To become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in Kentucky, you must earn a bachelor’s degree or become a CADCA first, complete 6,000 supervised work hours (reduced based on education level per 201 KAR 35:075), finish 300 classroom training hours in the required domains, and pass the IC&RC exam. Timeline ranges from 2 to 5+ years, depending on education, full-time vs. part-time work, and the availability of supervision.
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More than a generation ago, the National Center for Health Statistics reported that New Mexico had the highest rate of overdose deaths in the country at 15 out of every 100,000 people. By comparison, Kentucky’s rate was only 4. Perry 100,000. Overdose deaths across the country were relatively low. Kentucky’s rates were among the weakest in the country.
A decade and a half later, that all changed.
By 2014, Kentucky’s overdose death rate was 24.7, the fourth highest in the nation. In the 2010s, the state’s rate climbed into the 30s and 40s, peaking in 2021 at 55.6. Poverty, Kentucky’s location on the once bustling Oxy Express, and the introduction of fentanyl into heroin and counterfeit pain pills all contribute to this epidemic.
But synthetic opioids are only one drug, and death from overdose is only one outcome. Alcohol, methamphetamine, and other substances continue to ravage the lives of individuals and entire communities. Kentuckians from all walks of life find themselves lost in this uphill battle.
If you’re passionate about helping people find hope and recovery, becoming a substance use disorder counselor in Kentucky may be your calling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to become one, where to look for jobs, salary expectations, and a few colleges and universities that can help you on your journey.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kentucky
To become a substance abuse counselor in Kentucky, you’ll need to be certified through the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC). Headquartered in Frankfort, this government-run agency oversees all substance use disorder counselors in the state.
The ADC offers six levels of licensing and certification:
- Registered Alcohol and Drug Peer Support Specialist (RADPSS)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA1)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate II (CADCA2)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
- Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
This guide focuses on the steps to become an Option Four Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Whether you want to become an administrator later in your career or stay in a client-facing role, becoming a CADC can be a great way to enter this life-saving field.
According to ADC statutes and laws, to become a CADC in Kentucky, you have to:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree or become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate
2. Register as a Temporary CADC (if needed) and complete work experience requirements
3. Complete required training on specific subjects
4. Submit a CADC application to the ADC
5. Pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
Substance abuse certification in Kentucky is relatively straightforward, but there are important details to consider at each step. In this section, we’ll cover each one. When it comes time to get started, you can find all applications referenced in this guide in the ADC’s forms and documents database.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree OR Become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate First
To become a CADC in Kentucky, you must be at least 18 years old and live in the state most of the time. But when it comes to education and training, there are two paths you can take. The path you choose depends on your current education level, financial situation, and timeline for entering the field.
| Education Level | Supervised Work Hours Required | Supervised Clinical Hours | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Degree (High School/GED) | 6,000 hours | 300 hours | 3-5+ years (includes CADCA progression) |
| Associate Degree | 5,000 hours | 250 hours | 2.5-4 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4,000 hours | 200 hours | 2-3 years |
| Master’s Degree | 2,000 hours | 100 hours | 1-2 years |
Note: Hour requirements are based on degree substitution per 201 KAR 35:075. Timeline estimates assume full-time work and the availability of supervision. Part-time work or limited access to supervision will extend the timeline.
Option 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Go Straight to Becoming a CADC
The first path is earning a bachelor’s degree. It can be a degree in any field.
However, to build a foundation of fundamental counseling skills, you may want to consider a degree in substance abuse counseling. A degree in a related field, such as psychology, social work, or human services, might also be helpful. If you take that route, some of your classes will likely cover substance use disorders.
Option 2: Become a CADC Associate First
Instead of earning a bachelor’s degree, you can become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate or CADCA. These entry-level professionals can help with the counseling process, but typically work under the direct supervision of a fully credentialed counselor. CADCAs only need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Depending on your circumstances and needs, this may be a more accessible path.
There are two levels of CADCA certification: CADCA1 and CADCA2. You’ll need to become a CADCA1 first.
