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.

ADC Minimum Standards

Experience

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

To review the ADC Domains, please review the above-linked Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) Candidate Guide.

Education

Minimum high school diploma or jurisdictional equivalent. 300 hours of education specific to the ADC Domains. Six (6) hours must be in professional counselor ethics and responsibilities.

Supervision

High school diploma or jurisdictional equivalent requires 300 hours of supervision specific to the ADC Domains with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain.
Associate degree in a relevant field requires 250 hours of supervision specific to the ADC Domains with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field requires 200 hours of supervision specific to the ADC Domains with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain.
Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field requires 100 hours of supervision specific to the ADC Domains with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain.

Examination

Applicants must pass the IC&RC ADC Examination.

Code of Ethics

Applicants must sign a counselor specific Code of Ethics Statement or an Affirmation Statement that states the applicant has read, understood, and will abide by the code of ethics.

Recertification

40 hours of continuing education earned every two (2) years.

Jurisdiction

Applicants must live or work at least 51% of the time in the Member Board’s jurisdiction (at the time of application & testing)