INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED CERTIFIED ALCOHOL/DRUG COUNSELOR (ACADC)

APPLICATIONS/RENEWALS SHOULD NOW BE COMPLETED ONLINE  

Thank you for your interest in applying for certification in the State of Idaho. This is a guide for the process of gaining the designation of Advanced Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ACADC) under the auspices of the Idaho Board of Alcohol/Drug Counselor Certification, Inc. (IBADCC). Please note that information contained herein may be changed without notice.

IBADCC is an independent, non-profit corporation whose purpose is to set and maintain professional certification standards for practitioners in addictions counseling. This serves the profession by controlling the practitioner standards and qualifications at the state level and it provides the individual with a credential signifying professional competency.

IBADCC is a member of the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The IC&RC is the national body whose function is to grant reciprocity from state to state and to set appropriate standards for credentials. The IC&RC office will no longer automatically mail reciprocally certified professionals an international paper certificate. You can order your own paper certificate from IC&RC by clicking on this link: Order Form

ACADC Applications and Renewals should be completed and submitted online!    

Existing certificate holders should login with their email on file with IBADCC.
New applicants should click here to submit a new application.


Renewal applications must be completed on or before your certification expiration date. If your renewal is completed after your expiration date and within the first 30 days, you will be charged a grace period fee. Any time after a month from your expiration date, your certification is considered lapsed. Certifications at any level that have been expired more than six (6) months MUST go through the process of reapplying and retesting for their certification, unless inactive status was approved.

Should you have any questions regarding the credentialing process, please direct your inquiries to ibadcc@ibadcc.org

ACADC Eligibility Criteria

Experience/Educational Requirements

A. A Master’s Degree the Behavioral Science Field, which includes a clinical component.

B. Documentation of 2000 hours of work experience within the substance abuse clients, within the 12 Core Functions. (for more information, see Section II)

Please note: Full or part-time experience is acceptable. Work experience may be paid or voluntary. Practicum hours will count as work experience. A.A., N.A., etc. meetings or having been through treatment does not count as work experience.

C. Documentation of 300 hours of supervision with a minimum of ten (10) hours in each of the 12 Core Functions (Section II) is also required. A supervisor MUST meet the one of the following requirements and provide documentation of qualifications:

  • a CADC who has been certified for 3 years and has completed 15 hours of training in supervision OR
  • an ACADC OR
  • a CCS OR
  • a person with a Master’s Degree and license in addictions counseling or Master's Degree and certification in addictions counseling
  • OR an approved Health and Welfare Clinical Supervisor (QP) under IDAPA 16.07.20.02

Please note: Supervision is defined as a formal, systematic process that focuses on skill development and integration of knowledge and generally occurs early in a career. Supervision must take place in a setting where AODA counseling is being provided. Supervision may be a part of the eligible work experience. Supervision may be completed under more than one supervisor or agency. Please see Section II for additional information regarding supervision.

D. Documentation of 180 hours of education, no less than 30 hours in each domain specifically related to the 4 IC&RC Performance Domains and Tasks which includes: Screening, Assessment and Engagement, Treatment Planning, Collaboration and Referral, Counseling and Education, and Professional and Ethical Responsibilities(for more information, see Section II).

Education is defined as:

  • Workshops or seminars approved by IC&RC, NAADAC, State of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, NASW, NBCC, or IBADCC. Documentation of workshop/seminar requires a copy of any certificates of completion.
  • “In-service” of 5 hours maximum. Documentation of workshop/seminar requires a copy of any certificates of completion.
  • College/university courses one (1) credit hour equals 15 clock hours.

    Please note: Documentation of all college/university courses must include an official transcript. (Mailed to IBADCC by the institution)
    Please note: Practicum hours cannot be counted as education but can be counted as work experience.

E. Documentation of six (6) hours of training in Professional and Ethical Responsibilities specific to substance abuse counselors. The six (6) hours must include the following areas: federal and state laws, client welfare as a primary concern, professional competence supervision/development, financial issues, personal wellness, and relationships to professionals and institutions.

ACADC Testing

A completed application must be submitted and approved in order to be eligible to test.

A study guide is available at http://www.readytotest.com

IC&RC Study Guides AND Practice Exams are available at http://professionals.internationalcredentialing.org/examprep

ACADC Fees
Application $80.00
CBT Exam $235.00
Two-Year Renewal Fee
State Certification which includes the IC&RC membership update		 $207.00

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