Key Value for Schools

Credentialing-aligned education: CCAPP Education reviews curriculum against certification requirements.

Stronger student outcomes: Students can see a direct line from classroom learning to CCAPP registration and certification.

Simpler documentation for approved schools: CCAPP says approved schools already have curriculum on file, which reduces extra documentation for students applying later.

Career credibility: CCAPP states it is the only IC&RC board in California, which is important for students seeking long-term professional mobility.

CCAPP Onboarding Kit for SUD Studies Schools

1. Welcome Message for School Pages

Suggested website copy for schools:

Start your addiction counseling career in California with a pathway designed for CCAPP credentialing.

Our program is built to support students pursuing careers in substance use disorder counseling. As you complete your studies, practicum, and career milestones, you’ll certify through CCAPP—one of California’s leading SUD credentialing pathways. CCAPP provides the registration and certification ladder students use to begin in the field and advance professionally.

2. School Onboarding Checklist

For program directors and coordinators
Use this checklist to align your school with the CCAPP pathway:

Student documentation

• Make sure students retain transcripts, course descriptions, and practicum documentation.
• Remind students that attending a CCAPP-approved school can reduce later documentation because curriculum is already on file with CCAPP.

Student transition to credentialing

• Direct students to CCAPP Credentialing for registration and career ladder guidance.
• Direct students to Certemy when they are ready to apply, since CCAPP states applications are handled through its online portal rather than paper applications.

Career Pathway Guide for Addiction Studies Programs

Start Here: The Student Promise

From your first class to professional certification, your pathway is clear: you’ll certify through CCAPP.

CCAPP’s SUD career ladder gives students a structured progression into the profession. The pathway begins with entry-level registration options and continues through CADC certification levels based on education and experience.

Pathway Step 1: Begin Your Education

Students begin by enrolling in an addiction studies or SUD counseling program that aligns with CCAPP certification requirements. CCAPP Education reviews educational content for this purpose, and schools may seek CCAPP approval through the Education Institute.

School message:

Your coursework is not just academic preparation. It is part of the credentialing pathway. You’ll certify through CCAPP.

Pathway Step 2: Enter the Field Through RADT

CCAPP identifies RADT registration as an entry point into the profession, and its current guidance describes structured trainee and intern options designed to move registrants into the workforce while progressing toward certification milestones.

School message:

Students do not need to wait until the very end of their journey to begin engaging with the profession. They can start on a CCAPP pathway early and continue building toward certification.

Pathway Step 3: Complete Practicum and Supervised Experience

Students advance through education, field practicum, and supervised work experience as they move toward certification. CCAPP’s certification guidance describes educational, practical, and work experience requirements as part of the application process.

School message:

Your program helps students prepare for the field. CCAPP provides the credentialing structure that turns that preparation into a professional future.

Pathway Step 4: Advance to CADC Certification

CCAPP’s career ladder includes multiple certification levels. Current CCAPP guidance lists requirements for CADC-I, CADC-II, and CADC-III, with differing education and fieldwork expectations. For example, CCAPP’s published requirements include 315 hours of AOD core education for these levels, with experience thresholds varying by credential.

School message:

Your students are not just earning credits. They are building toward a California SUD counseling credential. You’ll certify through CCAPP.

Suggested Webpage Sections

Section: For Advisors and Faculty

Give students one clear message:

• Start with an education pathway that aligns with CCAPP
• Track your practicum and supervised experience
• Follow the CCAPP career ladder
• Apply through CCAPP’s online credentialing process

What This Means for Your School

CCAPP provides a clear, recognized pathway that connects education directly to credentialing. Your students are not just completing coursework, they are entering a structured system that leads to registration, supervised experience, and certification.

By aligning with CCAPP, your program becomes part of a statewide framework that supports workforce readiness, compliance, and long-term career development in the behavioral health field.

The message every student should hear

You’ll certify through CCAPP.

CAPP Education supports schools and providers through curriculum review, school approval resources, and education guidance. CCAPP Credentialing provides the California SUD career ladder, including entry-level registration and counselor certification pathways.

How the CCAPP Credentialing Pathway Works

Students move through a structured process from education to certification.

Step 3

Certification

As students complete supervised experience and required hours, they become eligible to apply for full CCAPP certification and advance in their careers.