Becoming a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois requires 225 education hours, 2,000 supervised work hours (effective July 1, 2025, for new applicants), an online ICB application via Certemy, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam. Median salary is $59,570 statewide, with Chicago averaging $61,150. Advanced credentials (CRADC, CSADC, CAADC)are available with additional experience and education.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Illinois
- With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Illinois
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Illinois
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Illinois
- Frequently Asked Questions
In Chicagoland, they’re counting the opioid overdose deaths in the thousands. The numbers are staggering. In 2022 alone, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office recorded nearly 2,000 overdose deaths, 1,824 of which involved fentanyl. To put that number in perspective, it’s more than all homicides and car crash fatalities in the state combined during this time. The problem is widespread in Illinois.
On Chicago’s West Side, the opioid crisis is particularly acute, but it’s certainly not the only area struggling to climb out from under what feels like a dark cloud. Communities throughout Chicago and Cook County are reeling as the crisis continues to take its grim toll, affecting areas such as Englewood, East Garfield Park, Washington Park, and beyond.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Chicago Field Division, many of the elements that make this massive metropolis so successful, such as its legitimate trade and vast infrastructure, have also allowed drugs to flow freely, creating a devastating storm that’s trapping hundreds of thousands in addiction.
But Illinois lawmakers and recovery advocates are committed to making a better tomorrow for communities across the state affected by substance use disorder. On the front lines leading that charge are the state’s Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors (CADC).
Old School Helpline Resources and Cutting Edge Outreach Programs Combine to Save Lives in Cook County and Beyond
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Illinois Helpline serves as a free statewide resource. The Cook County Public Health Department has partnered with numerous law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations, including public libraries, to make Narcan widely available in public places throughout the county. Just recently, the 9-1-1 system began staffing mental health professionals as part of Chicago’s Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program. CARE’s Opioid Response Teams provide follow-ups with individuals who suffered a non-fatal opioid overdose.
Illinois’ network of substance abuse recovery programs and services is vast and growing, providing aspiring substance abuse counselors like you with exciting opportunities to become part of the state’s solution to the disease of drug addiction.
From community programs that provide safe places for people to shower, eat a hot meal, and get immediate medical attention, to city programs like CARE that help match people caught up in the cycle of drug addiction with resources, to nonprofit and private rehabilitation programs providing both short- and long-term care and services, there are many opportunities for a fulfilling career as a substance abuse counselor in Illinois.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Illinois
To become one of the professionals in Illinois responsible for providing counseling services to individuals with drug and alcohol problems, their families, and loved ones, you’ll need to earn certification through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.c (IAODAPCA), which we’ll refer to in this guide as the Illinois Certification Board (ICB).
One of the first things you’ll notice is that the ICB offers many certification options for substance abuse counselors, along with specialty designations, professional endorsements, and board-registered credentials.
However, for this guide, we’ve detailed the process of becoming a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC), the standard credential for substance abuse counseling that enables you to provide professional counseling services independently.
At the bottom of this guide, in the section entitled With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options, we also detail the following advanced certification options that you may choose to pursue once you’ve achieved more experience and education in substance abuse counseling:
- CRADC: Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
- CSADC: Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
- CAADC: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
Becoming a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (CADC) in Illinois involves four significant steps:
1. Complete a Certificate Course Equal to 225 Clock Hours
2. Document at Least 2,000 Hours of Paid AOD-Qualified Work Experience (Effective July 1, 2025)
3. Apply for CADC Certification Through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) Online
4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam and Become Certified
You likely have plenty of questions about the process. We’ve taken the guesswork out of what it takes to earn your CADC credential by breaking down each step and providing you with clear, simple instructions that will allow you to move forward with confidence and earn the credential you need.
Step 1. Complete a Certificate Course Equal to 225 Clock Hours
The path to CADC certification in Illinois starts with a high school diploma or GED and the completion of at least 225 clock hours of education. Note that one college semester equals 15 clock hours, and a 3-semester-hour college course equals 45 clock hours.