CADCA1
You can become a CADCA1 by:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Completing 40 hours of classes (20 hours within the last year) on the four domains of substance abuse counseling: assessment, screening, and engagement; treatment planning, referral, and collaboration; counseling; and ethics and professional responsibilities.
- Submit the CADCA1 application, supporting documents, and a $50 fee to the ADC.
You’ll also need to find a board-approved supervisor. Fortunately, the ADC maintains a list of approved supervisors. After your application is approved, you’ll work directly with your supervisor for two hours twice a month to develop your counseling skill set.
As a CADCA1, you’ll also need to complete 30 hours of continuing education classes related to substance use disorders each year. Six hours must be in ethics. However, all classes must be approved by the ADC. The ADC doesn’t maintain a complete list of approved class providers, but some pre-approved providers include the following:
- Addiction Technology Transfer Centers
- Clinical Applications of the Principles of Treatment of Addictions and Substance Abuse
- International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium
- Kentucky Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse
- Kentucky School of Alcohol and Drug Studies
- National Association of Addiction Professionals and organizations that are members of it
- National Conference on Addiction Disorders
The ADC typically accepts classes from accredited colleges and universities without needing extra approval. Many CADCAs pursue associate degrees in counseling and related fields to meet these requirements.
CADCA2
You can become a CADCA2 after being a CADCA1 for at least 8 months. In that time, you’ll also need to complete:
- 400 hours of work related to substance abuse disorder counseling. Internships also count. Eighty hours must be dedicated solely to counseling and completed under your supervisor’s direct supervision.
- 70 hours of classroom learning from approved providers. Twenty hours must have been earned in the last two years. This is in addition to hours earned to become a CADCA1.
After meeting those requirements, you can submit your CADCA2 application, all supporting documents, and a $50 application fee to the ADC.
Step 2: Register as a Temporary CADC (as needed) and Complete Work Experience Requirements
Whether you pursue the bachelor’s degree or the CADC Associate path, the next step is accruing experience hours. There are two types of work experience hours: relevant work hours and supervised clinical hours.
If you’re already a CADCA2, you can earn experience hours as a CADCA2. But if you take the bachelor’s degree pathway, you’ll need to register as a Temporary CADC (TCADC) and find an approved supervisor before accruing experience hours.
To become a TCADC, you can submit the TCADC application with official college transcripts and a $50 fee to the ADC. Talking to college instructors can be a great way to find a supervisor. However, you can also use the ADC’s database of approved supervisors to find one in your area.
Relevant Work Experience Requirements
The ADC requires CADC applicants to have 6,000 hours of supervised work experience working with people battling substance use disorders and their loved ones. This can include providing counseling and performing administrative tasks related to recovery services.
However, Kentucky regulation 201 KAR 35:075 provides for educational substitution that can reduce this requirement. If you have a degree in a field related to substance use disorders or counseling, you may qualify with reduced hours:
- Associate degree: 5,000 hours required
- Bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours required
- Master’s degree: 2,000 hours required
These reductions apply to degrees in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related behavioral health field. Verify your specific degree qualifies for substitution with the ADC before planning your timeline.
Supervised Clinical Hours Requirements
Over the course of 300 supervised clinical hours, your supervisor can help you learn more advanced intervention and counseling skills. Feedback sessions, tutorials, and working directly with your supervisor all count towards this requirement. You must also spend at least 10 supervised hours working on each of the four domains of substance abuse counseling.
You can meet with your supervisor in person or over video conference, as long as you meet with them for 2 hours twice a month. But once again, having a degree in a relevant field can reduce the hours required. If you have an associate’s degree, you’ll need 250 hours. With a bachelor’s, you’ll need 200. With a master’s, you’ll only need 100.
Understanding supervised experience requirements is critical to planning your certification timeline.
Step 3: Complete Required Training on Specific Subjects
The last step before submitting your CADC application is completing 300 classroom hours of training on the four domains of substance abuse counseling as required by Kentucky administrative regulation. These hours must cover:
- Assessment, screening, and engagement
- Treatment planning, referral, and collaboration
- Counseling
- Ethics and professional responsibilities
If you took classes as a CADCA2 or earned a bachelor’s or associate degree in a relevant field, those classes may count for this step if they weren’t already used to fulfill other requirements.
