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Georgia Substance Abuse Counselor Credential Pathways
Navigate Georgia’s multi-level certification system with ADACBGA-approved (provider # 2025-3-004) courses and packages. Our targeted initial and renewal certification packages help you advance through CADC-T // CADC-I // CADC-II // CAADC credentials with unlimited online learning and clear progression pathways.
Our course packages provide content training for the following credentials:
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Trainee (CADC-T). A High School Diploma or GED is also required.
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I). A High School Diploma or GED is also required.
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II). A Bachelor’s degree or higher is also required.
- Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). A Master’s degree or higher is required.
We also offer a 40 hour renewal certification package below that allows you to select the courses that best fit your needs and interests.
- Affordable & On-Demand
- Georgia Board Approved
- Instant Certificates Upon Completion
Initial Certification Packages
- Degree / Education Required
- Master’s or Doctoral degree in a behavioral health field with a clinical component (psychopathology coursework and a supervised internship or practicum).
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 4,000 hours of relevant work experience, including at least 20 hours of one-on-one supervision from a direct job supervisor.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 200 hours of clinical supervision, with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the 4 A&D supervision domains. At least 25% of supervision hours must be one-on-one.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC AADC exam.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 180 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
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Georgia requires 180 hours of A&D education covering the IC&RC 12 Core Functions for the CAADC. CEU Matrix’s Georgia CAADC package covers all 180 required hours, with the following required topics included:
– Professional Ethics (6 hours)
– Trauma-Informed Care (6 hours)
– Telehealth/E-Counseling (6 hours)
– HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C (6 hours)
- Degree / Education Required
- CADC-I: High school diploma or GED. CADC-II: Bachelor’s degree in a human service field, or a graduate degree in any field, from a regionally accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DAPIP).
- Work Experience Hours Required
- CADC-I: 6,000 hours of relevant work experience. CADC-II: 4,000 hours of relevant work experience. Both tiers require at least 20 hours of one-on-one supervision from a direct job supervisor as part of work experience verification.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- CADC-I: 300 hours of clinical supervision, minimum 15 hours in each of the 4 A&D performance domains, with at least 25% one-on-one. CADC-II: 200 hours of clinical supervision, minimum 10 hours in each of the 4 A&D performance domains, with at least 25% one-on-one.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC exam.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 300 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Georgia requires 300 hours of A&D education covering the IC&RC ADC domains for the CADC-I and CADC-II. Both levels require the same 300 hours. CEU Matrix’s Georgia CADC package covers all 300 required hours, including the following required topic minimums:
– Professional Ethics (6 hours)
– Trauma-Informed Care (6 hours)
– Telehealth/E-Counseling (6 hours)
– HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C (6 hours)This 300-hour package also satisfies the 180-hour education requirement for the Georgia CAADC certification.
- Degree / Education Required
- High school diploma or GED.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- No work experience required.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 30 hours of clinical supervision, minimum 2 hours in each of the 12 Core Functions. At least 25% of supervision must be one-on-one.
- State Certification Exam
- No exam is required.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 50 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Georgia requires 50 hours of A&D education covering the IC&RC 12 Core Functions for the CADC-T. CEU Matrix’s Georgia CADC-T package covers all 50 required hours, with the following required topic minimum included:
– Professional Ethics (6 hours)
- Degree / Education Required
- Must hold an active CADC-II or CAADC certification. This is a prerequisite credential, not an additional education requirement.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 2,000 hours of work experience directly related to the 8 CCJP performance domains in criminal justice settings.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision across the 8 CCJP performance domains, with a minimum of 20 hours in each of the 4 consolidated supervision domains. At least 25% must be one-on-one.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC CCJP exam.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 100 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Georgia requires 100 hours of criminal justice-specific education for the CCJP, with a minimum of 6 hours in each of the 8 performance domains. This CEU Matrix 100-hour Georgia CCJP package covers the full requirement across all 8 performance domains:
– Dynamics of Addiction and Criminal Behavior (6 hours required)
– Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibility (6 hours required)
– Criminal Justice System and Processes (6 hours required)
– Clinical Evaluation: Screening and Assessment (6 hours required)
– Treatment Planning (6 hours required)
– Case Management, Monitoring, and Participant Supervision (6 hours required)
– Counseling (6 hours required)
– Documentation (6 hours required)
Please visit your state’s credentialing board for additional and current information on your credential.
Renewals
Georgia Substance Abuse Counselor Credential FAQs
What is the Value Package offer?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
How do I purchase the Value Package?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
Do I have to order all of my courses at one time?
CEU Matrix is proud to offer a Value Package for $99 that is good for 10 course hours of your choosing. This savings applies to all courses. Of course, your exams, certificates of completion, and course evaluations are also included in the offer. Without this Value Package you may purchase any courses at the listed price. However, there is a significant savings with the Value Package – 10 hours of courses would normally be $130 for the internet version – with this offer you pay only $99 – a savings of $31! And there is no limit to the number of Value Packages you may purchase.
How do I find Georgia-approved courses on CEU Matrix?
Click “Course Listing” at the top of our homepage, select Georgia from the map, then choose your credential level or “All Available Courses.” All courses shown are ADACBGA-approved for Georgia counselors working toward CADC-T, CADC-I, CADC-II, or CAADC credentials.