Your education must include:
- 100 hours of alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselor education, including 15 hours of AOD treatment services for women and their families, and 15 hours of AOD treatment services for adolescents and their families
- 6 hours in professional ethics and responsibility
- 10 hours in race and equity
- 109 hours in performance domains: clinical evaluation, treatment planning, counseling, case management and referral, documentation, client and family education, and professional ethical responsibilities
Examples of AOD counselor education include pharmacology, signs and symptoms of alcohol and other drug use, dynamics of substance use disorders, medical treatment issues, detox and withdrawal, relapse, AOD rules and regulations, special populations, history of AOD, and effects of alcohol or drugs on the human body.
Part of your education must also include a supervised practical experience (internship) of at least 150 hours at an approved addiction counseling site.
Several Illinois colleges, universities, and professional organizations offer stand-alone non-degree certification programs specifically designed to meet these requirements.
But there are distinct advantages to earning a degree as you prepare to become a CADC. While the July 1, 2025, ICB requirement changes standardized work experience hours to 2,000 for all applicants, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree still provides significant advantages. A degree sets you apart in the job market, qualifies you for advanced credentials, and provides a stronger foundation in behavioral sciences.
An associate or bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree, in a related field will set you apart from the crowd and qualify you to earn advanced credentials. You’ll find more information on this below under With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options.
Suppose you choose to earn a degree to enhance your qualifications. In that case, you’ll want to complete an associate or higher degree in the behavioral sciences or another relevant field, such as community counseling, mental health, social work, rehabilitation counseling, criminal justice, psychology, or sociology. Programs with at least 12 semester hours related to AOD topics provide the best foundation for your CADC certification and future career advancement.
Step 2. Document at Least 2,000 Hours of Paid AOD-Qualified Work Experience
Important Update: Effective July 1, 2025, the Illinois Certification Board reduced the paid work experience requirement for new CADC applicants to 2,000 hours (approximately one year of full-time work). This applies to all applicants regardless of degree level. Previous tiered requirements based on associate or bachelor’s degrees no longer apply to new applicants under this updated model.
Once you’ve completed the required education, you’ll need to begin accruing experience hours that you’ll use toward CADC certification. The ICB defines qualified work experience as a paid position where you provide direct, primary drug and alcohol counseling at least 51 percent of the time. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not qualify.
So this begs the question. How do I get all these hours of supervised experience before I’m certified? The answer is more straightforward than you might think. You get a job with a private or state-sponsored substance use disorder service provider that will get you there.
Programs and providers in Illinois need help and are looking to fill entry-level positions, precisely like the kind that would provide the experience hours you need. You’ll get the experience you need while getting paid for it, and at the same time, you’ll be guided along the path to qualifying for your CADC certification, and eventually more advanced credentials as you progress in your career.
Under the new requirements, effective July 1, 2025, all new CADC applicants must have 2,000 hours of paid work experience. While earning a degree no longer reduces this requirement, an associate or bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field still provides advantages, including qualifying you for advanced credentials and making you more competitive in the job market.
Step 3. Apply for CADC Certification Through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB)
Once you’ve met all experience and education requirements, you’ll apply for CADC certification online through the ICB’s Certemy platform. You’ll need to provide a current job description (dated and signed by both you and your supervisor on official company letterhead) and your official transcripts when applying.
Visit the Illinois Certification Board website for current application procedures and to access the online application system.
Step 4. Take and Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam and Become Certified
To become a CADC in Illinois, you must take and pass the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Examination for Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC examination).
Once ICB has approved your application, you’ll receive an exam letter and pre-registration test code via email. To schedule for this computer-based exam, you’ll complete and return the pre-registration test code sheet, along with a non-refundable payment for the exam fee.
