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The Chemical Dependency Associate (CDA) credential is an introductory credential that offers foundation competency and education to those interested in becoming CADCs or LCADCs.

The CDA consists of 54 of the 270 education hours needed for the CADC or LCADC. This track provides a unique opportunity for individuals to enter professional training and start the ADC education/credentialing process without an active internship. Typically, CDAs work in direct care roles that support clinical staff.

Education Hours

54 Hours

Qualifications

  • GED/HS diploma

  • Not currently working in the field or under supervision

Course Format

Virtual (synchronous)

Credential Type

Initial Certification

Eligibility Requirements

  • Employment at a DMHAS-licensed agency is required.

  • Candidates must be in the process of obtaining active supervision.

  • A GED/HS Diploma or higher is necessary.

  • Commitment to complete nine weeks of virtual classes on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 4 PM is required.

  • No prior experience or clinical hours are needed to begin the CDA track.

Examination Information

Testing information can be found on the Certification Boards Website: https://certbd.org/testing/

Scholarship Details

NJPN provides the 54 education hours CDA track through a Division of Mental Health and Addiction Service (DMHAS) sponsored scholarship to those pursuing an internship at a DMHAS-licensed SUD treatment facility.

THE PATH TO CERTIFICATION

How to Apply

  1. Review the course or training details and ensure you meet or exceed eligibility requirements.

  2. If you are ready to sign up, fill out the application form (button link is to the right).

  3. NJPN will review your application and notify you if you have been accepted into the course or training.

Ready to Apply?

Click the button below to get started.

Internship Opportunities

NJPN helps connect eligible individuals with DMHAS licensed treatment agencies statewide seeking ADC Interns. Students attending CDA courses through NJPN are provided one-on-one assistance to secure an internship while attending courses.


Learn more about the internship process and application details by clicking the button below.

Resources

Scholarships & Tuition
Addiction Services Treatment Directory
ADC-Intern Application Process
APCB-NJ Exam Registration

What People Are Saying

“I had a positive experience. Online learning allows opportunities for increased levels of social networking to gather more comprehensive resources.”

L/CADC Program Graduate
FAQ

Have Questions?

The Invest in You Clinical Workforce Training program by NJPN and NJ-DMHAS offers professional development opportunities and certifications for individuals of all career levels. The general stages of addiction counseling certification are:


Step 1: Obtaining an ADC intern position.

  • Your journey to credential begins with securing an ADC (Alcohol Drug Counselor) internship at a DMHAS (Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services) licensed SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Treatment Agency.

Step 2: Approval of Proposed Plan of Supervision with DCA-ADCC.

  • You will need to submit your application for your Plan of Supervision through DCA-ADCC.

Step 3: Sign up with NJPN for Training and Complete Coursework.

  • NJPN offers initial addiction counseling certification or licensure courses that fulfill all educational hours by the state of NJ.

Step 4: Earn your Certification or License by Passing Your Exam.

  • In order to practice as a certified or licensed addiction professional in NJ, you must pass the oral and written alcohol drug counselor exams. 

Step 5: Maintaining Your Credentials.

  • NJPN makes it easy to keep your certification or license current with our mandatory and advanced renewal continuing education trainings.  

Specialize: Nurture the Next Generation by Becoming a Certified Clinical Supervisor or Addiction Course Trainer.

  • Clinical Supervision: Invest in yourself and your community to a greater degree by becoming a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) for the next generation of addiction professionals.

  • NJPN Addiction Course Trainer: Help expand the substance misuse treatment and recovery workforce—join the NJPN Clinical Workforce team as an “Invest in You” course trainer for our L/CADC students.

What is the path to addiction certification via the Invest in You program?

Yes, courses that are synchronous and interactive count as "live in-person" courses.

Is synchronous learning permitted?

The ADCC allows the completion of a maximum of 54 hours (toward the initial 270 hours of education required) to be taken online as long as the course work is approved by the APCBNJ.

Is asynchronous learning permitted? N.J.A.C. 13:34C-2.3b-4

To qualify for a scholarship, students must work at a Division of Mental Health and Addiction Service (DMHAS) licensed substance use disorder (SUD) treatment agency, as these scholarships are funded by DMHAS. For those pursuing initial licensure or certification as a Licensed/Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (L/CADC), students must have an active proposed supervision plan and be in a clinical role that provides experience in the 12 core competencies.

How are scholarships awarded and who is eligible?

DMHAS is the state mental health authority (SMHA) and the Single State Authority on Substance Abuse (SSA) that plans, monitors, and evaluates New Jersey's mental health and substance use prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery efforts. DMHAS does not grant licenses or certification to alcohol and drug counselors. However, DMHAS does publish residential and outpatient treatment regulations that detail the qualifications required to work at a DMHAS-licensed facility.

What is the role of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) in the certification and licensing process?

The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) sets the international standards of practice in addiction counseling, prevention, and clinical supervision through testing and credentialing of addiction professionals. Incorporated in 1981, and currently headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, IC&RC is a voluntary membership organization comprised of certifying agencies involved in the credentialing or licensing of alcohol and other drug abuse counselors, clinical Supervisors, prevention specialists, co-occurring professionals and criminal justice professionals. 


For further information, visit their website at http://www.IC&RCaoda.org/about.asp

What is the IC&RC?

DCA-ADCC Application

All ADC Interns must apply and be registered with the NJ DCA-ADCC.

Student Portal

Active students can access the NJPN Student Portal for all information regarding your NJPN coursework.

Upcoming Renewal Trainings

NJPN conducts one-day renewal trainings covering current trends, providing continuing education credits to certified and licensed clinicians.

Apply Today

Are you ready to take your career in addiction services to the next level? Unlock the potential of your future—apply for this training today!

Made possible by NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Contact Us.

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