What's the best value for Georgia continuing education courses?
We offer several money-saving options:
- Value Package (10 hours for $99, saves $31)
- 40 Hour Renewal Package ($240, saves $280)
- Custom packages for specific credential levels
Plus, we offer specialized credential packages with significant savings for initial certification requirements.
When will my courses be available and how do I access them?
Courses are available immediately with credit card payment in your Student Center under “My Courses.” For renewal packages, you’ll receive credits to select individual courses.
How does Georgia's complete online flexibility benefit CEU Matrix users?
Georgia places no restrictions on the number of hours you can complete through distance learning, unlike many states that limit online education. This means you can complete your entire education requirement (50 hours for CADC-T, 300 hours for CADC-I/II, or 180 hours for CAADC) through CEU Matrix online courses without needing to find in-person training.
What are the differences between Georgia's credential levels?
- CADC-T (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor – Trainee): Entry-level credential requiring high school diploma and 50 hours of education including 6 hours of professional ethics. Allows supervised practice while working toward full certification.
- CADC-I (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor I): First full certification requiring high school diploma, 300 hours of education including ethics, and 6,000 hours of supervised work experience. Allows supervised alcohol and drug counseling practice with legal scope under Georgia law.
- CADC-II (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II): Advanced certification requiring bachelor’s degree in human services, 300 hours of education including ethics, trauma-informed care, telehealth, and HIV/AIDS components, plus 4,000 hours of supervised work experience. Allows independent alcohol and drug counseling practice.
- CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Highest level requiring master’s degree in behavioral health field, 180 hours of education including ethics, and 4,000 hours of supervised experience. Allows independent practice, co-occurring disorder treatment, and supervision capabilities.
Which CEU Matrix packages work best for Georgia credentials?
We’ve designed specific packages for Georgia requirements:
- CADC-T Package: Covers the 50 hours required including 6 hours of professional ethics for entry-level practice
- CADC-I Package: Provides the full 300 hours required including all 12 Core Functions and ethics training
- CADC-II Package: Covers the 300 hours required including ethics, trauma-informed care, telehealth, and HIV/AIDS components
- CAADC Package: Provides the 180 hours of advanced education required for master’s level independent practice
- 40-Hour Renewal Package: Structured for all Georgia credentials with required ethics and trauma-informed care components
- Custom Packages: Tailored for individuals who have already completed some requirements
How does CEU Matrix help with Georgia's specific education requirements?
Georgia requires different specialized topics depending on your credential level including ethics, trauma-informed care, telehealth, and HIV/AIDS education.
Can I retake CEU Matrix exams if I don't pass the first time?
Yes, you can retake any CEU Matrix exam multiple times at no additional cost. Exams are scored immediately online, and you can print your certificate of completion as soon as you pass.
Do I need to complete all my CEU Matrix courses at once?
No, there’s no time limit on CEU Matrix courses. The system tracks your credits automatically, so you can work at your own pace 24/7 from anywhere with internet access while meeting Georgia’s requirements.
Where do I find my CEU Matrix certificates for Georgia credential applications?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center under “My Courses” has all certificates for immediate download/printing. These certificates are specifically formatted for Georgia ADACBGA applications and include all required information for your credential submissions.
What are Georgia's continuing education requirements?
All Georgia credentials require 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including:
- 6 hours of professional ethics (required by law)
- 3 hours of trauma-informed care
- At least 10 hours must be from ADACBGA-approved providers (like CEU Matrix)
- CCS (Clinical Supervisors) need an additional 6 hours in clinical supervision topics
Georgia Substance Abuse Counselor Resources
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA)
Official certification board for Georgia substance abuse counselors. Provides detailed requirements, application procedures through Certemy portal, and continuing education guidelines for all Georgia credential levels.
ADACBGA Certifications Information
Comprehensive resource detailing specific requirements for each credential level, including education, supervision, and examination prerequisites for Georgia’s four-level system.
ADACBGA Continuing Education Information
Detailed continuing education requirements, approved providers, and recertification guidelines with specific hour breakdowns for maintaining Georgia credentials.
Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA)
Alternative certification organization for Georgia addiction counselors providing NAADAC-affiliated credentials, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
Your Roadmap to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Starting Your Career (CADC-T)
Foundation Practice (CADC-I)
Independent Practice (CADC-II)
Advanced Independent Practice (CAADC)
Achieve CAADC for the highest level of alcohol and drug counseling practice, including co-occurring disorder treatment and advanced therapeutic interventions. This master’s-level credential provides maximum professional flexibility and leadership opportunities.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Georgia
Complete Education
Enroll in our distance learning program to fulfill educational requirements for certification. Our self-paced, home-study course bundles can be completed anywhere at any time!
Complete Supervised Work Experience
Accrue supervised work experience hours by working in a treatment facility or other relevant setting.
Pass the State Exam
Register with your state certification/licensing board and sign up to take the state exam.
Apply for Certification
Submit application to the state certification/licensure board, including proof of completed education, work experience, exam results, and other required information.
Need Help?
Ready to advance your Georgia addiction counseling career? Our team understands Georgia’s multi-level certification system and unlimited online learning advantages. We’ll help you choose the perfect courses for your current credential level and career goals while ensuring compliance with ADACBGA requirements and maximizing your professional development.
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