To learn about some of the most pressing challenges counselors face today, you’ll also need to take classes on a few specific subjects:
- Two hours on HIV and sexually transmitted infections
- Three hours on domestic violence
- Six hours on counseling ethics (must be face-to-face)
You can earn hours by attending workshops, seminars, and other training events from approved providers. Each hour spent attending those types of classes typically counts only as one hour toward the 300-hour total. However, each semester hour of class taken through an accredited college or university counts as 15 hours.
Step 4: Submit a CADC Application to the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors
Once you’ve completed all requirements, you can submit a CADC application to the ADC with a $50 application fee, $200 exam fee, and two recommendations from licensed or certified counselors. There’s also a $200 fee for initial certification, but that’s not due until after you’ve passed the final exam in the next step.
On the CADC application, you’ll be asked to provide proof of education (such as official college transcripts), work experience hours, and clinical supervision hours. Your supervisor must also attach an evaluation.
Decisions are typically made within two weeks following the ADC’s next monthly board meeting. If your application is approved, the Board will pre-register you for the final exam and send you test scheduling information.
Step 5: Pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam
The final step to becoming a substance abuse counselor in Kentucky is passing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam.
According to the IC&RC’s 2022 candidate guide, the exam consists of 125 scored multiple-choice questions and 25 unscored questions. The questions are divided into four sections:
- Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment
- Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral
- Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities
You’ll have three hours to complete the exam. There are no set test dates, so you can schedule the exam whenever it works for you. Keep in Mind, though, that the test must be taken within one year of getting your CADC application approved.
There are multiple test-taking locations across the state. However, you may be able to take it at home with an online proctor.
Scores are determined using an 800-point scale. 500 is considered a passing score. To prepare, you can use the guides, practice exams, and other materials found on the IC&RC’s test preparation web page. If you pass, the ADC will send you information regarding your new certification. If not, you can retake the test after 90 days.
Advanced Certification Options: LADC and LCADC
As a CADC, you’ll help people through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. But if you’d like to take on more advanced roles in Kentucky’s recovery support network, there are two levels above CADC you may want to consider later in your career.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
LADCs have many of the same duties as CADCs. However, this license requires a master’s degree, so LADCs often handle more complex cases and become supervisors or administrators.
General requirements for LADC include:
- Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Supervised work experience (typically 2,000 hours, but verify current requirements with ADC)
- Supervision hours (typically 100 hours, but verify current requirements)
- Classroom training in addiction counseling (typically 270 hours)
- Pass the IC&RC’s Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam
Important: LADC requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors before beginning this pathway.
Career opportunities: LADCs often work as clinical supervisors, program directors, or in private practice. They can also supervise CADC and CADCA professionals.
Salary advantage: According to BLS data, counselors with master’s degrees and supervisory roles typically earn 15-25% more than CADC-level counselors.
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)
The LCADC is Kentucky’s highest substance use disorder counseling license. It requires a master’s and some additional training. LCADCs often run their own practices or become the directors of recovery programs at large service providers.
General requirements for LCADC include:
- Master’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field
- Supervised clinical experience (typically 4,000 hours, but verify current requirements with ADC)
- Clinical supervision hours (typically 200 hours focused on clinical skills, but verify current requirements)
- Addiction-specific training (typically 300 hours)
- Pass required examinations (requirements may include NCE, NCMHCE, and/or IC&RC AADC; verify with ADC)
Important: LCADC requirements are subject to change and may have additional prerequisites. Always verify current requirements with the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors before beginning this pathway.
Career opportunities: LCADCs can establish independent private practices, serve as clinical directors of treatment facilities, provide expert testimony, and supervise both CADCs and LADCs.
Why pursue advanced licensure: If you’re considering long-term career growth in substance abuse counseling, planning for LADC or LCADC certification can open doors to leadership positions, higher salaries, and greater autonomy in your practice.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Throughout Kentucky
The first natural place to look for substance abuse counselor jobs in Kentucky is in its urban areas:
- Louisville: You can find substance abuse counselor jobs through healthcare networks such as Baptist Health and Norton Healthcare. The city is also home to many independent recovery centers and multi-location mental health providers, such as Brook and Seven Counties.
