Iowa Substance Abuse Certification
Self-Paced Distance Learning Program & Live Instruction Classes
The fastest, most affordable way to complete your Iowa substance abuse certification online from an Iowa Certification Board (ICB)-accepted education provider
Board Approved
All courses are accepted by the Iowa Certification Board (ICB) (NAADAC Provider #99236).
Easy Ordering
Order courses directly through our website.
100% Online
View course materials and take exams online.
Self-Paced
Flexibility to learn when and where it is convenient for you.
Certificates of Completion
Certificates are issued upon successful course completion.
Iowa Substance Abuse Certification Requirements and Courses
| Certification | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) | International Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IADC) | International Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (IAADC) | Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Required Course |
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training. |
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training. |
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training. |
|
| Course Price | $600 (Distance Learning)
$900 Live Instruction Training |
$1200 (Distance Learning)
$1800 Live Instruction Training |
$760 (Distance Learning)
$1140 Live Instruction Training |
$325 (Clinical Supervision)
$50 (Racial/Ethnic Diversity) |
| Education Hours Needed | 75 hours can be completed through distance learning
75 hours must be completed through Live (Zoom) Instruction Training |
150 hours can be completed through distance learning
150 hours must be completed through Live (Zoom) Instruction Training |
94.5 hours can be completed through distance learning
94.5 hours must be completed through Live (Zoom) Instruction Training |
33 Hours |
| Required Topic Areas (minimum hours required) |
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| Minimum Formal Education | High School Diploma or GED (Experience Track)
24 semester hours of college level credit in substance abuse or its related fields (Education Track) |
High School or GED | Master’s degree in behavioral science** | Master’s degree or higher in substance abuse or human services field |
| Supervised Work Experience Hours* | 1,000 Hours (Education Track)
3,000 Hours (Experience Track) |
6,000 Hours with HS/GED
5,000 Hours with Associate’s Degree 4,000 Hours with Bachelor’s Degree 2,000 Hours with Master’s Degree |
2,000 Hours | 10,000 Hours of alcohol and drug counseling***
4,000 hours providing clinical supervision |
| Direct Supervision Hours | 36 Hours | 300 Hours with HS/GED
250 Hours with Associate’s Degree 200 Hours with Bachelor’s Degree 100 Hours with Master’s Degree |
300 Hours | 200 Hours |
| State Certification Exam | IC&RC ADC Exam | IC&RC ADC Exam | IC&RC AADC Exam | IC&RC CS Exam |
| Notes | N/A | N/A | N/A | Must be currently employed in a clinical supervisory position at the time application is submitted to IBC.
Must hold a current and valid IADC, IAADC, CCJP, or CCDP OR a specialty credential in another professional discipline in the human services field at the master’s level or higher |
Requirements include:
- 150 hours of education (view course below)
- High school diploma or GED (Experience Track) OR 24 semester hours of college level credit in substance abuse or its related fields (Education Track)
- 1,000 supervised work experience hours (Education Track) or 3,000 supervised work experience hours (Experience Track)*
- 36 hours of direct supervision
- Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training
Requirements include:
- 300 hours of education (view course below)
- High school diploma or GED
- 2,000-6,000 hours of supervised work experience*
- 100-300 hours of direct supervision
- Pass the IC&RC ADC Exam
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training
Requirements include:
- 189 hours of education (view course below)
- Master’s degree in behavioral science**
- 2,000 hours of supervised work experience
- 300 hours of direct supervision
- Pass the IC&RC AADC Exam
Please contact our office to find out about our next live instruction training
Requirements include:
- 33 hours of education (view courses below)
- Current and valid IADC, IAADC, CCJP, or CCDP OR a specialty credential in another professional discipline in the human services field at the master’s level or higher
- Master’s degree or higher in substance abuse or human services field
- 6,000-10,000 hours of supervised work experience***
- 4,000 hours providing clinical supervision (may be included in the 6,000-10,000 hours)
- 200 hours of direct supervision
- Pass the IC&RC CS examination
* All work experience for the CADC must have occurred within the last three (3) years. All work experience for the IADC must have occurred within the last six (6) years.
