Pennsylvania Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) Initial Certification (300 hours)
CEU Matrix’s 300-hour Pennsylvania Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) online package is approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) and fulfills all education requirements for the CADC credential. Every required content area and topic — including Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders, Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment, Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral, and Professional, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities — is covered in this 300-hour package for CADC certification.
- Credit Hours: 300
- Price: $1,250
- State Board Approved
- Affordable & On-Demand
- Instant Certificates Upon Completion
Package Information
Pennsylvania CADC Certification Requirements and Course Package
This course package offers substantial savings versus purchasing the courses individually. Courses are taken at your convenience, there is no time limit, and everything is done online. If you have any other questions please call John Tinsley at (512) 843-0866.
What This Package Covers
Pennsylvania requires 300 hours of education and training in the specific CADC domains, of which 100 hours must be specific to substance use disorders and 6 hours in professional counselor ethics and responsibilities. CEU Matrix’s Pennsylvania CADC 300-hour package provides the full education requirement across all 4 IC&RC ADC performance domains:
- Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment
- Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral
- Professional, Ethical and Legal Responsibilities (minimum 6 hours ethics)
There is no limit on online education hours.
Please see the “Package Contents” section below for the complete list of courses included in this package.
Certification Requirements
- Education Required: Minimum bachelor’s degree.
- Work Experience: 2 years full-time or 4,000 hours part-time with a relevant bachelor’s degree; OR 3 years full-time or 6,000 hours part-time with a non-relevant bachelor’s degree.
- Supervised Hours: 200 hours of on-the-job clinical supervision in the specific CADC domains, with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the 4 domains.
- State Exam: Passing score on the IC&RC ADC examination.
Important Notes
The CADC is an IC&RC reciprocal credential recognized and transferable to many other states and countries. It is acceptable by the PA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) as meeting the state’s staffing regulations for drug and alcohol counselors.
Renewal Requirements
40 continuing education hours every 2 years, including a minimum of 3 hours in professional ethics. No limit on online hours.
Package Contents
- Computerized Assessment of Substance Abuse (4 hours)
- Screening and Assessment of Clients in the Criminal Justice System (6 hours)
- Substance Abuse Screening and Assessment in Criminal Justice Systems (6 hours)
- Anger Management for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Clients: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Manual (Revised 2025) (3 hours)
- You Can Lead a Horse to Water – Treatment Resistance and Motivation Characteristics of Offenders Who Use Substances (3 hours)
- Treating Early Life Trauma-Related Issues in Early Recovery From Addictive Disorders (4 hours)
- Clinical Drug Testing in Primary Care (3 hours)
- Cluckers, Clockers, Cookers: An Introduction to Drug Control Policy for Substance Abuse Counselors (3 hours)
- A Community Reinforcement Plus Vouchers Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction Module 1 (4 hours)
- A Community Reinforcement Plus Vouchers Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction Module 2 (3 hours)
- A Community Reinforcement Plus Vouchers Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction Module 3 (4 hours)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities (6 hours)
- Substance Abuse and Sexual Assault (3 hours)
- Supporting Infants, Toddlers, and Families Impacted by Caregiver Mental Health Problems, Substance Abuse, and Trauma (4 hours)
- Implementing Change in Substance Abuse Treatment Programs (3 hours)
- Motivation for Change in Substance Abuse Treatment (6 hours)
- Treatment Planning: Utilizing the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) (3 hours)
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy TIP 39 Part I (3 hours)
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy TIP 39 Part II (4 hours)
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy TIP 39 Part III (3 hours)
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy TIP 39 Part IV (4 hours)
- Drug Treatment Courts: An Integrated Approach (3 hours)
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy (TIP 41) (Revised 2025) (5 hours)
- A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction (CBA-1) Module 1 (4 hours)
- A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach: Treating Cocaine Addiction (CBA-2) Module 2 (4 hours)
- Major Treatment Issues for Offenders Who Use Substances (6 hours)
- Booting Up the System – Case Management Models, Principles and Practices (3 hours)
- Working With Families of Chemically Dependent Criminal Justice Offenders (3 hours)
- Treatment Needs and Strategies for Individuals in Various Criminal Justice Settings (12 hours)
- Medication Assisted Treatment of Opioid Addiction using Buprenorphine (6 hours)
- Overview of Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment (4 hours)
- Group Treatments for Addiction (6 hours)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders, Module 1 (Revised 2025)
- Counseling for Marijuana Dependence – A Manual for Treating Adults (6 hours)
- Relapse Prevention Counseling (4 hours)
- Substance Abuse Counseling for Clients with HIV/AIDS (3 hours)
- Treating Chronic Mental Illness & Substance Use Disorders: Individual and Group Counseling Strategies (6 hours)
- Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice (Module 1) (3 hours)
- Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice (Module 2) (3 hours)
- Treatment of Anger and Aggression in Early Recovery (6 hours)