- Lexington: While the city has dozens of small clinics, you can also find substance abuse counselor jobs at Baptist Health Hospital and UK Healthcare. Both networks operate Bridge Clinics that serve people who have recently suffered overdoses.
- Bowling Green: In 2024, Bowling Green received $20 million to fund the Anchor Project, a mental health and addiction crisis resource initiative. In the coming years, Bowling Green may very well become a statewide recovery hub.
To find substance abuse counselor jobs in more rural parts of Kentucky, you may want to investigate careers with the Cabinet for Health and Human Services. This government agency runs multiple statewide recovery initiatives and operates 14 Regional Prevention Centers. You may also want to explore roles with local organizations that partner with the Cabinet.
Other major employers across Kentucky include:
- Comprehend Mind (formerly Chrysalis House) – statewide women’s treatment services
- Addiction Recovery Care – multiple locations across the state
- KentuckyOne Health behavioral health facilities
- Community Mental Health Centers in all 120 counties
- Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities (for those interested in correctional counseling)
Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Throughout Kentucky
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for substance abuse counselors in Kentucky is $47,060 as of May 2023. Entry-level salaries are around $30,910. The top-earning counselors in the state earn about $84,630 or more.
Salary by major city:
- Louisville: As of May 2023, the median substance abuse counselor salary in Louisville is $49,070. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $34,040, while their more experienced colleagues earn more than $94,480.
- Lexington: The median salary for substance abuse counselors in Lexington is $48,640 as of May 2023. New professionals often make close to $34,210—the most highly paid counselor earns $80,930 or more.
- Bowling Green: Substance abuse counselors in Bowling Green earn a median salary of $47,270 as of May 2023. Entry-level counselors often earn about $29,260, while the highest-paid earn $95,120 or more.
Factors affecting salary in Kentucky:
- Credential level: LADCs and LCADCs earn significantly more than CADCs, with master’s-level clinicians averaging $55,000-$75,000
- Setting: Private practice and hospital-based counselors often earn more than community health center employees
- Experience: Counselors with 5+ years of experience typically earn 20-30% more than entry-level professionals
- Specialization: Those specializing in adolescent treatment, co-occurring disorders, or medication-assisted treatment often command higher salaries
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in Kentucky
If earning a degree is part of your plan, colleges and universities across Kentucky offer degrees at multiple levels. For example, Brescia University in Owensboro offers a bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling. You can take classes online and on campus. Brescia also has an associate-level addiction counseling program.
Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights offers a BS in human services and addiction. Through the program’s 360-hour practicum, you can gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation.
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green has an addictions education certificate program open to students with bachelor’s degrees. This program is specifically designed to help students become Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors in Kentucky. Morehead State University offers a minor in substance use disorders that also prepares students for certification.
The following Kentucky institutions offer specialized programs in substance abuse counseling:
Lindsey Wilson College
School of Professional Counseling
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
Union College
Department of Psychology
School of Professional Studies
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Substance Abuse Counseling
Master’s Degrees
- Master of Substance Abuse Counseling
Graduate Certificates
- Chemical Dependency Counselor Graduate Certificate
University of Kentucky
College of Social Work
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online, Hybrid
Master’s Degrees
- MSW with a Substance Use Disorder Graduate Certificate
Western Kentucky University
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Campus, Online
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addictions Education
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a CADC in Kentucky
How long does it take to become a CADC in Kentucky?
The timeline to become a CADC in Kentucky ranges from 2 to 5+ years depending on your education level and work schedule. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need 4,000 supervised work hours (about 2 years full-time) plus 200 supervision hours. Without a degree, you’ll need 6,000 work hours (3 years full-time) plus 300 supervision hours, and you’ll progress through the CADCA1 and CADCA2 levels first. Part-time work or limited supervision availability can extend these timelines significantly.
Can I become a substance abuse counselor in Kentucky without a bachelor’s degree?
