Substance Abuse Counselor Certification Through NAADAC and IC&RC: Complete Guide

If you’ve been investigating substance abuse counselor certification and exactly how to go about becoming a properly credentialed counselor, you’ve probably come across the two big national and international certification organizations for the industry: the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). While both organizations offer substance use disorder (SUD) counselor certifications at the national level, they’re entirely separate entities, and the certifications they award are not exactly the same. With few exceptions, every state requires new counselors and those advancing to higher credential levels to pass the exams administered by one organization or the other. Some states accept both organizations’ exams.

According to the most recent data from NAADAC and IC&RC affiliates, 12 states and the District of Columbia accept NAADAC exams exclusively, while 28 accept IC&RC exams only. Ten states recognize both.

How IC&RC and NAADAC Influence State Credentialing Policies

While national certification can be a great step in your career, you’ll also have to abide by your state’s SUD counselor credentialing standards to be able to practice in your state.

The legal authority to practice substance abuse counseling can only be granted at the state level, either through a state government licensing board, but sometimes through a state affiliate of IC&RC or NAADAC, or other non-governmental state professional association.

Most state credentialing authorities base their education and experience hour requirements, at least generally, on either IC&RC or NAADAC standards. Most states have adopted the IC&RC exam and standards. So when you take the exam required to become certified or licensed as a substance abuse counselor in your state, it won’t be your state’s own unique exam. It’ll be one created by the IC&RC or NAADAC, and identical to the ones used in many other states.

State	Exams Accepted
Alabama	NAADAC and IC&RC
Alaska	NAADAC
Arizona	NAADAC and IC&RC
Arkansas	IC&RC
California	IC&RC
Colorado	NAADAC
Connecticut	IC&RC
Delaware	IC&RC
Florida	IC&RC
Georgia	NAADAC and IC&RC
Hawaii	IC&RC
Idaho	IC&RC
Illinois	IC&RC
Indiana	NAADAC and IC&RC
Iowa	IC&RC
Kansas	NAADAC
Kentucky	IC&RC
Louisiana	IC&RC
Maine	IC&RC
Maryland	NAADAC and IC&RC
Massachusetts	IC&RC
Michigan	IC&RC
Minnesota	NAADAC and IC&RC
Mississippi	IC&RC
Missouri	IC&RC
Montana	NAADAC
Nebraska	IC&RC
Nevada	IC&RC
New Hampshire	IC&RC
New Jersey	IC&RC
New Mexico	NAADAC
New York	IC&RC
North Carolina	IC&RC
North Dakota	NAADAC
Ohio	IC&RC
Oklahoma	IC&RC
Oregon	NAADAC
Pennsylvania	IC&RC
Rhode Island	IC&RC
South Carolina	NAADAC
South Dakota	IC&RC
Tennessee	NAADAC
Texas	IC&RC
Utah	NAADAC and IC&RC
Vermont	IC&RC
Virginia	NAADAC and IC&RC
Washington	NAADAC
West Virginia	IC&RC
Wisconsin	NAADAC
Wyoming	NAADAC

With every state relying on IC&RC and NAADAC exams to vet candidates for state-level credentials, passing those exams in this context doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve also earned national certification in the process or that reciprocal certification with other states that use the same exam is a given. IC&RC operates entirely through state-level member boards rather than offering direct national certification. Many IC&RC member boards have reciprocity agreements that allow counselors to transfer credentials between states, which can function as interstate recognition. With NAADAC, however, it is possible to pursue voluntary certification directly through NAADAC as an optional credential, completely independent of your state’s credentialing process. NAADAC certification obtained directly through the national organization would be understood as national certification, but the authority to practice is still only granted through your state licensing agency or certification board.

How to Choose Between IC&RC and NAADAC Certification

For most substance abuse counselors, the choice between IC&RC and NAADAC certification is straightforward. Your state’s accepted exams will be the primary determining factor. If your state only accepts one organization’s exams, that decision is made for you. If your state accepts both IC&RC and NAADAC certifications, you’ll have more flexibility in choosing which path to pursue. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision.

