CAADE Introduces the CATC Tiered System
In line with our mission to promote and support quality higher education in addiction studies, CAADE proudly presents the Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (CATC) Tiered System. The implementation of a tiered system rewards individuals who have obtained higher degrees from regionally accredited institutions in addition to meeting the minimum requirements of the CATC. CAADE maintains the highest certification standards for addiction counselors in the state of California.
Below is the list of requirements for each level of the CATC Tiered System. Please refer to the Certification link above for forms and applications. If you are already a CATC, you may upgrade based on the degree you have earned or, if you are applying for initial CATC certification and have met the requirements, you may apply for the CATC which corresponds with your degree. If you were certified with another organization which does not recognize college or university degrees, and you hold a degree in a related field, you may apply to be considered for approval to sit for the CATC examination o become certified as a CATC I, II, III, IV, V, or N.
- CATC I
An individual who is a CATC I has completed a CAADE accredited addiction studies program or equivalent at a regionally accredited college or university, has passed the CATC exam, and has completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
- CATC II
An individual who is a CATC II has an Associate Degree from a regionally accredited college or university, has completed a CAADE accredited alcohol and drug studies program or equivalent, has passed the CATC exam, and completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
- CATC III
An individual who is a CATC III has a Bachelor’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university, has completed at least 15 units of CAADE-approved addiction studies or equivalent (including a minimum of two internship courses), has passed the CATC exam, and has completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
- CATC IV
An individual who is a CATC IV has a Master’s Degree in Alcohol and Drug Studies or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university, has completed at least 15 units of CAADE-approved addiction studies or equivalent (including a minimum of two internship courses), has passed the CATC exam, and has completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
- CATC V
An individual who is a CATC V has a Doctorate in a related field from a regionally accredited college or university, has completed at least 15 units of CAADE-approved addiction studies or equivalent (including a minimum of two internship courses), has passed the CATC exam, and has completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility.
- CATC (I, II, III, IV, V) N
An individual who is a CATC N has a Nursing degree in a related field from a regionally accredited college or university, has completed at least 15 units of CAADE-approved addiction studies or equivalent (including a minimum of two internship courses), has passed the CATC exam, and has completed at least 2,240 hours of supervised work in a state licensed alcohol and other drug treatment facility. The individual will have the CATC tier that correlates with their degree level, followed by the letter N.