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Kentucky Substance Abuse Counselor Credential Pathway
CEU Matrix is a Kentucky ADC Board-approved provider offering packages to help you advance through the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate I (CADCA I) // CADCA II // LCADC // CADC // LCADCA // and LCADC credentials with flexible online learning and comprehensive career support.
All packages are listed below with information on the number of hours, level of degree/ education required, and other relevant information.
In addition, all counselors must renew their credential every 3 years by completing 60 hours of continuing education hours. The Kentucky Board allows you to complete 30 of these hours online. We have a 30 hour renewal package (below) that allows you to choose your own courses from our library of over 100 courses.
- Affordable & On-Demand
- Kentucky Board Approved
- Instant Certificates Upon Completion
Initial Certification Packages
- Degree / Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- No minimum work experience hours are required prior to applying. Applicants must be employed in a substance use disorder counseling setting under the direct supervision of a CADC or LCADC.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- A board-approved supervisor is required. Applicants must receive a minimum of 2 hours of direct supervision twice per month while holding this credential.
- State Certification Exam
- No exam is required for the CADCA I.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 40 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
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Kentucky requires 40 hours of addiction counselor education for the CADCA I. CEU Matrix’s Kentucky CADCA I package covers all 40 required hours:
– Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
– Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
– Counseling
– Professional and Ethical ResponsibilitiesNote: 20 of the 40 hours must have been completed within the previous 2 years. Within the first 12 months of certification, an additional 30 classroom hours must be completed.
- Degree / Education Required
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Applicants must have held the CADCA I credential for at least 8 months.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 400 hours of documented, compensated work in chemical dependency counseling or supervised internship, with a minimum of 80 hours in direct chemical dependency counseling. All hours must be completed under the direct supervision of a CADC or LCADC.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- All work experience hours must be completed under the direct supervision of a board-approved CADC or LCADC supervisor.
- State Certification Exam
- No exam is required for the CADCA II.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 70 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Kentucky requires 70 hours of addiction counselor education for the CADCA II. CEU Matrix’s Kentucky CADCA II package covers all 70 required hours:
– Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
– Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
– Counseling
– Professional and Ethical ResponsibilitiesNote: The CADCA II builds on the 40 hours completed for the CADCA I. An additional 30 hours is required, and 20 of the total 70 hours must have been completed within the previous 2 years.
- Degree / Education Required
- CADC: A bachelor’s degree in any field is required. LADC: A master’s degree (minimum 30 credit hours in behavioral sciences) is required.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 4,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance use disorder counseling. Hours may be reduced based on degree level.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 200 hours of direct clinical supervision with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the 4 content domains.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 294 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Kentucky requires 300 hours of addiction counselor education for the CADC and LADC. CEU Matrix’s Kentucky CADC/LADC package covers 294 of the 300 required hours:
– Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
– Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
– Counseling
– Professional and Ethical ResponsibilitiesThe 300 hours must include a minimum of 6 hours of ethics, 3 hours of domestic violence, and 2 hours of HIV/AIDS. The remaining 6 hours must be completed through another board-approved education source.
- Degree / Education Required
- A master’s degree in behavioral science with clinical application (minimum 60 credit hours, or 30 credit hours with Advanced Placement track) or a doctoral degree is required.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience with persons who have a substance use disorder.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 100 hours of direct clinical supervision from a board-approved LCADC supervisor.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC AADC (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) examination.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 174 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
Kentucky requires 180 hours of addiction counselor education for the LCADC and LCADCA. CEU Matrix’s Kentucky LCADC/LCADCA package covers 174 of the 180 required hours:
– Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
– Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
– Counseling
– Professional and Ethical ResponsibilitiesThe 180 hours must include a minimum of 6 hours of ethics, 3 hours of domestic violence, and 2 hours of HIV/AIDS. The remaining 6 hours must be completed through another board-approved education source.
Please visit your state’s credentialing board for additional and current information on your credential.
Renewals
Kentucky 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 Kentucky-approved courses on CEU Matrix?
Click “Course Listing” at the top of our homepage, select Kentucky from the map, then choose your credential level or “All Available Courses.” All courses shown are Kentucky ADC Board-approved for Kentucky counselors working toward CADCA I, CADCA II, TCADC, CADC, LCADCA, or LCADC credentials.
What's the best value for Kentucky continuing education courses?
We offer several money-saving options:
- Value Package (10 hours for $99, saves $31)
- 30 Hour Renewal Package ($180, saves $150)
- 60 Hour Renewal Package ($360, saves $300)
- 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 Kentucky's online learning flexibility benefit CEU Matrix users?