Check Your State’s Requirements First

Before investing time and money into either certification path, verify which exams your state accepts. Use the state table above or visit your state’s licensing board website to confirm current requirements. Some states have recently changed their accepted certification organizations, so always check the most current information.

Consider Your Geographic Mobility Goals

If you plan to relocate or practice in multiple states throughout your career, consider which organization offers better reciprocity options. IC&RC has wider state acceptance and many reciprocity agreements between state affiliates. NAADAC certification can be obtained directly through the national organization, which may simplify multi-state practice in the 10 states that accept both.

Evaluate Professional Development Resources

NAADAC offers extensive continuing education resources, including free access to over 360 hours of training for members. They also provide specialized certificate programs in areas like adolescent treatment, military and veteran culture, and co-occurring disorders. IC&RC focuses more on reciprocity and international credentials, with training available through state-level member boards.

Assess Application Process Complexity

NAADAC allows direct application through their national office, which can mean fewer steps and potentially lower fees. IC&RC requires application through your state’s member board, which may involve additional state-specific requirements beyond the national standards.

Review Employer Preferences in Your Area

While both certifications are widely recognized, some regional employers or treatment facilities may have preferences based on what’s most common in your area. If you’re already working in the field, ask colleagues or supervisors which certification is more prevalent among staff.

Factor	IC&RC	NAADAC
State Acceptance	28 states exclusively, 10 accept both	12 states exclusively, 10 accept both
Application Process	Through state-level member boards	Direct application to the national organization
Reciprocity Options	Many reciprocity agreements between states	National certification is recognized across accepting states
Continuing Education	Available through state member boards	360+ free hours for members, extensive certificate programs
International Credentials	Multiple international affiliates and credentials	Primarily US-focused
Professional Community	State-level networking and support	Large national advocacy and professional network
Certification Levels	ADC, AADC, Clinical Supervisor	NCAC I, NCAC II, MAC
Specialized Credentials	Peer recovery, harm reduction specialist	Adolescent, nicotine/tobacco treatment

Understanding the Unique Features of Both IC&RC and NAADAC Substance Abuse Counselor Certification

For those who choose to pursue IC&RC or NAADAC certification on top of state credentials, often, there isn’t a lot involved in deciding which organization to go with. For most counselors, it’s pretty natural to simply work with the organization offering the exam that’s recognized by the state credentialing authority, and by extension, familiar to local employers. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, though. While IC&RC certification is accepted in many more jurisdictions than NAADAC, there are a number of reasons why NAADAC certification may still be an excellent choice.

Advantages of NAADAC Certification

You Can Apply Directly Through the NAADAC

While the IC&RC offers certification through its state-based member boards, you can apply for NAADAC certification directly through the NAADAC itself. This means that unless your state has extra requirements, you might be able to qualify for certification with fewer steps and fewer fees. The streamlined application process can save time and reduce administrative complexity.

The NAADAC Offers a Couple of Unique Certifications and Certificates

In addition to its three main counselor certifications, the NAADAC also offers certifications in nicotine and tobacco treatment and adolescent addictions counseling. If you already have another NAADAC certification, earning these certifications might not take too much extra work. The NAADAC also offers some counselor training certificate programs for counselors who want to expand their skill sets. They offer certificates in:

• Addiction Treatment in Military and Veteran Culture
• Adolescent Treatment and Recovery
• Advances in Technology in the Addiction Profession
• Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders and Substance Use Disorders
• Conflict Resolution in Recovery
• Clinical Supervision in the Addiction Profession
• Incorporating the Family into Treatment and Recovery
• Practice Management, Administration, and Operations
• Recovery to Practice
• Treating Older Adults in Recovery
• Women in Recovery

Even if you’re not NAADAC-certified, earning one of these certificates can help you support new populations and find even more exciting career opportunities.

