Substance Abuse Counselor Certification in Georgia
Georgia certifies substance abuse counselors at four levels through the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA): CADC-T, CADC-I, CADC-II, and CAADC. Requirements range from a high school diploma with 50 hours of training at the trainee level to a master’s degree with 4,000 supervised hours for the advanced credential. Georgia also recognizes certifications from the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA).
Georgia doesn’t license substance abuse counselors through a state government agency. Instead, certification is issued by two private, nonprofit organizations: the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia (ADACBGA) and the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA). Both are nationally affiliated, recognized under Georgia law, and offer legitimate paths to practice. Which one you pursue often depends on your educational background and career goals. If you’re still weighing your options, see our overview of Georgia social work license requirements.
The ADACBGA is a member board of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which means its credentials are recognized in dozens of states and countries. That’s worth knowing if you might practice elsewhere down the road.
Georgia Certification Levels at a Glance
The ADACBGA offers four credential levels. Each builds on the last and grants a different scope of practice under Georgia law. Here’s how they compare:
| Credential | Education Required | Experience Hours | Training Hours | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CADC-T (Trainee) | High school diploma or GED | None required to apply | 50 hours (incl. 6 hours ethics) | Supervised practice while completing requirements |
| CADC-I | High school diploma or GED | 6,000 hours (3 years) | 270 hours | Practice under a clinical supervisor |
| CADC-II | Bachelor’s degree in a human services field | 4,000 hours (2 years) | 270 hours | Broader autonomous scope within organizational frameworks |
| CAADC | Master’s degree in counseling or related field | 4,000 hours | 270 hours | Advanced practice, co-occurring disorders |
ADACBGA Certification Requirements
The requirements below apply to all core ADACBGA credentials. Each level adds to or adjusts these baseline expectations.
CADC-T: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Trainee
The CADC-T is Georgia’s entry point into the field. It lets you work in a supervised setting while you’re still building your hours and education. To qualify, you need a high school diploma or GED, documentation of 50 hours of addiction-specific education (including 6 hours of professional ethics), and an application submitted to the ADACBGA. There’s no exam required at this level.
CADC-I: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I
The CADC-I is the first full credential. It requires a high school diploma or GED, 6,000 hours of supervised work experience in substance abuse counseling, and 270 hours of addiction-specific education covering the 12 core functions: Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping, and Consultation.
You’ll also need 300 hours of clinical supervision, with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the 12 core functions. The ADACBGA recommends one hour of direct supervision for every 10 hours of experience. After meeting those requirements, you’ll sit for the IC&RC examination. The exam fee is $180, and you have two years and two attempts to pass. Three letters of professional recommendation and a signed copy of the ADACB-Ga Code of Ethics are also required.
CADC-II: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II
The CADC-II requires a bachelor’s degree in counseling or a closely related field. The experience requirement drops to 4,000 hours, while the education and supervision requirements remain the same as for CADC-I. This credential offers a broader and more autonomous scope of practice, typically within organizational or supervised frameworks. If you already have a bachelor’s in a human services field, you can apply directly for CADC-II without going through CADC-I first.
CAADC: Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
The CAADC is the most advanced credential the ADACBGA issues. It requires a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, plus 4,000 hours of experience and the full 270-hour education requirement. CAADC holders are trained to address co-occurring disorders, including substance use alongside mental health conditions, using evidence-based treatment approaches. There are currently around 5,000 CAADC-credentialed professionals worldwide.
To submit an application for any of these credentials, visit the ADACBGA certifications page.
The GACA Pathway
The Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) is the second certifying body recognized in Georgia. It’s affiliated with the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC), which makes its credentials portable to other states that recognize NAADAC-affiliated certifications.
GACA offers its own credential ladder, including the Certified Addiction Counselor I (CAC-I), Certified Addiction Counselor II (CAC-II), Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). The CAC-I is the entry-level credential for counselors without a degree. The CAC-II requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. The CMAC requires a master’s degree. Requirements include documented work experience, clinical supervision, training hours, and a passing score on the applicable national exam.
