California Credentialing
Leading the State in Credentialing
For Prevention, Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Professionals
CCAPP is the only IC&RC board in California. Empowering Professionals and Setting Global Standards in the Prevention, Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Professions.
Mission
To license and certify qualified addiction-focused professionals towards attaining the highest professional standards.
Core Purpose
To make the World a better place by lessening the devastation caused by addiction.
IC&RC by the Numbers
Standards developed for credentialing in:
- Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Clinical Supervisor
- Criminal Justice Addictions Professional
- Peer Recovery – Associate
- Peer Recovery
- Prevention Specialist
Member certification and licensing boards across 50 U.S. states and territories, three Native American regions, branches of the U.S. military and 11 international regions.
Representing more than 50,000 prevention, substance use disorder, and recovery professionals.
CCAPP Conferences
CCAPP is proud to bring together California’s addiction and behavioral health workforce through high-quality conferences, trainings, and professional development events designed to strengthen our field and elevate ethical, competent care.
When it comes to serving individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and co-occurring disorders, we are stronger together. CCAPP events create space for learning, inspiration, and connection – where counselors, educators, program leaders, and emerging professionals come together to gain practical tools, explore current best practices, and build relationships that last far beyond the event itself.
At CCAPP conferences and live trainings, you’ll join hundreds of like-minded professionals, network with peers across the state, and learn directly from experienced experts who understand the real-world challenges and opportunities of addiction treatment and recovery support.
Upcoming Events:
Addiction Leadership Conference (ALC)
Bringing together California’s addiction and behavioral health leaders for an energizing experience focused on innovation, professional excellence, and the future of our field. Join us for timely training, powerful conversations, and meaningful networking with peers, program leaders, and experts who are shaping the standards of care across the state. Whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, ALC is where leadership grows – and where our field moves forward together.
Addiction Leadership Conference | April 21-22, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
Multicultural Conference (MCC)
CCAPP’s Multicultural Conference (MCC) is a space for connection, learning, and growth – centered on cultural humility, equity, inclusion, and the lived experiences of the diverse communities we serve. Join counselors, educators, and behavioral health professionals from across California to explore practical strategies, emerging best practices, and meaningful dialogue that strengthens culturally responsive care in addiction treatment and recovery support.
Multicultural Conference | Summer, 2026 | Sacramento, CA
California Addiction Conference (CAC)
The California Addiction Conference (CAC) is CCAPP’s flagship statewide gathering for addiction and behavioral health professionals. This multi-day conference delivers high-quality education, inspiring speakers, and real-world tools that support ethical practice, professional development, and improved outcomes in treatment and recovery services. CAC is also one of the best opportunities of the year to network with peers, connect with industry partners, and stay current on trends shaping the field.
California Addiction Conference | October 14-18, 2026 | Universal City, CA
Relocating to California?
Take Your IC&RC Credentials with You
Ready for an exam?
Find Everything You Need to Know
You can transfer your credentials between jurisdictions that have IC&RC Member Boards.
Learn what you need to know about registering, eligibility, preparation and scoring.
CCAPP’s Newest Certification
Introducing the Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS) Training
Harm Reduction Specialist (HRS) Objectives of the IC&RC’s Harm Reduction Certification:
- Increase knowledge around harm reduction and how it can be used in the recovery processes
- Apply skills within a harm reduction framework to current practice
- Feel comfortable having conversations around harm reduction with clients and the community
- Identify obstacles in applying harm reduction and develop strategies to overcome these obstacles
- Learn to engage people who are continuing to use substances into harm reduction recovery practices
- Build the foundation for clinical and non-clinical communication around harm reduction strategies
Always Looking at the Road Ahead
Recognized Statewide for Credentialing in the Prevention, Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Professionals Workforce.
CCAPP, the largest credentialing organization in California, began with a vision of a unified field of alcohol and drug counselors throughout the state, regardless of region or setting. What started as a shared commitment among working professionals grew into a structured credentialing pathway designed to strengthen ethics, training standards, and workforce recognition across California.