The NAADAC Has a Large Professional Development and Advocacy Community

If you become a member of the NAADAC in addition to earning one of their certifications, you’ll have free access to over 360 hours of continuing education opportunities, their career and jobs center, and a number of annual advocacy events, seminars, and summits. These resources could be great for building a large professional support network and finding new opportunities.

Advantages of IC&RC Certification

IC&RC Member Boards Often Offer Reciprocity Certifications

One of the IC&RC’s main goals is to provide counselors the flexibility to go where they’re needed most. Because of that, many of their state affiliates have reciprocity agreements with other states and can help you transfer your credential to another state. They also offer a number of international credentials you can use to find opportunities in other countries.

The Clinical Supervisor Certification Is Great for High-level Positions

If you’d like to become a program manager, director, counselor trainer, or another type of advanced recovery professional, earning the IC&RC’s Clinical Supervisor certification might be a good move. While it’s not necessarily required for clinical or administrative positions, it can show employers that you’ve been trained and tested at an advanced level. This credential prepares you for leadership roles in the addiction counseling field.

IC&RC Offers New Peer Recovery Certification and Other Training Programs

Peer recovery support specialists are people who are in recovery themselves and have undergone training to help others through the process. If you’re in recovery yourself, earning one of these certifications can be a great way to introduce yourself to the field before earning a degree in substance use disorder counseling and becoming a full-fledged counselor. The IC&RC also offers training on behavioral health assessment software and becoming a harm reduction specialist. These opportunities might be a great option for substance use disorder counselors and professionals in related fields who want to broaden their skill set.

Why NAADAC and IC&RC Are Important to the Recovery Community

It’s important to understand why the IC&RC and NAADAC exist in the first place. While they’re separate organizations, they both play crucial roles in supporting both counselors and the people they serve. By certifying counselors all over the world, the IC&RC and NAADAC help people seeking treatment identify qualified professionals. But there’s even more to it than that.

National Certification Can Broaden Your Career Options

While employers have their own hiring standards, national certification is pretty much universally recognized, signaling to prospective employers and the broader professional community that you’ve met rigorous training and experience standards and are equipped to handle the job. Similarly, if you eventually go on to earn an advanced certification through one of these organizations, you might be more competitive for director or program management roles. Advanced credentials like the IC&RC Clinical Supervisor or NAADAC Master Addiction Counselor can open doors to higher substance abuse counselor salaries and leadership positions.

National Certification Allows for Interstate Mobility

All states use NAADAC or IC&RC exams or both to vet counselors for credentials at various levels. States that use the same tests and have similar standards often have reciprocity agreements in place. Reciprocity agreements between states simply mean that one state recognizes the credentialing standards of another state as being nearly identical to its own. This means counselors relocating or otherwise working in a new state can be fast-tracked through the credentialing process. National certification goes one step further. If you’re already certified through the NAADAC or IC&RC, you may find recognition of this achievement even beyond the small group of states that may have reciprocity agreements in place with your own state. This means being able to work as a counselor in more places without having to fulfill significant additional requirements. With remote counseling via Zoom now a standard platform for treatment delivery, the ability to work remotely across state lines is more important than ever. Then there’s the fact that treatment providers in large cities or near state borders often serve clients from different states as a matter of course, and often even have locations in more than one state.

Both Certification Agencies Advocate For Treatment Access on a National Level

While the primary purpose of both the NAADAC and IC&RC is to certify counselors, they’re also dedicated to advocating for their workforce and the people they serve. And because both organizations are made up of thousands of informed professionals, this advocacy sometimes has a big impact. For example, the Family Support Services for Addiction Act of 2021 is a bill that provides grants to organizations that support people battling substance use disorders. Before the bill was passed, NAADAC members met with state representatives, shared insights and data, and emphasized the community-wide impact substance use disorders and treatment solutions can have. These highly organized efforts ensure everyone everywhere has a chance at recovery.

