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North Carolina Substance Abuse Counselor Credential Education
All of CEU Matrix’s course packages below are approved by NAADAC (Provider # 94564) for credentialing in North Carolina.
Please visit the NC Substance Abuse Counselor Continuing Education page for a full list of CEU Matrix courses approved by NCSAPPB.
CEU Matrix offers the following initial certification packages meeting 100% of the education requirements as outlined by the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB):
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) // Certified Criminal Justice Addictions Professional (CCJP) // Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS)
Please find your specific hour course packages below for your North Carolina (NC) CADC, LCAS, or CCJP certification.
CEU Matrix also has renewal packages below for your CSAC (60 hours) // CCJP (60 hours) // LCAS (40 hours) renewals. When you purchase a re-certification package you will be free to choose from our 100+ course library to suit your needs and interests.
- Affordable & On-Demand
- North Carolina Board Approved
- Instant Certificates Upon Completion
Initial Certification Packages
- Degree / Education Required
- High school diploma or equivalent, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or graduate degree
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 6,000 hours (3 years) of supervised substance use disorder counseling experience verified by a CCS or CSI.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 300 hours of supervised practicum completed by a CCS or CSI at a ratio of 1 hour of supervision per 10 hours of work.
- State Certification Exam
- IC&RC ADC Examination.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 270 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
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North Carolina requires 270 clock hours of education for the CADC credential. This CEU Matrix 270-hour package provides full coverage of the required 270 hours with at least 190 hours being SUD-specific, a minimum of 6 hours each in clinical ethics, HIV/AIDS/STDs/Bloodborne Pathogens, and other contemporary addictions topic.
- Degree / Education Required
- Master’s degree with clinical internship (statutory requirement).
- Work Experience Hours Required
- 4,000 hours (2 years) post-graduate SUD counseling.
- Direct Supervision Hours
- 300-hour supervised practicum.
- State Certification Exam
- Passing score on the IC&RC AADC exam.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 180 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
North Carolina requires 180 clock hours of addiction-specific education for the LCAS credential. This CEU Matrix 180-hour package provides full coverage of the required education hours and topics, including ethics (6 hours).
- Degree / Education Required
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
- Work Experience Hours Required
- N/A
- Direct Supervision Hours
- N/A
- State Certification Exam
- IC&RC CCJP Examination.
- Packaged Courses
- View our 270 Hour Course Package
- Required Content Areas (required hours)
-
This CEU Matrix 270-hour package covers all 8 IC&RC CCJP performance domains:
– Dynamics of Addiction and Criminal Behavior
– Legal, Ethical, and Professional Responsibility
– Criminal Justice System and Processes
– Clinical Evaluation: Screening and Assessment
– Treatment Planning
– Case Management, Monitoring, and Participant Supervision
– Counseling
– Documentation
Please visit your state’s credentialing board for additional and current information on your credential.
Renewals
North Carolina 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 North Carolina-approved courses on CEU Matrix?
Click “Course Listing” at the top of our homepage, select North Carolina from the map, then choose your credential level or “All Available Courses.”
What's the best value for North Carolina continuing education courses?
We offer several money-saving options:
- Value Package (10 hours for $99, saves $31)
- 60 Hour CADC Renewal Package ($360, saves $420)
- 40 Hour LCAS Renewal Package ($240, saves $280)
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 North Carolina's 100% online learning policy benefit CEU Matrix users?
Unlike many states that limit online/distance learning hours, North Carolina allows 100% of your required training and continuing education to be completed through CEU Matrix online courses. This means you can complete your entire credential pathway using our platform without needing to find in-person training to meet state requirements.
What are the differences between North Carolina's main credential levels?
CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) Entry-level credential for counselors with high school diploma through graduate degrees that don’t qualify for LCAS. Requires completion of education requirements (available through CEU Matrix), 300-hour practicum under CCS supervision, supervised work experience, IC&RC ADC exam, and ongoing supervision after certification. Multi-step process: Registration → Intern Status → Full Certification.
LCAS (Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist) Master’s level credential requiring qualifying graduate degree with clinical internship component. Requires 180 hours of substance-specific education (available through CEU Matrix), may require 300-hour practicum (depending on Criteria), supervised work experience, and IC&RC AADC exam. Allows independent practice and supervision of CADCs. Multi-step process varies by Criteria (A, B, C, or D).
Which CEU Matrix packages work best for North Carolina credentials?
We’ve designed specific packages for North Carolina requirements:
- Initial CADC Package: Covers the education hours required, with substance-specific and general counseling content identification
- LCAS Initial Package: Provides the full 180 hours of substance-specific education required for all LCAS pathways
- CADC Renewal Package: 60 hours with built-in tracking for substance-specific hours, ethics, HIV/AIDS, and special topics requirements
- LCAS Renewal Package: 40 hours structured to meet North Carolina’s specific renewal requirements
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 North Carolina’s requirements.
Where do I find my CEU Matrix certificates for North Carolina credential applications?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center under “My Courses” has all certificates for immediate download/printing. These certificates are specifically formatted for North Carolina NCSAPPB applications and include all required information for your credential submissions.
What are North Carolina's continuing education requirements?
- CADC 60 hours every 2 years (at least 30 hours substance-specific) including 3 hours ethics, 3 hours HIV/AIDS/STD/BBP, and 3 hours of special topics (nicotine dependence, psychopathology, evidence-based treatment, veterans issues, or elderly issues).
- LCAS 40 hours every 2 years (at least 30 hours substance-specific) including 3 hours ethics, 3 hours HIV/AIDS/STD/BBP, and 3 hours of special topics.
North Carolina Substance Abuse Counselor Resources
North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB)
Official regulatory board for North Carolina substance abuse counselors. View official regulations, application procedures through Learning Builder portal, and continuing education guidelines for CADC and LCAS credentials.
NCSAPPB Credentialing Information
Official application requirements and multi-step credentialing process information for each credential level, including education, supervision, and examination prerequisites.
IC&RC North Carolina Information
Official examination information for North Carolina’s participation in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium system, including ADC and AADC exam requirements and interstate practice benefits.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health
State agency providing regulatory oversight and information about substance abuse treatment services and professional practice guidelines for addiction counselors in North Carolina.
Your Roadmap to Becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor
Starting Your Career (CADC)
Advanced Independent Practice (LCAS)
Supervision Specialization (CCS)
Prevention Specialization
Consider CPS (Certified Prevention Specialist) for those interested in substance abuse prevention rather than treatment. This specialized track focuses on community education, networking, and prevention programming.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Carolina
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 North Carolina addiction counseling career? Our team understands North Carolina’s unique multi-step credentialing process and multiple qualification pathways. We’ll help you choose the perfect courses for your credential level and career goals while maximizing the state’s 100% online learning advantage.
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