Certifying Organizations
- California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) (opens external site)
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) (opens external site)
- California Association for Drug and Alcohol Educators (CAADE) (opens external site)
Counselor Certification for Alcohol and Drug Counselors is conducted through the State of California to help regulate the industry to the professional standards required in the field of recovery. The certification process is separate from SRJC, and the student is responsible to register, pay, and track all of their own hours and paperwork for the state certification process. SRJC is not responsible for your certification process, though we can help guide you through it as best we can.
Meeting the State's 80-Hour Requirement at SRJC
New state law requires completion of 12 core competencies and 80 hours of SUD education within the first 6 months of registering as a SUD counselor.
Spring 2028 Offering
SWHS 80 · One Section
📅 Starts January 19 and runs until May 28
SWHS 80 will be offered one time in Spring 2028. Meet with your counselor to confirm your additional course so both are completed within six months of your SUD registration date.
Not Yet Registered as an SUD Counselor?
Strong Recommendation: Wait to Register. If you have not yet registered as an SUD counselor, we strongly recommend you wait until you have completed SWHS 80 plus at least one additional course — and only register when you are starting a job that requires it.
Eligibility Requirements
Complete all three steps to qualify for initial certification. Requirements below apply to both credentials.
Step One
Education
Complete an accredited Alcohol and Other Drug Studies / Addiction Studies (AOD/ADS) program at an approved community college or post-secondary institution.
Step Two
Exam
Submit an application to take the certification exam through the organization you are registered with. Each organization manages its own exam application process.
Step Three
Supervised Clinical Experience
Document approximately 2,240 hours of supervised clinical or field experience. Requirements vary by organization — confirm with yours before beginning.
View detailed experience requirements
- Experience may be volunteer or paid, and can be counted from the date you first registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization. Hours cannot be counted during any lapsed or expired registration period.
- Hours must be completed at a DHCS licensed and/or certified drug and alcohol treatment center or facility. Approved practicum or fieldwork hours count toward the 2,240-hour total.
Hours must involve directly providing AOD counseling services, which include:
- Screening, intake, and needs assessment for AOD treatment or recovery
- Developing and updating treatment or recovery plans
- Implementing and monitoring treatment or recovery plans
- Conducting individual, group, or family counseling sessions
- Documenting clinical activities — progress notes, discharge summaries, and all client-related records
Documentation Requirements
- Hours must be recorded on the certifying body's required form, signed by your supervisor(s), and include dates, total hours, facility name(s), and facility address(es).
Qualified Supervisors
Supervisors must be certified alcohol/drug counselors or licensed professionals, including:
You may not accumulate more than 2,080 hours in a single calendar year. The full 2,240 hours cannot be completed in fewer than 14 months.