 hours of the continuing education must be in one or more of the following topic areas:
Washington also requires four hours of AIDS training
In Wisconsin, substance abuse counselors must renew their credentials every odd year by February 28th. The renewal fee is $75.
To be eligible for renewal, you must:
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services certifies substance abuse counselors.
To renew a certified addiction counselor credential in Wyoming, you must complete 45 hours of continuing education (CE) in the substance abuse field every two years.
You can meet this requirement through accredited coursework, where one semester credit equals 15 CE hours.
As of July 1, 2021, the fees for certified renewals are:
You can mail your application, fees, and supporting documents to the Mental Health Professions Licensing Board.
The address is:
Mental Health Professions Licensing Board
2001 Capitol Ave, Room 105
Cheyenne, WY 82002
You can reach a licensing specialist at (307) 777-3628. The Wyoming Association of Addiction Professionals is another resource.
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