- Addressing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Substance Abuse Treatment (3 hours)
- Overview of Group Therapy for Substance Abuse Treatment (8 hours)
- Treatment of Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders, Module 1 (3 hours)
- Treatment of Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders, Module 2 (3 hours)
- Coping With Feelings and Moods (4 hours)
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: The Problem, The Solution, and Co-Occurring Disorders (3 hours)
- Managing Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery (6 hours)
- Wisdom of the Twelve Steps – 1st Step (6 hours)
- Commitment to Change – Overcoming Errors in Thinking (4 hours)
- Commitment to Change – The Power of Consequences (4 hours)
- Commitment to Change – Habits That Block Change (4 hours)
- Mind Over Matter: The Brain’s Response to Drugs. A Teacher’s Guide (3 hours)
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment for People With Co-Occurring Disorders, Module 4 (Revised 2025)
- Ethical Decision Making for Counselors (4 hours)
- Ethical Practice with Special Populations (3 hours)
- Personal Wellness for Substance Abuse Counselors (3 hours)
- The Importance of Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 hours)
- Clinical Supervision: Models, Roles and Responsibilities, Ethics and Legal Issues (3 hours)
- Retraining and Updating on Currently Abused Drugs (3 hours)
- Faith Based Substance Abuse Treatment (3 hours)
- Powerlessness or Empowerment? Special Issues in Treating Women Offenders Who Abuse Substances (3 hours)
- An Introduction to Treatment Medications: What Every Counselor Should Know (4 hours)
- Considerations for the Provision of E-Therapy (3 hours)
- HIV and Other Blood-Borne Infections in Drug Users (6 hours)
Package FAQs
How do I find Pennsylvania-approved courses on CEU Matrix?
Click “Course Listing” at the top of our homepage, select Pennsylvania from the map, then choose your credential level or “All Available Courses.” All courses shown are PCB-approved for Pennsylvania counselors working toward AAC, CAAC, CADC, or CAADC credentials.
What's the best value for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania's online learning flexibility benefit CEU Matrix users?
Pennsylvania allows substantial completion of education requirements through distance learning, though some in-person components may be required. This means you can complete the majority of your education requirement (100 hours for AAC, 300 hours for CAAC/CADC, or 180 hours for CAADC) through CEU Matrix online courses, making education more accessible and convenient.
What are the differences between Pennsylvania's credential levels?
- AAC (Associate Addiction Counselor): Entry-level credential with no formal education requirement beyond high school/GED. Requires 100 hours of education and supervised work experience. No exam required – designed as a starting point for those entering the addiction counseling field.
- CAAC (Certified Associate Addiction Counselor): Advanced entry-level credential requiring high school/GED, 300 hours of education including ethics, supervised work experience, and passing the ADC exam. Provides international reciprocity through IC&RC.
- CADC (Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Professional-level credential requiring bachelor’s degree, 300 hours of education including ethics, supervised work experience, and passing the ADC exam. Offers expanded practice capabilities and career advancement opportunities.
- CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor): Advanced professional credential requiring master’s degree in behavioral health, 180 hours of education including ethics, supervised work experience, and passing the AADC exam. Allows advanced practice, supervision capabilities, and maximum professional flexibility.
Which CEU Matrix packages work best for Pennsylvania credentials?
We’ve designed specific packages for Pennsylvania requirements:
- AAC Package: Covers the 100 hours required for entry-level certification with substance abuse specific content
- CAAC Package: Provides the full 300 hours required including ethics and specialized addiction topics
- CADC Package: Covers the 300 hours required for bachelor’s level practice with advanced competency areas
- CAADC Package: Provides the 180 hours of advanced education required for master’s level practice
- 40-Hour Renewal Package: Structured for all Pennsylvania credentials with required ethics components
- Custom Packages: Tailored for individuals who have already completed some requirements
How does CEU Matrix help with Pennsylvania's specific education requirements?
Pennsylvania requires specific competency areas and ethics training for each credential level. CEU Matrix clearly identifies which courses meet each competency requirement.
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 Pennsylvania’s requirements.
Where do I find my CEU Matrix certificates for Pennsylvania credential applications?
Your CEU Matrix Student Center under “My Courses” has all certificates for immediate download/printing. These certificates are specifically formatted for Pennsylvania PCB applications and include all required information for your credential submissions.
What are Pennsylvania's continuing education requirements?
Pennsylvania credentials require 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including:
- 3 hours of professional ethics (required for all credentials)
- Substance abuse specific content requirements
- Professional development in specialized practice areas
Approved and Widely Recognized
CEU Matrix is approved by the following national and state accreditation boards:
CEU Matrix is approved with the following state boards:
Arkansas (ASACB), California (CCAPP #OS-07-394-0222), California (CADTP #250), Connecticut (#0115-5202), Delaware (DCB #37), Florida (FCB #5141-A), Georgia (ADACBGA #2026-4-003), Illinois (IAODAPCA #19345), Kentucky, Louisiana (LA ADRA #E026), Michigan (MCBAP), Missouri (Missouri CB #183), New Mexico (NMCBBHP #2046), North Carolina (NCSAPPB), Ohio (OCDP #50-19236), Oklahoma (OBLADS #20260153), Texas (TCB #1758-07)
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