Licensure and Certification: A Comparison of Requirements and Features

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In Massachusetts, both Licensure (LADC) and Certification (CADC) are available to recognize specialty training in addiction.

Employers often prefer to hire people with specialty training; third-party reimbursement is increasingly available for people who hold licenses or certifications; and the preparation required will increase your ability to provide quality services to clients.

The following tables provide a general overview of the similarities and differences between the Licensure and Certification:

Important Note:

While efforts are made to keep this information up to date, changes by the Licensing or Certifying bodies may not yet be reflected.

Individuals must contact the appropriate personnel at BSAS for Licensure, and at the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC) for Certification, to discuss applicability of the information for their own circumstances.

Contact Information

Licensure (LADC) – Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS):

Ian Bain (BSAS), 781-774-6627

Certification (CADC) – Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC):

Jackie Cummins (MBSACC), 508-842-8707

Different Levels of Licensure / Certification can Enable the Holder to:

Get Reimbursed by a 3rd party

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
No Yes, possibly. This is determined by insurance companies and payers. Yes, possibly. This is determined by insurance companies and payers. No No Yes, LADC I's should contact insurance companies and payers to determine what credentialing process is.

Work independently, without supervision

See note 3

Supervision is highly recommended for all levels of licensure and certification.

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
No No - may work under the supervision of a Master's level, Certified clinician Yes – with a Master’s degree in counseling and an established private practice No No - may work under the supervision of an LADC I or Master's Level Clinician in private practice or other licensed health care facility Yes - in private practice or licensed program or other health care facility.

Application Process

Steps required to apply for Certification or Licensure

CAC, CADC, CADC-II LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I
  1. Download the application from MBSACC.com.
  2. Obtain and document all required education and field experience.
  3. Complete and submit application.
  4. Verify acceptance of application.
  5. Take and pass exam (see section on examination for more information).
  1. Complete the appropriate LADC self-assessment form which can be downloaded from the LADC Requirements web page.
  2. Email the Self-Assessment form to Ian.Bain@mass.gov(link sends e-mail)  Applicants who appear to meet licensing requirements will be granted access to BSAS eLicensing for LADC. Complete the eLicensing application and provide supporting documents as directed in the application to show evidence of work experience and education; submit one letter of evaluation from most recent supervisor, and two letters from individuals familiar with applicant’s related work).
Note: Application processing takes a minimum of 30 days.
 

Education Requirements

Documentation (course descriptions, syllabi, instructor information) may be requested for review by BSAS or MBSACC.

Minimum Degree

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
High School / Equivalent High School / Equivalent Master's in Counseling or closely related field High School / Equivalent High School / Equivalent Master's in Behavior Science (see note 2) with 18 Graduate Semester Hours in Counseling

Alcohol and Drug Education Hours

See note 1

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
174 with specific category requirements 290 with specific category requirements 174 50 with specific category requirements 260 260

Ethics Education Hours specific to A&D Counseling

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
6 6 6 Included in Alcohol and Drug Education Hours 10 10

Supervised Practical Experience

When you want to upgrade an existing license or certification to a higher level, contact the relevant office to determine which qualifications from the existing level will count. In particular, there are multiple considerations when upgrading from CAC to CADC or CADC-II, or from LADC Assistant to LADC II or LADC I.

Work, Internship, or Practicum (must be supervised)

See note 3

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II LADC I
4000 hours 6000 hours with High School / Equivalent 5000 hours with Associate's Degree in Behavioral Science 4000 hours with Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science 2000 hours with Master's Degree in Counseling 2000 hours with Master's Degree and no CADC. No additional hours if the relevant hours were documented for CADC. 2000 hours 6000 hours with High School / Equivalent 4000 hours with Bachelor's Degree 6000 hours with Master's Degree and no LADC II 2000 hours if 4000 were documented  with Bachelor's for LADC II No additional hours if 6000 were documented for LADC II

Supervision of Work, Internship, or Practicum

See note 4

CAC CADC, CADC-II LADC Assistant LADC II, LADC I
120 hours related to the Four Essential Domains and DSM 5 Diagnostic Criteria (see note 5) 300 hours related to the Four Essential Domains and DSM 5 Diagnostic Criteria, with at least 10 in each domain (included in the Supervised Hours above) For individuals with a related Master's Degree, this must be a Counseling Practicum 0 hours 300 hours in an appropriate setting (see note 3) with at least 10 hours in each of the 12 Core Functions (in addition to the Supervised Hours above)
 

Examination

Exam Date

For all License and Certification Levels, testing is available at sites across the Commonwealth.