About the NAADAC – National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Founded in 1972 as the National Association of Alcoholism Counselors and Trainers, the NAADAC provides training opportunities to and advocates for substance use disorder counselors in all 50 states. They offer three main levels of counselor certification.

1. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I): an entry-level certification that allows counselors to work under general supervision.
2. National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II): a certification that allows counselors to work more independently and handle more complex cases.
3. Master Addiction Counselor (MAC): a highly advanced credential that equips counselors to administer advanced therapeutic treatments and run their own practices in some states.

While slightly different, each certification level has a similar requirement process: get the right degree, complete enough education hours about substance use disorders, complete supervised training hours, and pass an exam. To be able to practice with an NAADAC credential, you may also have to earn a license from your local state board.

Certification	Minimum Degree Required	Education Hours Required	Supervised Work Hours Required	Exam Required
National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I)	High school diploma or GED	270 hours	Three years or 6,000 hours (varies between states)	NCAC Level One
National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II)	Bachelor’s degree in a counseling and/or addiction-related subject	450 hours	Three years or 6,000 hours (varies between states)	NCAC Level Two
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)	Master’s degree in a counseling and/or addiction-related subject	500 hours	Three years or 6,000 hours (varies between states)	MAC Exam

What to Expect from NAADAC Exams

While there are separate exams for each level of certification, each exam is very similar. They’re all made up of 150 multiple-choice questions, have a three-hour time limit, and cover the same nine topics:

1. Admissions, intake, screening, and orientation
2. Clinical assessment
3. Treatment planning
4. Individual, group, and family counseling, including crisis intervention and client education
5. Recordkeeping and documentation
6. Case management
7. Discharge planning and continuing care
8. Ethical, legal, and professional development issues
9. The physiology and psychopharmacology of substance use disorders

However, if you’re pursuing a high-level license, questions about these topics may be more in-depth and advanced than the ones you’d answer for a lower-level license. Exam scheduling policies vary between states, but you must generally take your NAADAC exam at an approved testing site. As of November 2024, 22 states use NAADAC tests to certify counselors:

• Alabama (also accepts IC&RC)
• Alaska
• Arizona (also accepts IC&RC)
• California
• Colorado
• Washington, DC
• Georgia (also accepts IC&RC)
• Indiana (also accepts IC&RC)
• Kansas
• Maryland (also accepts IC&RC)
• Minnesota (also accepts IC&RC)
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah (also accepts IC&RC)
• Virginia (also accepts IC&RC)
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

It’s important to note, though, that many of these states also accept IC&RC exams, as well.

About the IC&RC – International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium

The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium was founded in 1981. But despite starting later than the NAADAC, the IC&RC has seen impressive growth. As of November 2024, 47 U.S. states have active IC&RC-affiliated certification boards. California and Alaska are not currently active IC&RC members. The IC&RC also has international affiliates in countries including India, Guam, and Germany. Like the NAADAC, the IC&RC has three main levels of counselor certification in addition to credentials for peer recovery specialists and other professionals.

1. Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC): a certification that equips counselors to take part in every stage of the recovery process under supervision.
2. Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC): a higher-level certification that allows counselors to either work more independently or run their own practices, depending on state regulations.
3. Clinical Supervisor (CS): a certification that prepares counselors to administer clinical therapeutic treatment and supervise and assess other counselors.

However, the exact requirements you need to meet to earn each certification aren’t determined by the IC&RC. They’re determined by each individual member board. This means that there are slight variations in requirements between states. Some states even use different titles for each level of certification. That being said, the certification process is generally the same between states and similar to the NAADAC’s certification process: get the right level of education, complete enough education hours about substance use disorders, complete supervised training hours, and pass an exam.