** i.e. Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Services, and Criminal Justice.
*** An Associate’s Degree in a behavioral science may substitute for 1000 hours, a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral science may substitute for 2000 hours, and a Master’s degree in a behavioral science may substitute for 4000 hours.
For the most up-to-date requirements, please check with your state certification/licensure board.
Iowa Substance Abuse Certification Continuing Education Courses
To maintain an Iowa CADC, IADC, or IAADC certification, counselors are required to complete:
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years
- 3 of the 40 hours must be in ethics
- A maximum of 50% (20 hours) of continuing education can be earned through approved distance learning education. The remaining 20 hours must be completed through live instruction.
How Our Program Works
Choose your certification and coursework. You will need to complete specific education covering board-approved topics. The number of hours and topic areas may vary based on your certification. The required content areas are outlined in the table above.
Purchase your coursework. You can buy your coursework directly from our website. We offer flexible payment options that allow you to pay in installments with no interest or fees. You can also choose how you want to receive your coursework: either by download or mail. If you choose download, you will get instant access to the PDF readings and online exams. If you choose mail, we will ship you textbooks and examination packets.
Complete your coursework at your own pace. Our program is designed to fit your schedule – you can study where and when you want, however is convenient for you. As you read through the course materials you will take multiple choice exams based on the readings. Most courses have the option to submit exams online directly though the website or on paper. You need to score at least 70% on each exam to pass. If you have any questions or need help with the content, our instructors are always available to assist you. Email us to schedule a time to chat!
Get your certificate of completion. Once you pass all the exams, we will issue you a certificate of completion that verifies the number of hours you completed and topics that were covered in your coursework. You use this certificate to apply for or renew your certification with your state board. We will also keep a record of your coursework in case you need it in the future.
That’s it! With our distance learning program, you can get the education you need to become a competent and confident addiction counselor.
Ready to get started? Browse our courses and bundles today and enroll in the program that suits your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us anytime. We are here to support you on your journey.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Iowa
Complete Education
Enroll in our distance learning program and live instruction classes 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.
Flexible Payment Plans Available!
We offer customized payment plans to fit your needs. Plans involve an initial down payment determined by total course price and delivery method (download or mail), followed by installment payments in any amount and frequency most convenient for you.
There are no additional fees or interest charges. Certificates of completion are issued upon successful fulfillment of coursework and full payment.
To learn more about our payment plans, or to purchase coursework through a plan, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
The substance abuse treatment field is facing a nationwide shortage of trained addiction treatment counselors. More than 24 million people across the United States are in need of treatment for alcohol and substance abuse related problems. Approximately 5,000 new counselors are needed annually to keep up with the current demand for treatment services. By completing substance abuse counselor training and receiving an Iowa substance abuse counselor certification, you can help reduce this shortage and make a difference in people’s lives.
- Confirm your specific Iowa substance abuse counselor certification (CADC, IADC, IAADC, or CCS) and then choose from our pre-approved addiction studies coursework listed above.
- Read through the addiction education required for substance abuse certification and/or attend all live instruction classes.
- Complete the multiple choice exams.
- Receive certificates of completion following the successful completion of each substance abuse counselor training.
To receive an Iowa substance abuse counselor certification, you will need to document successful completion of addiction studies educational requirements, supervised work experience hours, and pass a state certification examination. To view specific Iowa addiction counselor education requirements, please see information above.
For more information regarding the Iowa substance abuse counselor certification requirements, please contact our office.
Upon successful completion of your online addiction courses, you will need to submit your certificates of completion along with the rest of your application packet to the state board.
We offer Iowa substance abuse counselor approved continuing education. To view specific continuing education requirements or to view our list of approved addiction education, please refer to the Iowa Substance Abuse Certification Continuing Education Courses section above.
For more information regarding the Iowa substance abuse certification continuing education requirements, please contact our office.