After they’ve received your payment and re-registration form, they’ll inform Computer-Based Testing (CBT), a third-party testing administrator, of your eligibility to take the exam. You’ll then receive an email from CBT with instructions on how to register for your exam. You’ll choose your exam location, date, and time. CBT has exam sites throughout Illinois.
The ICB has study guides available to help you prepare for the IC&RC ADC exam.
You’ll immediately receive a score upon finishing the exam. You must wait to receive confirmation from ICB to complete the final step in the application process, which includes paying the initial certification fee. Processing times may vary; please check with the ICB for current timelines.
Check with ICB for the current timeframe to complete the whole application process from submission to final certification.
You’ll need to renew your CADC credential every two years. The ICB is implementing revised continuing education requirements effective July 2025. Refer to the ICB Maintaining Your Certification page for the current CEU requirements and renewal procedures.
With a Higher Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
All that hard-earned education and experience pays off in Illinois, where you can earn successively more advanced credentials in substance abuse counseling. The ICB offers several advanced certifications, including:
- CRADC: Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor (you must hold the CRADC before being allowed to apply for either the CSADC or CAADC)
- CSADC: Certified Supervisor Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
- CAADC: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
Note: Advanced certification requirements are subject to updates and revisions by the ICB. Visit the Illinois Certification Board website for the most current requirements for CRADC, CSADC, and CAADC credentials, including specific education hours, supervised experience, and examination requirements.
Generally, these advanced credentials require progressively more education hours, supervised work experience, and specialized training in areas such as clinical supervision, advanced treatment modalities, and specialty populations. A master’s degree in a behavioral science field is typically required for the CAADC credential.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Illinois
Substance abuse counselors are in high demand in Illinois, and the state has set out to increase its number of qualified professionals to satisfy the growing need for CADCs. The Illinois Department of Human Services has partnered with the ICB to help prepare individuals to become CADCs, and they’re spending $3 million to jumpstart their efforts. They’ve recently begun offering financial assistance to aspiring CADCs who are working toward certification, and they’re also ramping up assistance with job placement and continuing education opportunities.
According to a report by the Illinois General Assembly, the substance abuse workforce is aging (56 percent of all substance use disorder professionals certified through the IC&RC are over the age of 50), and the state is falling below the national average rate of substance abuse counselors for every 1,000 adults.
At the same time, opioid overdose deaths continue to climb throughout the state. According to the CDC, many Illinois counties reported surging rates of opioid overdose deaths between September 2022 and August 2023 that surpassed the national rate of 32.5 deaths per 100,000 people:
- Winnebago County (Rockford): 50.3 deaths per 100,000 people
- Vermillion County (Danville): 47 deaths per 100,000 people
- Peoria County: 44.3 deaths per 100,000 people
- Sangamon County (Springfield): 44.2 deaths per 100,000 people
- Cook County (Chicago): 43.3 deaths per 100,000 people
- Montgomery County (Hillsboro): 42.8 deaths per 100,000 people
The number of substance abuse facilities in Illinois continues to grow, revealing increasing opportunities for substance abuse counselors. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2020 National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, Illinois reported 638 substance abuse facilities in 2011. By 2020, this number had swelled to 713 facilities, and the US treated nearly 41,000 people.
The U.S. Department of Labor projects that substance abuse counselor jobs in Illinois will increase by 18 percent in the decade leading up to 2030. During this time, the state is expected to experience 1,480 annual job openings in the Prairie State, resulting from a combination of new job creation, retirements, and natural job turnover.
It comes as no surprise that many of the substance abuse counselor jobs in Illinois are concentrated in the Chicagoland region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area ranked fourth among the nation’s top metro areas for its employment of substance abuse counselors, with 11,600 as of May 2022.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Chicago
Chicago’s system of recovery and support services and programs is extensive. Substance abuse counselor jobs range from small, private rehab programs to major healthcare programs to nonprofit community clinics.
