How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Tennessee (LADAC)
To become a substance abuse counselor in Tennessee, you need to earn the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) credential through the Tennessee Department of Health. There are two levels: LADAC I requires a high school diploma, 270 training hours, and 6,000 supervised hours. LADAC II requires a bachelor’s degree and 4,000 supervised hours. Both levels require passing state exams.
Tennessee’s opioid and fentanyl crises have made one thing clear: the state needs more qualified addiction counselors, and it needs them working across a wide range of settings, from urban treatment centers to rural community health programs. The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) credential is the state’s official license for substance abuse counselors, issued and regulated by the Tennessee Department of Health’s Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors.
If you’re considering this path, here’s what the licensure process actually looks like, including what’s changed and what the two levels of LADAC mean for your career.
Two Levels of LADAC Licensure
Tennessee offers two distinct levels of LADAC licensure, not one. The Tennessee Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors administers both Level I and Level II. They have different entry requirements, different scopes of practice, and different exam requirements.
| Requirement | LADAC I | LADAC II |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 | 21 |
| Education | High school diploma or GED | Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or related field |
| Training Hours | 270 hours in addiction counseling | 270 hours in addiction counseling |
| Supervised Hours | 6,000 contact hours | 4,000 contact hours |
| Exams | Written + jurisprudence | Written + jurisprudence + oral |
| Scope | Practice within a treatment or recovery support program | Independent practice and supervision of LADAC I counselors |
LADAC I is the natural entry point for most people entering the field. LADAC II is the advanced credential, required if you want to supervise other counselors or work independently outside of a program setting.
LADAC I Requirements Step by Step
The LADAC I is more accessible than most state addiction counselor licenses because it doesn’t require a college degree to start. That said, the supervised hours requirement is substantial. Here’s what the path looks like.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 21 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. You’ll also need to pass a criminal background check. The Tennessee Board requires applicants to be of upstanding moral character. If you have a prior criminal record, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but any unresolved conditions of sentencing need to be satisfied before you apply.
Step 2: Complete 270 Hours of Addiction Counseling Training
You’re required to complete 270 clock-hours of formal training in addiction counseling. This training must cover the 12 Core Functions of substance abuse counseling: Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping, and Consultation. The specific hour distribution across each function may vary by program and by Board guidance.
Training can be completed through accredited colleges, university programs, or approved providers. While the state doesn’t technically mandate accreditation, the Board recommends studying at an accredited institution, and CACREP-accredited programs tend to produce stronger exam outcomes.
Step 3: Accumulate 6,000 Supervised Clinical Hours
This is the biggest time commitment in the process. You need 6,000 contact hours of supervised clinical experience in substance abuse counseling, and your work during that time must cover all 12 Core Functions listed above. Your supervisor must hold a LADAC II license with the Qualified Clinical Supervisor (QCS) designation. That’s an important detail: a standard LADAC II isn’t automatically qualified to supervise you. Make sure your supervisor holds the QCS designation before you start logging hours.
Step 4: Gather Supporting Application Materials
Before you sit for the exam, you’ll need to submit a complete application to the Tennessee Board of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors. That includes three professional references, a case study, and a short essay on your treatment philosophy. You’ll also sign the Tennessee Substance Abuse Counselor Ethical Standards. Once the Board reviews and approves your application, they’ll issue you an exam admission code.
Step 5: Pass the State Examinations
LADAC I candidates must pass two exams: a written exam and a jurisprudence exam. The jurisprudence exam covers Tennessee-specific laws and rules governing alcohol and drug abuse counseling practice. The written exam is administered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP). Confirm current exam fees and testing locations directly with NCC AP or the Board, as these details are subject to change.
LADAC II: The Advanced Credential
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or a related field, or you plan to pursue one, the LADAC II opens doors that Level I doesn’t. Specifically, it allows you to practice independently and to supervise other counselors, which is a requirement for anyone who wants to serve as a QCS for future LADAC candidates. If you’re also exploring the Licensed Professional Counselor path in Tennessee, our Tennessee LPC certification guide covers how that credential compares.
