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Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Registered and Certified

by | Feb 4, 2026 | Uncategorized

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either thinking about becoming a substance use disorder (SUD) counselor in California, or you’ve already started and just want to make sure you’re doing things the right way.
Either way — welcome. You’re in the right place.
Credentialing can feel confusing at first, especially with all the steps, forms, hours, and requirements. But I promise you this: once you understand the process, it becomes much easier to navigate.
This blog is meant to break down the California credentialing process through CCAPP Credentialing in plain language and simple steps — from getting registered as an RADT to becoming fully certified as a CADC.
Why CCAPP Credentialing?
CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) is one of the most recognized credentialing bodies in California. We support professionals at every level — whether you’re just getting started or working toward advanced certification.
Credentialing isn’t just paperwork. It’s your professional identity in the field. It shows employers and clients that you’ve met California standards and that you’re committed to ethical, professional practice.
Step 1: Start with Registration (RADT)
RADT registration is not the end goal — it’s the starting point. Once you’re registered, you begin working under supervision, completing education toward 315 hours, and completing your practicum — all of which are required steps toward becoming CADC certified. When people say “getting your RADT,” what they usually mean is starting the RADT registration ladder. CCAPP Credentialing breaks RADT into three registration levels that lead toward certification:
One important thing to know up front: you must complete the full RADT registration process within 5 years of your initial RADT Trainee I registration. (Hardship extensions may be available if documented.) 
RADT Trainee I (Getting Started)
This is your entry point into the field. As a RADT Trainee I, you’re working under supervision while you begin your formal education. 
To apply for RADT Trainee I in Certemy, you must:
What happens next (your first-year timeline):
Renewal timing matters:
You should apply at least 120 days before your registration expires. 
If CCAPP marks something incomplete, you have 30 days to submit missing documentation, and CCAPP responds within 15 days. If you don’t respond within 30 days, your renewal review is terminated, and you must submit a new application to re-register.
RADT Trainee II (Continuing Your Education)
RADT Trainee II is the stage where you’re officially in the “keep going and build hours” phase. At this level, you’re working toward the 315-hour education requirement needed to become a RADT Intern. 
To apply for RADT Trainee II in Certemy, you must:
Your ongoing requirements as Trainee II:
RADT Intern (Preparing for Professional Practice)
RADT Intern is the final step on the RADT ladder before certification. It means you’ve completed your formal education and you’re actively preparing for the next professional stage. 
To apply for RADT Intern in Certemy, you must:
To stay active as an Intern:
Fees (Quick, Clear, and Important)
As of the handbook’s fee table:
All fees are non-refundable, even if an application is denied or incomplete. 
Hardship extensions may be available (up to 2 additional years) with a hardship application and documentation.
 
Step 2: Begin Working and Logging Supervised Hours (This Starts With RADT)
Once you receive your RADT Trainee I, you may work in the SUD field under supervision.
That’s the key: RADT is the “working while training” stage.
So the moment you become registered, you should begin:
Collecting supervised work experience hours
 
What “Qualified Supervisor” Means (and Why It Matters)
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people logging hours with someone who isn’t considered a qualified supervisor. Here’s the simple truth: your hours only count if they’re verified by someone who meets CCAPP’s supervisor qualifications. It’s ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to make sure the person signing off meets the standard.
In general, your supervisor must be someone who holds a recognized credential (or meets an approved “comparable” qualification). CCAPP lists qualified supervisors as professionals such as:
📌 Bottom line: Before you start counting hours, confirm your supervisor qualifies—because fixing it later can mean lost time and lost hours.
 
Those supervised hours are required for certification (CADC) later. That means Step 2 is automatically “included” in Step 1 because:
What you need during this stage:
📌 In other words: RADT is what opens the door to start gaining the experience hours you’ll need for CADC.
Step 3: Complete Your Required Education (315 Hours) (RADT Is Literally Designed Around This)
This is another reason RADT is more than “just registration.”
During RADT, you’re required to complete education — and the ladder is structured to push you toward the 315-hour requirement.
Here’s how it connects:
RADT Trainee I
RADT Trainee II
RADT Intern
So Step 3 is included because:
✅ RADT Trainee II and RADT Intern are based on education progress
✅ You cannot advance without completing education
✅ By the time you reach RADT Intern, you’ve already met the 315-hour education requirement needed for CADC
📌 That’s why I tell people: RADT is the built-in education ladder that leads directly to certification.
Step 4: Complete Your Practicum (255 Hours) (This Is Part of the “Training While Working” Process)
The practicum is the hands-on training requirement.
People often think practicum is only for “students,” but in the credentialing process, it’s a required step that supports your transition from registration to certification.
The practicum requirement:
✅ 255-hour supervised practicum
It must be:
So Step 4 is included because:
📌 In simple terms: RADT is your entry point into supervised practice, and practicum is the formal training documentation of that practice.
Quick Practicum Supervision Note:
For practicum/internship training, supervision must be completed by a qualified supervisor under CCAPP’s supervisor qualification standards, because those hours must be verified appropriately to count toward certification.
 
Step 5: Apply for CADC Certification
Once you’ve completed your education and practicum, and you’re building your work experience hours, you can begin applying for certification.
CCAPP offers multiple certification levels:
CADC-I (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I)
This is the first certification level.
Requirements include:
✅ 315 education hours
✅ 255 practicum hours
✅ 2,080 hours supervised work experience
✅ Pass the IC&RC ADC exam
CADC-I Steps:
CADC-II
This is the next level up and shows increased experience.
Requirements include:
✅ 315 education hours
✅ 255 practicum hours
✅ 6,000 hours supervised work experience
✅ Pass the IC&RC ADC exam
Many people earn CADC-I first, then continue working until they meet CADC-II hours.
CADC-III
This level includes higher education and a professional scope.
Requirements include:
✅ Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science OR allied mental health profession
✅ 315 education hours
✅ 255 practicum hours
✅ 4,000 hours supervised work experience
✅ Pass the IC&RC ADC exam
Step 6: Pass the IC&RC Exam
No matter which CADC level you’re applying for, the exam is a major milestone.
The exam you’ll take is:
✅ IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam
You can’t test until your application is approved and you’re authorized.
Step 7: Stay Active and Renew Your Credential
Once you’re certified, you’ll need to maintain it.
Renewal requirements include:
✅ 50 hours of continuing education every 2 years
My Best Advice (If You’re Just Starting Out)
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this:
Don’t wait until the end to get organized.
Start saving everything now:
The more organized you are from day one, the smoother your certification process will be.
Final Thoughts
California needs strong, ethical, well-trained SUD professionals now more than ever — and if you’re entering this field, you’re stepping into meaningful work that changes lives.
CCAPP Credentialing is here to help you build your career the right way — with a clear path, respected credentials, and real support along the journey.
If you ever feel stuck in the process, reach out. You don’t have to figure it out alone.