Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) Requirements

Membership in APSC/NAADAC is not required to become certified; however, you do receive a significant amount of savings discount if you are an APSC/NAADAC member. To join, visit https://www.naadac.org/join-or-renew.

The bullet list below shows the certification requirements, or you may view this flow chart.

  • Transcripts showing bachelor’s degree or higher in human services field from regionally accredited institution.
  • Official transcripts must be sent directly to the APSC office from the regionally accredited institution.
  • Affirmation in writing of adherence to the South Carolina Certification Ethical Standards.
  • Two years full-time or 4,000 hours of experience in the Alcohol & Drug Counseling Domains within previous 5 years.
  • Current and/or previous employers must verify experience on official letterhead and must include dates of employment, whether full or part-time, job title and duties performed.
  • Minimum of 300 clock hours in education or training related to the counseling domains.
  • Documentation of 200 hours of clinical supervision by an APSC certified Clinical Supervisor noted on required form.
  • Supervision must include minimum of 10 hours in each domain.
  • Documentation of six (6) hours in Professional Ethics for counselors.
  • Documentation of six (6) hours in ASAM for counselors.
  • Documentation of three (3) hours in HIV/AIDS issues for counselors.
  • Evaluator’s Statement from current clinical supervisor who must be certified in addictions.
  • Official job description for current employment position signed by both the employee and the employer.
  • Narrative Philosophy of Addictions Treatment for those with bachelor’s degree.
  • Sample case file for those with bachelor’s degree
  • Pass IC&RC written exam for ADC. Exam Costs: $150 for members, $175 for non-members. Visit here for information about IC&RC Examinations.
  • Pay oral interview fee for those with bachelor’s degree.
  • Pass oral interview for those with bachelor’s degree.
  • Receive final approval for ADC from APSC Certification Commission.