Kentucky Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) or Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate (LCADCA) – 174 hours

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

• 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. 

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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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