Recertification Purpose and Rationale: The purpose of recertification, or renewal of certification, is to enhance the quality of alcoholism and drug abuse counseling delivered to the public and to meet the requirements for recertification by IC&RC. This is accomplished by restricting continuing education courses; counseling skill basic courses, including at the Masters level, may not be used. A total of 60 hours of continuing education must be documented: at least 30 hours must be completed in workshops and seminars in advanced counseling skills, and up to 30 hours may be obtained in professional development.” Renewal guidelines are reviewed bi-annually by the certification board.

 

Recertification is required every two years to conform with IC&RC requirements and in support of the industry’s best practices. This time frame allows the certificant ample time to stay current with the required knowledge, skills, best practices and current developments within the industry.
 

Value: Recertification enhances the counselor’s ability to stay abreast of current trends, practices and cutting edge research and education that directly affects their treatment of substance use disorders. 

Additionally, renewal of certification and continuing education requirements provide the counselor an opportunity to stay abreast new laws, regulations or other mandates within the profession.  The consequential value of continuing education and recertification requirements is of utmost importance to ensure the highest level of consumer protection possible.
 

Overview of Certification:  The premise of certification is to reinforce the ideology that those with substance use disorders and addiction can be rehabilitated through effective intervention by both degreed and non-degreed professionals who meet the standards developed and adopted by the CCBADC.  The other eight major purposes of the certification system formulated by the Certification Board are as follows:

1. Establish credibility, confidence and trust
2. Clarify and define counselor duties and responsibilities
3. Develop professional identity
4. Enhance incentive for counselor professional growth
5. Reduce alcohol/drug stigma
6. Provide professional assistance to clients
7. Increase potential of certification reciprocity
8. Increase reimbursement potential

 

Continuing Education Defined: (CADC I/II)

• Advanced Education: Alcohol/Drug Counseling - minimum 30 hours required
  • Workshop/Seminars: Counseling Skills Basic courses including at Masters Level may not be used for renewal. Minimum of 30 hours must be completed in workshops and seminars in the counseling skill and must be given by approved providers with current CAADAC approved provider numbers. It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure that the workshop has an approved provider number. All documentation must have the approved CAADAC provider number and be in advanced alcohol/drug skills.
  • Design/Implementation/Presentation of Alcohol/Drug Counseling topics for an approved CAADAC provider. (Document by submitting a letter from administrator, supervisor or coordinator of activity stating date, type of activity, hours involved, outline of activities and sample brochures, handouts and other education materials.)
  • Initial Oral Training by Approved ICRC/AODA Supervisors. (Document by submitting copy of certificate).
  • Ethics: Three (3) Hours effective January 1998.
• Professional Development Hours - (Provider number not required.) Up to 30 hours may be obtained in the following areas:
  • Design/Implementation/Presentation of Alcohol/Drug Counseling and related topics. Not an approved provider program. (Document by submitting a letter from administrator, supervisor or coordinator of activity stating date, type of activity, hours involved, outline of activities and sample brochures, handouts and other educational materials.)
  • In-service Education. Formalized training within institutions such as clinics and treatment centers provided for the development/enhancement of skills. (Document by submitting letter or certificate verifying participation.)
  • Self-Improvement seminars, workshops. etc. Formal, organized workshop/training which focuses on personal and professional growth issues:
    • Burnout workshop/seminar
    • Personal growth (identification of strength and limitations, stress management, relaxation, leisure time skill, proper nutrition, spirituality)
    • Relapse prevention
    • Professional growth (self-assessment, resources, professional behavior, support services; i.e., ACA, eating disorders, child abuse, etc., peer assistance)
    • Instruction hours of retreat programs which meet the above criteria of professional development are accepted.

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Included as Professional Development:

• CAADAC Board of Directors Meeting Participation
• CCB Board of Directors Meeting Participation
• CAADAC Regional Meeting Participation
• Approved CAADAC/CCBADC/CADCEP Committee Volunteer Work. (Document by submitting letter or certificate verifying participation)
• Examinations performed by qualified CPM Evaluators/Commissioners

Not included as Professional Development:

• Volunteer 12 Step Work
• Volunteer Counseling at Step Houses/Service Centers
• 12 Step Meeting Attendance
• 12 Step Conference and Convention Attendance
• Group or individual counseling or psychotherapy
• Alcohol Anonymous, AA Retreats

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Other Important information about recertification:

• Submit a completed renewal 30 days prior to your renewal date, failure to do so will result in your renewal being delayed, which means your certification will become expired.  We require 30 days processing time.
• Mail your renewal, faxed copies will not be accepted. 
• Advanced CE requirement: Trainer/Agency must be a CAADAC Approved CE Provider and must include a minimum of (3) Hours specific to Ethics/Ethical Practice.
• CADC II is an IC&RC reciprocal credential and requires that the certificant live and/or work in the state a minimum of 51% of the time.

 

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