Take It To The Next Level CAADE Introduces the CATC Tiered System

[Dennis Wade]

The CATC is a credential which identifies the academically trained
specialist who is able to facilitate behavioral change for persons
affected by alcohol and other drug addictions. It signifies to
employers, clients or colleagues that the person possessing this
credential has completed the academic and experiential requirements
for a certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies, in a regionally
accredited, CAADE approved program (or equivalent). The CATC
Credential also identifies a person who has practical experience in
the area of evaluation and assessment, treatment planning,
pharmacology of alcohol and other drugs, cultural issues and their
relevance, models of intervention, family issues, legal and ethical
issues, referrals and record keeping. The CATC Tiered system now
identifies CATC counselors by the degree they hold. CAADE is one of
the credentialing organizations included in the State of California
Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs directory meeting the minimum
criteria for Alcohol and Drug Counseling.
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. 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.

Go to www.caade.org for all the forms, fees and details of this
exciting new concept in recognizing eduction.

Dennis Wade, MS, CATC-IV, CATE
CAADE Board Member