Certification	Minimum Degree Required	Education Hours Required	Work Practice Hours Required	Exam Required
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)	High school diploma or GED (Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in some states)	150 to 350 hours	4,000 to 6,000 hours	ADC Exam
Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC)	Master’s degree (Bachelor’s degree in some states)	180 to 350 hours	2,000 to 6,000	AADC Exam
Clinical Supervisor (CS)	Master’s degree	~30 hours of clinical supervisor education in addition to other requirements	~4,000 hours of supervision practice in addition to other requirements	CS Exam

What to Expect From IC&RC Exams

Like NAADAC exams, IC&RC exams are made up of 150 multiple-choice questions and have a three-hour time limit. While you might have to take your IC&RC exam at an approved testing site (there are multiple testing sites in all states), you may also be able to take it at home under the supervision of an online proctor. However, not all local certification agencies offer at-home testing. Each of the three IC&RC exams has questions about different subjects. On the ADC Exam, you’ll be asked questions about:

• The scientific principles of addiction and co-occurring disorders
• Screening and assessing clients using evidence-based processes
• Evidence-based counseling techniques and making referrals
• Your ethical and professional responsibilities as a counselor

On the AADC Exam, you’ll be asked about:

• Assessment, screening, and engaging with clients
• Making treatment plans, collaborating with other professionals, and making referrals
• Counseling and client education
• Your ethical and professional responsibilities as a counselor

On the CS Exam, you’ll be asked about:

• Counselor development
• The ethical and professional standards of your role as an advanced counselor and supervisor
• Program development and evaluation
• Assessing other counselors
• Your knowledge of different treatment methods

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NAADAC stand for?

NAADAC stands for the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Founded in 1972 as the National Association of Alcoholism Counselors and Trainers, NAADAC is one of the two major substance abuse counselor certification organizations in the United States, offering three levels of national certification.

What does IC&RC stand for?

IC&RC stands for the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. Founded in 1981, IC&RC is the larger of the two major certification organizations, with member boards in 49 US states and international affiliates. The organization focuses on providing reciprocity agreements that allow counselors to transfer credentials between states.

Which certification is more widely recognized, NAADAC or IC&RC?

IC&RC certification is accepted in more states. Twenty-eight states accept IC&RC exams exclusively, while 12 states accept NAADAC exclusively, and 10 states accept both. However, both certifications are nationally recognized and respected within the substance abuse counseling profession. Your state’s requirements should be the primary factor in your decision.

Can I get both NAADAC and IC&RC certification?

Yes, it’s possible to obtain certification from both organizations, though this isn’t common since most counselors only need one to meet their state’s requirements. If you’re certified through one organization and relocate to a state that requires the other, you may need to pursue additional certification. However, maintaining two separate certifications means meeting continuing education and renewal requirements for both.

How much do NAADAC and IC&RC certifications cost?

Certification costs vary by level and organization. Application fees, exam fees, and annual renewal fees differ between NAADAC and IC&RC, and IC&RC costs can vary by state since you apply through member boards. Generally, expect to pay several hundred dollars for initial application and exam fees, plus continuing education costs and renewal fees every few years. Contact your specific certifying body for current fee schedules.

Which exam is easier, NAADAC or IC&RC?

Both exams are similarly challenging and cover comparable content areas. Each consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a three-hour time limit. The difficulty level depends more on your preparation, education, and clinical experience than on which organization created the exam. Focus on studying the specific content areas outlined for your chosen certification level rather than trying to determine which test is easier.

How long does it take to get certified through NAADAC or IC&RC?

The timeline for certification depends on your starting point. If you’re beginning with a high school diploma, expect 3-6 years to complete education requirements and supervised practice hours for entry-level certification. With a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree, you might complete the process in 2-4 years. The exam application and results process typically takes 2-3 months after you’ve met all prerequisites.

Do I need separate state licensure after getting NAADAC or IC&RC certification?

In most cases, yes. National certification through NAADAC or IC&RC alone doesn’t give you legal authority to practice. You must apply for and receive a state license or credential, which typically requires passing the NAADAC or IC&RC exam as one component. Some states offer certification through NAADAC or IC&RC affiliates that serve as both national certification and state-level authority to practice, while others have separate state licensing boards that require the national exam but issue independent licenses.