Harm reduction organizations, such as the Chicago Recovery Alliance, are dedicated to providing addiction treatment and support. Major hospital systems, such as the University of Chicago Medicine, offer a comprehensive network of services, including medically managed detox, intensive outpatient services, and partial hospitalization services. Designated Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) facilities like the Haymarket Center provide substance use disorder treatment for individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.
The City of Chicago has also implemented several outreach programs and resources for Chicagoans suffering from addiction. For example, the Chicago Department of Public Health recently partnered with the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Prevention (IDHS/SUPR) for a pilot program to offer Chicagoans medication-assisted recovery (MAR). Organizations like Family Guidance Center, Inc., provide MAR, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. Individuals seeking treatment are immediately connected with care coordinators who help them determine the best treatment options and connect them with medical providers who can then provide them with a medication prescription.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Springfield
Springfield has emerged as a leader in Illinois for its progressive approach to individuals with substance use disorder. Their Safe Passage Initiative, a partnership between the police and the Gateway Foundation, has changed the way the Springfield Police Department deals with individuals who have an addiction. Through the Safe Passage Initiative, individuals seeking the help of the police for their drug and alcohol addiction will be entered into the screening process for the initiative, and those who have a small amount of drugs or drug paraphernalia will not be criminally charged.
Springfield’s progressive stance on drug addiction has allowed many individuals to seek the treatment that will help them overcome their substance use disorder. As a result, you’ll find a wealth of substance abuse counselor jobs at places like the Rediscovery Recovery House, a sober living home for men in recovery from addiction, Lincoln Recovery, a private drug rehab facility that offers a monitored detox and inpatient program, and MedMark Treatment Centers, which offers personalized opioid treatment programs and counseling services.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Rockford
Substance abuse counselors in Rockford enjoy plentiful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from substance use disorder. For example, Rosecrance, which has more than 60 centers throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, operates a residential and outpatient treatment center in Rockford. This 97-bed treatment center offers individual counseling, family counseling, and group therapy.
Individuals in Rockford also seek treatment through the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center, which offers a six-month drug rehabilitation program. This program provides meals, shelter, and comprehensive care, including work therapy, spiritual counseling, life skills development, Christian living, and personal growth classes. They also help individuals in the program secure sober housing, obtain a sponsor, and maintain their sobriety for the long term.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Joliet
Opportunities for substance abuse counselors in Joliet are found at facilities like Symetria, an outpatient rehab and suboxone clinic that also offers one-on-one, unlimited therapy and mental health treatment. CADCs in Joliet also work at private facilities like Stepping Stones Treatment Center, a 12-step drug and alcohol rehab that provides inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services, along with dedicated programming for young adults and those with mental illness.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Peoria
Professional opportunities for substance abuse counselors in Peoria include places like the Addiction Recovery Center at Carle Health Proctor Hospital, which offers inpatient care, withdrawal management, medication-assisted recovery, partial hospitalization, group and individual counseling, and medically monitored inpatient care, and UnityPoint Health Addiction Recovery Center, which offers detox, inpatient rehab, and a partial hospitalization program.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Chicago, Bloomington, Danville, Champaign, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield, Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), substance abuse counselors in Illinois earned a median salary of $59,570 as of May 2024, which is about $6,000 above the national median for this profession. With just a few years of experience, these professionals earned about $47,640, while those at the top of their field earned about $107,630.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Chicago?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in the Chicago metro area, which includes Naperville and Elgin, earned a median salary of $61,150 as of May 2024, approximately $1,600 above the state median during this time. Those newest to the profession earned about $47,980, while those at the top of their field earned about $114,400.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Bloomington?
According to the BLS, as of May 2024, substance abuse counselors in Bloomington earned a starting salary of approximately $41,750, a median salary of $50,170, and a top salary of $97,460.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Danville?
The BLS does not provide separate May 2024 salary data for the Danville metro area. Check the statewide median of $59,570 for Illinois counselors as a reference point.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Champaign?