If you’re considering out-of-state reciprocity or you’re already NAADAC-affiliated from another state, the GACA pathway may be the more direct route. If you’re exploring clinical counseling licensure in Georgia alongside addiction certification, see our guide to Georgia LPC counseling licensure.
Recertification
Both ADACBGA and GACA credentials are valid for two years. To recertify through the ADACBGA, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education during the two years, with at least 5 of those hours in professional ethics. All training must relate to alcohol and drug abuse counseling and align with the 12 core functions. Certifications that lapse past their expiration date are subject to a $35 late reinstatement fee, plus $10 for each additional month past due.
Salary and Job Outlook in Georgia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Georgia earned a median annual salary of $55,320 as of May 2024. The top 25% of earners in the state brought in $71,980 or more, while entry-level counselors at the 25th percentile earned around $39,020. Nationally, the median for the same occupation was $59,190. For a national look at the role, visit our substance abuse counselor career overview.
Job growth projections for related roles in Georgia are strong. Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Georgia are projected to grow by 16.9% between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 130 new job openings per year, according to BLS data. That growth reflects rising demand for addiction treatment services across the state, particularly in response to the ongoing opioid and fentanyl crisis.
Salary varies by credential level, practice setting, and location. Metro Atlanta positions generally pay more than rural placements. Counselors with CAADC credentials or specialized training in co-occurring disorders tend to command higher salaries than those at the entry level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a substance abuse counselor in Georgia?
No. Georgia doesn’t issue a state license for substance abuse counselors. The state does not issue certifications, but they are widely required by employers and recognized under Georgia law (Georgia Code 43-10A-7). The two recognized certifying bodies are the ADACBGA and the GACA.
Can I start working before I have a full CADC-I credential?
Yes. The CADC-T (Trainee) credential is designed for exactly that situation. It allows you to work in a supervised setting while you’re completing your required education and experience hours toward full certification. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED and 50 hours of addiction-specific education to qualify.
What is the IC&RC exam, and how do I prepare for it?
The IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium) exam is the standardized test required for CADC-I, CADC-II, and CAADC certification. It’s a multiple-choice exam based on the job analysis for alcohol and drug counselors. The fee is $180 per attempt, and you have two years and two attempts to pass. Practice exams are available through the ADACBGA for $49 each. Once you’ve submitted a complete application, you’ll receive instructions for registering for the computer-based exam.
What’s the difference between the ADACBGA and the GACA?
Both certify substance abuse counselors in Georgia, but they’re affiliated with different national bodies. The ADACBGA is an IC&RC member board, meaning its credentials are recognized internationally and in many U.S. states. The GACA is affiliated with NAADAC, making it a better fit if you’re coming from or planning to move to a NAADAC-recognized state. Both are legitimate pathways to practice in Georgia.
How long does it take to become a certified substance abuse counselor in Georgia?
It depends on the credential level you’re pursuing. The CADC-T has no experience requirement and can be obtained relatively quickly. The CADC-I requires 6,000 hours of supervised experience, which translates to roughly three years of full-time work. The CADC-II requires 4,000 hours (about two years) plus a bachelor’s degree. The CAADC requires a master’s degree plus 4,000 hours of experience.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia uses private certification, not state licensure: the ADACBGA and GACA are the two recognized certifying bodies, and their credentials carry a legal scope of practice under Georgia law.
- Four credential levels exist through the ADACBGA: CADC-T, CADC-I, CADC-II, and CAADC, each with different education, experience, and training requirements.
- The CADC-T is the entry point: it requires only a high school diploma and 50 training hours, and lets you work in a supervised setting while building toward full certification.
- Georgia substance abuse counselors earned a median salary of $55,320 in May 2024, according to BLS data, with growth projections of 16.9% for related roles through 2032.
- Recertification is required every two years: 40 hours of continuing education, including 5 hours in professional ethics, keeps your credential active.
Ready to explore your education options? Browse counseling and addiction studies programs in Georgia and online to find the right fit for your certification goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.