The LADAC II requires the same 270 training hours but reduces the supervised experience requirement to 4,000 hours, reflecting the higher level of education. It also adds an oral examination to the written and jurisprudence exams required at Level I. Many counselors start with LADAC I and upgrade to Level II once they have the education and experience in place.
Voluntary Certification: The CADC
In addition to state licensure, the Tennessee Certification Board (TCB) offers a voluntary Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) credential through the IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium). Because Tennessee is a licensure state, the LADAC is what gives you the legal authority to practice. The CADC is optional,l and its requirements are separate from state licensure. Many counselors pursue it for the professional recognition it carries and because IC&RC certification can help with reciprocity if you ever move to another state.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Tennessee LADAC licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The Board sets specific continuing education hour requirements based on your license level. Approved providers include nationally or regionally accredited colleges and universities, NAADAC (the National Association for Addiction Professionals), and TAADAC (the Tennessee Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors). One continuing education requirement is non-negotiable regardless of level: all licensed counselors must complete a Board-approved suicide prevention training at least once every four years.
Salary and Job Outlook for Substance Abuse Counselors in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Tennessee earn a median annual salary of $51,480 as of May 2024. The middle 50% earn between $36,910 and $60,900, and the top 10% earn $75,240 or more. Nationally, the median salary for the same occupation is $65,100.
The job growth picture is strong. BLS projections show a 20.4% increase in mental health and substance abuse social work positions in Tennessee between 2022 and 2032, with an average of 160 new openings per year. That growth reflects the state’s ongoing investment in addiction treatment infrastructure, including expanded community programs, rural outreach initiatives, and opioid abatement funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between LADAC I and LADAC II in Tennessee?
LADAC I is the entry-level license and requires a high school diploma, 270 training hours, and 6,000 supervised clinical hours. LADAC II is the advanced license and requires a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, the same 270 training hours, but only 4,000 supervised hours. LADAC II also adds an oral exam and allows independent practice and supervision of other counselors.
Does Tennessee require a college degree to become a substance abuse counselor?
No, not for LADAC I. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient for the entry-level license. However, a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or a related field is required for LADAC II. Many counselors start with LADAC I and pursue a degree over time to qualify for the advanced credential.
Who can supervise my clinical hours in Tennessee?
Your supervisor must hold a LADAC II license with the Qualified Clinical Supervisor (QCS) designation. A standard LADAC II without the QCS designation is not authorized to supervise licensure candidates. Confirm your supervisor’s QCS status before you begin logging hours.
How long does it take to become a LADAC in Tennessee?
The 6,000 supervised hours required for LADAC I is the main timeline driver. Working full-time in a qualifying setting is roughly equivalent to three years of experience. Add time for training, application review, and exam scheduling, and most candidates complete the process in three to four years. LADAC II candidates may move faster if they already have a degree.
Is the CADC certification required to practice in Tennessee?
No. Tennessee is a licensure state, so the LADAC issued by the Tennessee Department of Health is what authorizes you to practice. The CADC offered through the Tennessee Certification Board is a voluntary credential that some counselors pursue for professional recognition and potential reciprocity in other states.
Key Takeaways
- Two levels exist. Tennessee offers LADAC I (entry-level, high school diploma required) and LADAC II (advanced, bachelor’s degree required). Make sure you understand which path you’re on.
- The supervised hours requirement is the biggest commitment. LADAC I requires 6,000 contact hours under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. Your supervisor must hold the QCS designation, not just a LADAC II license.
- The CADC is optional. State licensure through the LADAC is what authorizes you to practice. The IC&RC’s CADC is a voluntary add-on that some counselors pursue for broader professional recognition.
- Renewal is every two years. Include continuing education planning in your long-term career strategy. Suicide prevention training is a Board-required component regardless of your license level.
- Job growth is strong. BLS projects 20.4% growth in related roles in Tennessee through 2032, driven largely by the state’s opioid response infrastructure.
Ready to explore your options? Browse programs in Tennessee that can help you build the education and training hours needed for LADAC licensure.
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.