Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (CATC)

The CAADE Board decided, after much discussion with students and treatment providers, that our credential warranted the title “Counselor.”  Therefore, as of April 21, 2005, all Certified Addictions Treatment Specialists shall now officially have the title of “Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor” (CATC). 

NOTE: The C.A.T.C. Internship Credential

We will no longer offer the C.A.T.C.I.-1 or C.A.T.C.I-2; we now offer the CATC Internship Credential.   All those in possession of an internship credential prior to March 1, 2007 will need to pass the CATC exam to continue as CATC Interns.  We will however continue to honor those of you who already are on “intern” status as previously described when you applied for it, through your expiration date.  Once your expiration date has arrived, you will no longer be considered “Interns,” you will be Registered CAADE Members.

As of March 24, 2007, the internship credential identifies a person who has passed the CATC exam and is working toward their 2240 hours to become a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.)

The 2240 hours include the internship hours while registered in CAADE accredited Addiction Studies program as well as supervised clinical hours on the job.

CATC Certification

Ø      For Initial Certification you start by enrolling in and completing the Alcohol/Drug Studies program at one of the CAADE approved colleges (see www.caade.org/colleges.htm for a list of CAADE Colleges). [If you did not attend a CAADE College please inquire about our Equivalency Procedure].  After youve completed the education from one of the CAADE approved colleges (or equivalency), you will be eligible to sit for the Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.) exam, which we offer twice a year - the last Saturday in March, and the last Saturday in October. The Exam fee is $70.00 and you must verify proof of completion from a CAADE approved college program (or equivalency).

Ø      After you pass the C.A.T.C. exam, your next step is

·        Complete and verify 2240 hours of work in the field

o       Including up to 160 hours completed in your field experience/practicum/fieldwork class at college and any supervised/verifiable work in the field dating back to the date you began your CAADE college ADS program). 

·        You have three (3) years from passing the exam to become certified. 

·        If you do not apply for your initial certification within that time, you will be required to take the test again.

Ø      Anytime during this process, you can become registered with us (we suggest that you register either when you begin your internship or when you begin working in the field, whichever comes first).  Registration suggests that you plan to become certified, and according to the State Regulations, you have 5 years from your registration to become certified. 

Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.) - Initial Certification

The requirements to apply for Initial Certification for a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor (C.A.T.C.) are as follows:

1. A completed application
2. A copy of your Pass letter from your CATC exam.
3. A signed Code of Ethics
4. A signed Scope of Practice
5. A completed Record of Hours form - line listing that you have completed at least 2240 supervised clinical hours in the AOD field.
6. A letter from each of your supervisors verifying the supervised clinical hours at a State Licensed AOD facility, that you line listed on   the Record of Hours.
7. 3 letters of character reference - this can not be from current employers or family members.
8. A money order or certified bank check for $175.00 for CAADE members, $400.00 for non-members. - NO PERSONAL CHECKS.

·        Initial certification is valid for 1 year. 

·        40 CEU’s are required to renew your C.A.T.C. and must be dated within the 2 years of applying for re-certification.

Renewal of your C.A.T.C. - You must renew your certification every 2 years.

Here is the process to renew:

1. A completed application for C.A.T.C renewal
2. A signed Code of Ethics
3. A signed Scope of Practice
4. Verification of 40 CEUs - All CEUs must have a CAADE provider number, be contracted by a level of government or from a State funded College or University (not an extension program unless they have a CAADE provider #).  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY THE VALIDITY OF YOUR CEUS.
5. A money order or certified bank check in the amount of $230 for members (the $230.00 included 2 years renewal of CATC and 2 years membership) or $300 for non-members.

Recertification Policy

1. The Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) certification is due for renewal every two years.  Certificants must re-apply with CAADE to the CAADE Central Office for CATC renewal.  Recertification is not automatic.
2. Re-certificants are notified 2-3 months prior to their CATC expiration date.
3. A CATC re-application package is sent to the certificant outlining the following requirements:

• Documentation of 40 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) from State of California approved continuing education providers. 
• The total 40 hours of CEHs must have been completed within the two year period from the original CATC date of issue. 
• The 40 CEHs must reflect TAP 21 guidelines and content areas.
• CAADE will confirm with the California Alcohol and Drug Program (ADP) office if the certificant is in good standing.  Proof of current status and good standing is listed on the CAADE searchable database on the CAADE website as mandated by ADP.

4.      Re-certificants are verified for identity via the completed application; i.e. social security numbers, addresses, full name, etc... and are matched against computer records.  If necessary, applicants and/or employers are called for verification.

5.      Ethics violations or grievances against any re-certificant are reviewed by the ethics subcommittee of the CAADE Certification Committee and dealt with accordingly.