Kentucky allows substantial completion of education requirements through distance learning for most credentials. This means you can complete the majority of your education requirement (40 hours for CADCA I, 70 hours for CADCA II, 294 hours for CADC, or 174 hours for LCADC) through CEU Matrix online courses, with only 6 hours of ethics requirements needing live instruction.
What are the differences between Kentucky's credential levels?
- CADCA I (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate I): Entry-level credential requiring high school diploma/GED, 40 hours of education including live ethics training, and supervised work experience. Foundation credential for beginning addiction counseling practice.
- CADCA II (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate II): Advanced associate credential requiring high school diploma/GED, 70 hours of education including live ethics, and must have held CADCA I for at least 8 months. Progression step toward professional certification.
- TCADC (Temporary Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Temporary credential for bachelor’s degree holders to gain required work experience while working toward CADC. Expires after 2 years and cannot be renewed.
- CADC (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Professional credential requiring bachelor’s degree, 300 hours of education including 6 hours of live ethics, supervised work experience, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam. Provides expanded practice capabilities and career advancement opportunities.
- LCADCA (Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor Associate): Associate license for master’s degree holders gaining required experience toward LCADC. Requires 180 hours of education including 6 hours of live ethics and annual continuing education until advancement.
- LCADC (Licensed Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Advanced professional license requiring 60-hour master’s degree in behavioral science, 180 hours of education including 6 hours of live ethics, supervised work experience, and passing the IC&RC AADC exam. Allows independent practice and supervision capabilities.
Which CEU Matrix packages work best for Kentucky credentials?
We’ve designed specific packages for Kentucky requirements:
- CADCA I Package: Covers the 40 hours required for entry-level certification with addiction-specific content
- CADCA II Package: Provides the 70 hours required including foundational addiction competencies
- CADC Package: Covers the 294 hours required including all competency domains for bachelor’s level practice
- LCADC Package: Provides the 174 hours of advanced education required for master’s level independent practice
- 30-Hour Renewal Package: Structured for Kentucky’s online portion of continuing education requirements
- Custom Packages: Tailored for individuals who have already completed some requirements
How does CEU Matrix help with Kentucky's specific education requirements?
Kentucky requires specific competency domains for each credential level. CEU Matrix clearly identifies which courses meet each competency requirement and tracks your progress toward your total hours.
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 Kentucky’s requirements.
Where do I find my CEU Matrix certificates for Kentucky credential applications?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center under “My Courses” has all certificates for immediate download/printing. These certificates are specifically formatted for Kentucky ADC Board applications and include all required information for your credential submissions.
What are Kentucky's continuing education requirements?
Kentucky credentials require 60 hours of continuing education every 3 years, including:
- 3 hours of professional ethics (must be live/face-to-face instruction)
- 6 hours of suicide assessment, treatment, and management (once every 6 years)
- Up to 50% (30 hours) can be completed through distance learning
- LCADCA requires 20 hours annually until advancement to LCADC
Kentucky Substance Abuse Counselor Resources
Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (ADC)
Official credentialing organization for Kentucky substance abuse counselors. View official regulations, application requirements, and credential guidelines for all Kentucky addiction counselor credentials.
IC&RC Kentucky Information
Official examination and reciprocity information for Kentucky’s participation in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium system, including ADC and AADC exam requirements and interstate practice benefits.
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health
State oversight agency providing regulatory information about substance abuse treatment services and professional practice guidelines for addiction counselors in Kentucky.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
State agency overseeing behavioral health services and professional licensing regulations for healthcare professionals, including substance abuse counselors practicing in Kentucky.
Your Roadmap to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Starting Your Career (CADCA I & II)
Temporary Practice (TCADC)
Professional Certification (CADC)
Advanced Licensing (LCADCA/LCADC)
Achieve LCADCA as a stepping stone to LCADC for master’s-level independent practice. LCADC represents the highest level, allowing advanced therapeutic interventions, independent practice, and supervision capabilities.
Specialized Certifications
Explore specialized areas such as clinical supervision, peer support, or prevention specialist credentials to expand your practice areas and meet diverse client needs in specialized treatment settings.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Kentucky
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 Kentucky addiction counseling career? Our team understands Kentucky’s comprehensive multi-level certification system and flexible online learning opportunities. We’ll help you choose the perfect courses for your current credential level and career goals while ensuring compliance with Kentucky ADC Board requirements and maximizing your professional development.
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