As of May 2024, substance abuse counselors in the Champaign metro area, which also includes Urbana, earned a median salary of $63,180. With just a few years of experience, these professionals earned about $46,890, while those with extensive experience earned about $105,720, one of the highest salaries reported among substance abuse counselors in Illinois.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Peoria?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Peoria earned a starting salary of about $46,630, a median salary of $52,740, and a top wage of about $90,400 as of May 2024.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Rockford?
As of May 2024, the BLS reported that substance abuse counselors in Rockford earned a median salary of $46,640. Those newest to the profession earned about $45,540, while those at the top of the pay scale earned about $77,250.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Springfield?
According to the BLS, substance abuse counselors in Springfield earned a median salary of $60,600 as of May 2024. With just a few years of experience, these professionals earned about $46,890, while those at the top of their field earned about $100,020.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Illinois
The ICB currently accredits 26 alcohol and other drug counselor training programs.
You can become a substance abuse counselor by completing a certificate or training program offered by an Illinois college, university, or other accredited organization. For example, the Haymarket Center, the largest provider of treatment for substance use and mental health disorders in the Chicago region, offers an ICB-accredited training program that includes 225 hours of coursework and a 300-hour internship. Several community colleges also provide a CADC program, either with or without an associate’s degree. For example, Elgin Community College offers a path to the CADC credential through its Vocational Specialist Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling or its AAS in Human Services, Substance Abuse Counseling Option.
Most certificate programs offered through Illinois colleges and universities are post-baccalaureate post-master’s certificate programs that require students to either be completing or have completed a degree in counseling or a related mental health field.
For example, Aurora University offers a CADC certificate program that can be earned in conjunction with their BS or MS in Social Work. In contrast, Chicago State University offers an Alcohol and Other Drugs of Addiction Counselor Training Post-Baccalaureate Certificate for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Northeastern Illinois University offers a 21-credit Addiction Counseling Certificate for students or graduates of clinical mental health, couple and family, rehabilitation, or school counseling programs.
Adler University
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Graduate Degrees
- Psy. D. in Psychology with a Substance Abuse Treatment emphasis
Graduate Certificates
- Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (Graduate level)
City Colleges of Chicago
Kennedy-King College
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Basic Certificate in Addiction Studies
- Advanced Certificate in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Studies
College of DuPage
Human Services
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Co-Occurring Disorders
- Certificate in Corrections Counseling
- Certificate in Recovery Support Specialist
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addictions Counseling
College of Lake County
Business and Social Sciences Division
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Treatment
- Accelerated Addictions Counseling and Treatment Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Counseling and Treatment
Elgin Community College
Career and Technical
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Basic Vocational Certificate-Recovery Support Specialist
- Vocational Certificate-Human Services Substance Abuse Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Human Services-Substance Abuse Counseling option
Governors State University
College of Health and Human Services
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- Minor in Addictions Studies
Master’s Degrees
- Master of Health Science in Addictions Studies
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Screening, Assessmen,t and Referral
Illinois Central College
Arts and Behavioral Sciences Department
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Drug and Alcohol Counselor Training
Moraine Valley Community College
Health Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Studies
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Addiction Studies
Oakton College
Career Programs and Pathways
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Preparatory Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
- Advanced Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Substance Abuse Counseling
South Suburban College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addictions Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Human Services with a concentration in Addictions Studies
University of Illinois Springfield
School of Public Management and Policy
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Human Services with an Alcohol and Substance Abuse concentration
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Substance Abuse
University of St. Francis
College of Arts and Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certified Recovery Support Specialist
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Substance Abuse Counseling
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Professional Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
- Post Master’s Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling for Professionals
Waubonsee Community College
Liberal Arts and Sciences Division
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate of Achievement in Substance Use Disorder Counseling
Associate Degrees
- AAS in Human Services-Substance Use Disorder Counseling specialization
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois CADC Certification
How long does it take to become a CADC in Illinois?