To learn more, contact: MBSACC, 508-842-8707, or visit www.mbsacc.com

Exam Type

CAC, CADC, LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I: IC&RC

CADC-II: IC&RC Advanced

Steps required to register for exam

CAC, CADC, CADC-II:

CADC application must be complete before registering for Exam.

  1. Request application from MBSACC.
  2. Obtain and document all required education and field experience.
  3. Complete application.
  4. Submit completed application along with documentation.
  5. Contact MBSACC to learn about exam testing sites and schedules.
  6. Take exam.
  7. MBSACC will distribute results to applicants 5 - 7 weeks following exam.

LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I:

Exam may be taken at any point in the application process.

  1. To learn more about the licensing process, contact Ian.Bain@mass.gov(link sends e-mail) or visit the LADC requirements web page.
  2. Visit www.mbsacc.com and click on Mass Update to download the test reservation.
  3. Mail the exam reservation form and exam fee to MBSACC per the instructions on the form.
  4. Take Exam.
  5. Exam results are available immediately after the exam to applicants.

Alternatives to full Application and Exam Processes

For those holding current Certification or Licensure in another state or jurisdiction.

Certification / Licensure can be available as follows

CAC CADC, CADC-II LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I
Not available If credentialed by another IC&RC Board at the equivalent Reciprocity Level If requirements are similar to MA licensing requirements (see note 6) This is determined via consultation with Licensing staff at BSAS, and review of relevant factors (e.g. other state/ jurisdiction’s requirements, education, and experience of the applicant, whether the credential is in good standing, etc.) Contact Ian.Bain@mass.gov.
 

Exam is waived as follows

CAC CADC, CADC-II LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I
Not available Via Reciprocity with another IC&RC Board and if credentialed with equivalent level certificate. The exam is not required for applicants who hold a current, valid certification from a recognized certifying body (see note 7) including: MBSACC, CEAP, CAC, NAADAC, ICRC.

Recognition of License or Certification in other States / Jurisdictions

For those who hold current Certification or Licensure in MA

Certification / Licensure may be available as follows    

CAC CADC CADC-II LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I
Not available IC&RC reciprocity is available in 47 states and territories; 24 countries; 5 Native American regions; all branches of the military. There may be additional requirements in some states / jurisdictions. Visit IC&RC web page to determine reciprocity possibilities. IC&RC reciprocity is available in 47 states and territories; 24 countries; 5 Native American regions; all branches of the military that offer the IC&RC Advanced reciprocal credential. There may be additional requirements in some states / jurisdictions. Visit IC&RC web page to determine reciprocity possibilities. Check with the local certifying board or state licensing authority.
 

Maintaining Licensure or Certification

Continuing Education topics and hours

CAC, CADC, CADC-II LADC Assistant, LADC II, LADC I
40 hours of Continuing Education in Addictions, Counseling Techniques, and/or Behavioral Science are required every 2 years. Up to 50% (20 CEUs) can be completed via online / distance learning. 40 hours of Continuing Education in Addictions, Counseling, and related topics are required every 2 years. Up to 50% (20 CEUs) can be completed via online / distance learning. See the BSAS CE Policy web page.
 