Yes, Kentucky allows you to become a CADC with just a high school diploma or GED. You’ll start by becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA1), which requires only 40 hours of training. After at least 8 months as a CADCA1, you can advance to CADCA2, and eventually to full CADC certification. This pathway takes longer (3-5+ years) and requires 6,000 supervised work hours, but it’s an accessible option for those who want to enter the field without a four-year degree.
How much does CADC certification cost in Kentucky?
Total costs for CADC certification in Kentucky are relatively affordable compared to many professional licenses. You’ll pay $50 for the TCADC or CADCA application, $50 for the CADC application, $200 for the exam fee, and $200 for initial certification after passing the exam. The total ranges from $250-$500 depending on your pathway. These fees don’t include costs for required training hours, which vary depending on whether you take classes at colleges (where tuition applies) or attend workshops and seminars.
What’s the difference between CADC, LADC, and LCADC in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers three main levels of substance abuse counselor licensure. A CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) can be earned with a bachelor’s degree or through the CADCA pathway and allows you to provide counseling services. An LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) requires a master’s degree and positions you for supervisory and administrative roles. An LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor) is Kentucky’s highest level, also requiring a master’s degree plus additional clinical training, and allows you to run your own practice and supervise other counselors.
Do I need to live in Kentucky to get certified as a CADC?
Yes, the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors requires that CADC applicants live in Kentucky “most of the time” as a residency requirement. You’ll also need to complete your supervised work experience and clinical hours with Kentucky-based supervisors approved by the ADC. If you’re planning to move to Kentucky specifically for certification, establish residency before beginning the application process.
Can I work as a counselor while completing my CADC requirements?
Yes, and this is actually the most common pathway. If you take the bachelor’s degree route, you’ll register as a Temporary CADC (TCADC) and work in the field while accruing your supervised hours. If you take the CADCA route, you’ll work as a CADCA1 and then CADCA2 while gaining experience. Most employers in Kentucky understand this progression and hire entry-level professionals who are working toward full certification.
What happens if I fail the IC&RC exam?
If you don’t pass the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam on your first attempt, you can retake it after 90 days. You’ll need to pay the exam fee again ($200). The exam uses an 800-point scale with 500 as the passing score. Use the IC&RC’s test preparation materials, practice exams, and study guides to prepare for your retake. Most candidates who don’t pass the first time succeed on their second attempt after focused study.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity with other states for CADC certification?
Because Kentucky uses the IC&RC exam system, there may be reciprocity opportunities with other states that also use IC&RC credentials. However, each state has different requirements for education, supervision, and training hours, so reciprocity isn’t automatic. If you’re certified in another state and want to practice in Kentucky, contact the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors to determine what additional requirements you’ll need to meet.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky requires 6,000 supervised work hours for CADC certification, with educational substitution available per 201 KAR 35:075 (5,000 for an associate, degan associate lor’s, degaebachelor and’s degree holders).
- The certification process includes 300 classroom hours covering the four domains of substance abuse counseling, supervised clinical hours (varying by education level), and passing the IC&RC exam.
- Two pathways exist: earning a bachelor’s degree first and registering as a Temporary CADC, or starting with a high school diploma/GED and progressing through CADCA1 and CADCA2 levels.
- Total certification costs are relatively affordable: $50-$250 in application fees plus the $200 exam fee, making it one of the more accessible counseling credentials.
- Kentucky substance abuse counselors earn a median salary of $47,060 statewide, with higher earnings in Louisville ($49,070) and opportunities for advancement to LADC or LCADC levels.
- The timeline to become a CADC ranges from 2 to 5+ years,, dependig on educational background, full-time vs. part-time work, and the availability of supervision. Part-time work or limited access to supervision extends this timeline significantly.
Ready to Start Your CADC Certification Journey in Kentucky?
Whether you’re drawn to the bachelor’s degree pathway or want to enter the field quickly through the CADCA route, Kentucky offers accessible paths to becoming a certified substance abuse counselor. Explore degree programs that align with your goals and start making a difference in the lives of Kentuckians battling addiction.
Explore Degree Programs2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
