Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) 

The IC&RC standards represent the minimum criteria for certification/licensure. Member boards affiliated with the IC&RC may require additional standards that reflect local mandates, regulations, and/or best practices. Please consult with your local IC&RC Member board for specific standards and requirements applicable to your jurisdiction.

Minimum Standards 

Experience

High school diploma or jurisdictional equivalent requires 6,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the ADC Domains. 

Associate’s degree in a related field requires 5,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the ADC Domains. 

Bachelor’s degree in a related field requires 4,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the ADC Domains. 

Master’s degree or higher in a related field requires 2,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the ADC Domains. 

Click here to review the ADC Domains in the Candidate Guide

Education

High school diploma or jurisdictional equivalent. 

300 hours specific to the domains. Six hours must be specific to counselor ethics. 

Supervision

300 hours with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain with a high school diploma or jurisdictional equivalent. 

250 hours with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain with an Associate’s degree in a related field. 

200 hours with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain with a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. 

100 hours with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain with a Master’s degree or higher in a related field. 

Examination

Applicants must pass the IC&RC ADC Examination. 

Code of Ethics

Applicants must sign a code of ethics statement or affirmation statement. 

Recertification

40 hours of continuing education earned every two years. 

Jurisdiction

Individuals must live or work at least 51% of the time in the Member Boards jurisdiction (“at the time of application & testing”)