The timeline varies based on your educational path and employment status. If you’re working full-time in a qualifying position, you can complete the required 2,000 hours in approximately one year (effective July 1, 2025). Add the time needed for your 225 education hours and exam preparation, and most people complete CADC certification in 1.5 to 2 years from start to finish.
Can I become a substance abuse counselor in Illinois without a degree?
Yes. The CADC credential requires 225 clock hours of specific education and 2,000 hours of paid work experience, but does not require a college degree. You can complete the 225 education hours through certificate programs at community colleges or other ICB-accredited training providers. While a degree isn’t needed, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science field can make you more competitive and qualify you for advanced credentials.
What’s the difference between CADC and CRADC in Illinois?
The CADC (Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor) is the standard credential for independent practice in Illinois. The CRADC (Certified Reciprocal Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor) is an advanced credential that requires more education and experience hours. You must hold the CRADC before you can apply for supervisor (CSADC) or advanced (CAADC) certifications. The CRADC also provides reciprocity benefits if you want to practice in other states that recognize IC&RC credentials.
Does volunteer work count toward my CADC experience hours?
No. The ICB requires that all work experience hours be paid positions where you provide direct, primary drug and alcohol counseling at least 51 percent of the time. Volunteer work and unpaid internships do not qualify toward the 2,000-hour requirement. However, your supervised practical experience (internship) during your education phase can be owed.
How much does CADC certification cost in Illinois?
Costs include education (225 clock hours through programs ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you pursue a certificate or degree), application fees, exam fees, and initial certification fees. Check the ICB website for current fee schedules. Many employers offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees working toward certification, and Illinois has recently allocated $3 million for financial aid to aspiring CADCs.
Can I take the IC&RC exam before completing all my required experience hours?
Please check with the ICB for the current policies on exam eligibility and timing. Traditionally, you need to complete all education and experience requirements before applying for certification and taking the exam. The ICB reviews your application to confirm you meet all requirements before authorizing you to schedule your exam.
What jobs can I secure while pursuing my CADC?
Entry-level positions that provide qualifying experience hours include substance abuse counselor assistant, case manager, intake coordinator, peer support specialist (with additional certification), recovery coach, and counselor aide positions at treatment facilities, hospitals, community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and nonprofit organizations. Ensure that any position you accept involves direct counseling at least 51 percent of the time to ensure the hours qualify.
Is the CADC recognized in other states?
Illinois uses the IC&RC credentialing system, which has reciprocity agreements with many other states. However, each state has its own specific requirements and reciprocity rules. If you plan to practice in another state, check that state’s certification board to understand its reciprocity policies and any additional requirements you may need to meet.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois CADC certification now requires 2,000 hours of paid work experience for all new applicants (effective July 1, 2025), down from the previous tiered system of 4,000/1,000/2,000 hours based on degree level.
- The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) offers multiple credential levels: CADC for independent practice, CRADC for reciprocity, CSADC for supervisors, and CAADC for advanced practitioners holding a master’s degree.
- CADC applications are now submitted online through ICB’s Certemy platform rather than by mail, streamlining the certification process for new applicants.
- Substance abuse counselors in Illinois earned a median salary of $59,570 in 2024, with the Chicago metro averaging $61,150 and Champaign reaching up to $105,720 for experienced professionals.
- Illinois faces an aging substance abuse counselor workforce (56% over age 50) and reports below-average counselor rates, creating strong job growth projected at 18% through 2030 with 1,480 annual openings.
- Thirteen Illinois colleges and universities offer ICB-accredited programs ranging from basic certificates to doctoral degrees, with options for campus and online study at community colleges and four-year institutions.
Ready to Start Your Path to CADC Certification?
Explore Illinois substance abuse counseling degree programs to find the proper educational foundation for your career. Compare associate, bachelor’s, and master’s options to maximize your experience hours.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (proxy for Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (proxy for Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