 

In the past, IC&RC documents referred to 8 domains, based upon TAP 21: The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)’s Technical Assistance Publication #21 - Addiction Counseling Competencies: The Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Professional Practice and 12 Core Functions: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referrals, reports and record keeping, and consultation with other professionals. The original content is incorporated into the current Four Essential Domains. Some additional changes were made on content for advanced cerification.
  1. Alcohol & Drug: related to all forms of drugs, including alcohol and all forms of prescription and other drugs. Also related to addiction to alcohol, drugs, or activities such as gambling. Includes multiple physiological, legal, psychological, social and other perspectives as described in category requirements. For the LADC Assistant, the 50 hours must be 10 hours in each of the following areas, as defined in Section 168.006 – Eligibility Requirements found in the Licensure of Alcohol and Drug Counselors Regulations: Assessment; Counseling; Case Management; Client, Family and Community Education; and Professional Responsibility (which includes Ethics).
  2. Behavioral Sciences, as defined in Massachusetts regulations, means:
    • Anthropology, art/dance therapy, child development / family relations, community mental health, chemical dependence, counseling / guidance, criminal justice, divinity / religion / theology, drama therapy, education, gerontology, health administration, health education, human services, music therapy, nursing / medicine, occupational therapy, pastoral counseling, physical therapy, psychology, recreational therapy, rehabilitation counseling, social work, sociology, special education, speech pathology, and vocational counseling.
    • If the coursework for the Behavioral Science degree submitted by an applicant does not provide sufficient substance use and addiction education to meet the requirements, additional course work may be necessary.
  3. Work, Internship or Practicum: practice in diagnostic assessment, intervention, and alcoholism and/or drug counseling to establish and maintain recovery and prevent relapse; regular on-site, documented clinical supervision required by the license or certification.
    • For LADC I or II, BSAS considers work experience from a variety of settings which are licensed or approved to provide substance use/addictions services. Settings can be treatment programs, mental health and primary care settings, or private practices. The applicant needs to document that the work experience included diagnostic assessment, intervention, and substance use/addictions counseling.
  4. Supervision of Work, Internship, or Practicum: Supervision is a formal, systematic process of staff development that focuses on integrating knowledge and enhancing clinical skills and other competencies in counseling.
    • For LADC applicants, supervision must be documented on forms provided by BSAS in the application, and include the signature of an approved supervisor for the work or academic setting, as well as:
      • For each work position held: a description of the substance use and addictions work, the number of hours, the number of hours of individual and group supervision the person received.
      • For each practicum: the number of hours in each of the 12 Core functions, and where the practicum was done.
Supervisors must be:
  • A LADC I, or
  • A Clinician who has:
    1. a master’s degree in one of the following disciplines or a closely related field: clinical psychology, education-counseling, medicine, psychology, psychiatric nursing, rehabilitative counseling, social work, and who has a minimum of one year of supervised substance abuse counseling experience; or
    2. a bachelor’s degree in any of the listed disciplines and a minimum of two years of supervised substance abuse counseling experience; or
    3. a recognized certification or licensure including 4,000 hours of clinically supervised counseling of individuals with substance use disorders including at least 220 documented hours of supervision.
    • For CADC applicants, supervision must be documented on forms provided by MBSACC in the application, and
      • MBSACC requires workplaces to provide clinical supervisors, preferring that they hold CADC or CADC-II Certification.
      • For practicum or internships, MBSACC accepts supervisors selected by the academic institutio
  1. Four Domains and DSM5 Diagnostic Criteria: The Four Domains are:
    • Domain I: Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
    • Domain II: Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
    • Domain III: Counseling (Counseling & Education for CADC-II)
    • Domain IV: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities.
  2. MA Licensing Requirements: Per 105 CMR 168.014: The Department will issue a license without requiring written or oral examination to any applicant who is deemed eligible for reciprocity based on the following:
    • the applicant holds a current, valid licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor or a comparable field in other state wherein the requirements for licensure are deemed by the Department to be equivalent to or in excess of those requirements of the Department; and,
    • the Department receives written verification from the other state licensing authority that the applicant is in good standing.
  3. Recognized Certifying Bodies: International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium, Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification, National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors, Certified Employee Assistance Professionals.
Developed by the MA DPH Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS) with input from the BSAS Addiction Education Provider Advisory Group and the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification.