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Certifications & Trainings

Subtitle

Addiction Training for Every Stage of Your Career

Invest in your future and make a positive, lasting impact on NJ's communities.

No matter if you're new to addiction counseling or are already a skilled practitioner, our professional development opportunities in substance use disorder treatment or recovery support will help you reach the next stage in your career.

 

We offer courses and trainings to earn or maintain NJ Division of Consumer Affairs—Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee (DCA-ADCC)-approved credentials, including:

  • Chemical Dependence Associate (CDA)

  • Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)

  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

  • Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

  • Approved Clinical Supervision (ACS)

  • Advanced and Mandatory Renewal Trainings

The Path to Certification

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

Obtaining an ADC Intern Position.

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

Approval of Proposed Plan of Supervision With DCA-ADCC.

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

Sign up with NJPN for Training and Complete Coursework.

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

Earn your Certification or License by Passing Your Exam.

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

Maintaining Your Credentials.

Invest in yourself and the profession by becoming a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) for the next generation of addiction professionals.

Nurture the Next Generation.

The Path to Certification

Advancing Your Addiction Counseling Career, Made Simple

Certifications

CDA

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

Initial Certification
Chemical Dependence Associate (CDA)

CADC

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC) assist those with with substance use disorders by providing individualized treatment, support and motivation along their journey toward wellness. CADC practice under the supervision of an approved supervisor and can make assessments.

Initial Certification
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)

LCADC

Permitted to conduct unsupervised independent practice, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LCADCs) assist those with substance use disorders by providing individualized treatment, including assessments and diagnoses, as well as support and motivation along their journey toward wellness.

Initial Licensure
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC)

CCS

Certified Clinical Supervisors (CCS) oversee, evaluate, mentor, and educate Substance Use Disorder counseling staff and interns. 

Advanced Certification
Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS)

ACS

The 15-hour Approved Clinical Supervision (ACS) training is offered through an asynchronous format to Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) who complete their initial CCS 30-hour training through NJPN.

Advanced Certification
Approved Clinical Supervision (ACS)

CPS

Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) has demonstrated competence related to alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention and who provides services that build capacities of individuals and systems to promote healthy environments, lifestyles, and communities. CPS ensure that prevention policies and programs focus on public safety and well-being through primary prevention and the latest evidence-based practices. Note: Must possess a bachelor's degree in a human services-related field.

Initial Certification
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)

NJPN Addiction Course Trainer

​Calling all LCADCs! Help expand the substance use disorder treatment and recovery workforce—join the NJPN CTWD team as an “Invest in You” course trainer for our CADC and LCADC students.

Consulting Opportunity
NJPN Addiction Course Trainer

Trainings

Are you looking for other types of professional training opportunities? NJPN also offers trainings for Prevention and Peer Recovery Support workers.

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
SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES

Resources for Success

Students have access to tools and guidance that support their addiction counseling training.

FAQ

Have Questions?

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

Contact Us.

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