Steps for Certificate

Earn both certificates at the same time:

  • The "CDAAC" Certificate - Christian Drug, Alcohol & Addictions Counselor

  • The "SUDCC" Certification - Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor

Please send all inquiries, tuition and fee payments to:
ACADC Institute
P.O. Box 326
Yucaipa, CA. 92399

Steps to acquire these credentials

Becoming a christian ministry credentialed drug and alcohol counselor through ACADC involves a variety of steps.  This includes:

  • Complete the registration process
  • Provide proof of your high school diploma or GED.
  • Complete the required 9 hour basic bundle course and receive a passing score on the exam. This includes Professional and Ethical Standards of Case Management (3 hours); HIPAA, Privacy Rule and Confidentiality of Client Records (3 hours); and Analyzing Multiple Relationships between Counselor and Client (3 hours).
  • Successfully complete the CSAC 1 entrance exam and receive the entry level Christian Substance Abuse Counselor credential (CSAC 1)
  • Begin your internship practicum.
  • Complete the 315 hour academic requirement.
  • Complete the required 255 hour field practicum and 2080 hours of AOD work experience.  See the specific sign-off requirements below under “ECPA”.
  • Pass the CDAAC test – Receive your Christian Drug, Alcohol & Addiction Counselor certificate "CDAAC"
  • Pass the IC&RC test - and complete the internship requirements, and receive the "SUDCC"

Required before internship

  • Register with CADTP
  • Complete the required 9 hour basic bundle course and receive a passing score on the exam. This includes Professional and Ethical Standards of Case Management (3 hours); HIPAA, Privacy Rule and Confidentiality of Client Records (3 hours); and Analyzing Multiple Relationships between Counselor and Client (3 hours).

Begin attending the required CDAAC classes to meet the 315 hour academic requirement

315 classroom hours pertaining to alcohol and others drug (AOD) classes are required. You can begin to attend classes at the Huntington Beach Institute. If you have prior education, we will evaluate your transcripts and let you know what we can approve and what courses you will still need to take in order to meet all ACADC requirements.

Field Practicum Tracker Forms

Educational Counseling and Progress Accountability - ECPA

Each student must schedule an appointment with an ACADC Education Counselor or Administrator who will initiate a training progress file to track each student and make sure that all ACADC education and practicum requirements are being met which include the following:

  • Pay the $395, complete the application and take and pass the CSAC I Entrance Inventory
  • Take the required 9 hour basic bundle course and receive a passing score on the exam. This includes Professional and Ethical Standards of Case Management (3 hours); HIPAA, Privacy Rule and Confidentiality of Client Records (3 hours); and Analyzing Multiple Relationships between Counselor and Client (3 hours) exam
  • Complete the 315 hour academic requirement.
  • Affidavit verifying completion of the required 255 hour AOD field practicum (must be completed in a licensed and certified AOD treatment facility). The person signing off on these hours must be a state licensed or certified AOD counselor with a level of certification greater than the one you are obtaining or be a licensed health care professional in a AOD clinical supervisor position.
  • Affidavit verifying completion of the required 2080 hours of work experience (must be completed in a licensed or certified AOD treatment facility). The person signing off on these hours must be a state licensed or certified AOD counselor with a level of certification greater than the one you are obtaining or be a licensed health care professional in a AOD clinical supervisor position.

Required Fees for Certificate Program

  • Registration: $395.00 (due upon registration)
  • Academic: $2605.00

A payment plan is available if needed.

The student must register with ACADC, pay the entrance exam fee of $395 and complete the CSAC I Entrance Inventory. To register, the student must fill out and submit a completed application form and enroll to take the CSAC I Exam (included in the registration process). Upon the successful completion of the CSAC I exam (our entry level certificate) and the completion of the registration process, you will receive the CSAC I  credential.  This exam is not a pass/fail. It is designed to show us your level of spiritual understanding and let us know that you have a Christian worldview. If it appears to the inventory examiner that you need help in order to better understand certain principles, you will be contacted by an education counselor who will teach you the important areas one must be aware of to hold a Christian worldview as a counselor.