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Become or Stay Certified as a CADC or LCADC in New Jersey

Become or Stay Certified as a CADC or LCADC in New Jersey

Whether you’re just starting your journey as a substance use counselor or need to maintain your professional license, we’re here to guide you through every step of the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) process in New Jersey.

Explore clear, up-to-date guidance on:

Start Here: What’s the Difference Between a CADC and LCADC?

  • CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor): Requires supervision by an LCADC or other qualified professional. CADCs may conduct assessments but cannot diagnose.
  • LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor): Licensed for independent practice. LCADCs can supervise CADCs and interns and are authorized to provide diagnoses.

For New Applicants: How to Become a CADC or LCADC in NJ

Quick Overview:
To become certified or licensed, you must meet education, supervised experience, and examination requirements set by the New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee.

CADC Requirements

  • Education: 270 hours of approved addiction-focused education.
  • Experience: 3,000 supervised work hours (2 years) across 12 core counseling functions.
  • Internship/Training: 300 hours of supervised practical training.
  • Exams: Pass written and oral exams through the Certification Board.
  • Note: In New Jersey, only 54 CEU hours (or nine 6-hour courses) can be completed through our self-paced online courses. However, you may earn all of your credits through our live virtual training sessions.

LCADC Requirements

  • Education: A master’s degree in counseling or an approved counseling-related field, with at least 18 graduate credits in specific core areas.
  • Experience: Must meet all CADC requirements, plus provide documentation of clinical supervision.
  • License: Issued by the State Board following proof of certification and an advanced degree.

➡️ Wellspring offers virtual, monthly certification courses that satisfy part of these requirements. Learn more and register: wellspringprevention.org/resources/events

📌 Important

If you’ve completed relevant college coursework, do not sign up for any courses until your transcript is reviewed by the Certification Board. Submit your request here: https://certbd.org/transcript-review/

Training Formats: Self-Paced Online vs. Live Virtual

Wellspring offers two types of CADC/LCADC training options. Before registering, please review which format is appropriate for your certification or renewal needs.

Self-Paced Online Courses
Self-paced online courses are available through addictiontrainings.org. These asynchronous courses can be completed on your own schedule and may be used for approved online/distance-learning hours. Because New Jersey limits how many asynchronous online hours may count toward initial certification and renewal, students should confirm their remaining requirements before registering.

View self-paced online courses through Addiction Trainings: https://www.addictiontrainings.org/

Live Virtual Trainings
Live virtual trainings are scheduled Zoom-based courses led in real time by an instructor. These synchronous trainings take place on a specific date and time and may be required for certain renewal requirements, including some Legal Standards training requirements.

View upcoming live virtual trainings on Wellspring’s calendar: https://wellspringprevention.org/resources/events/

Not sure which format you need?
If you are pursuing initial CADC or LCADC certification, we strongly recommend having your transcripts reviewed by the Certification Board before registering for courses. This can help you determine which requirements you have already met and whether you need self-paced online courses, live virtual trainings, or another approved option.

For Certified Professionals: Renewal & Recertification

Certification must be renewed every two years. You’ll need to complete continuing education hours and meet state-specific training requirements.

CADC Recertification Requirements

  • 60 total CE hours every two years
  • Up to 30 hours may be completed online
  • Includes 3 hours in social/cultural competence
  • Initial renewal: 6-hour legal standards course
  • After that: 3-hour live (synchronous or in-person) legal standards training

LCADC Recertification Requirements

  • 40 total CE hours every two years
  • Up to 20 hours may be completed online
  • Includes 3 hours in social/cultural competence
  • Same legal standards requirements as CADC

➡️ Renewal Courses

Our monthly recertification courses fulfill NJ state requirements and are available virtually. View upcoming Renewal courses: wellspringprevention.org/resources/events

CADC and LCADC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To earn a CADC credential, you must:

  • Complete 270 hours of approved alcohol and drug education
  • Complete 3,000 hours (or two years) of supervised work experience
  • Complete 300 hours of supervised practical training across 12 core functions
  • Pass both written and oral exams administered by the Certification Board

Note: In New Jersey, only 54 CEU hours (or nine 6-hour courses) can be completed through our self-paced online courses. However, you may earn all of your credits through our live virtual training sessions.

In addition to meeting CADC requirements, you must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field with 18 graduate credits in specified areas
  • Document appropriate clinical supervision
  • Submit your credentials for review and pass the required licensing process

Yes. If you’ve taken relevant courses in addiction or mental health, you should submit a transcript review request to the Certification Board before enrolling in any new classes: https://certbd.org/transcript-review/

For CADC:

  • 60 hours every 2 years
  • Up to 30 hours may be done online
  • Includes 3 hours in social/cultural competence
  • Legal Standards Course:
    • 6 hours for your first renewal
    • 3 hours (live or in-person) for subsequent renewals

For LCADC:

  • 40 hours every 2 years
  • Up to 20 hours may be done online
  • Same requirements for cultural competence and legal standards as CADCs

Wellspring offers virtual, monthly CEU courses for CADCs and LCADCs. You can view our upcoming trainings here: https://wellspringprevention.org/resources/events/

No. New Jersey regulations currently allow only 54 education hours (or nine 6-hour courses) to be completed through our self-paced online courses for initial certification. There is no such cap for CEU hours used for recertification, though limits still apply:

  • CADCs: Up to 30 CEU hours can be online
  • LCADCs: Up to 20 CEU hours can be online

However, you may earn all of your credits through our live virtual training sessions.