CADC Program

The McDermott Professional Learning Center’s Addiction Counselor Preparatory Training Program is accredited by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB).

Our course is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge to take the required ICB CADC examination and to prepare individuals for employment as an addiction counselor. It also provides counseling education and training for social services and human resource professionals interested in addiction counseling.

Students graduating from the 225-hour program fulfill the ICB educational requirements to begin the application process for a CADC certification in the state of IL.

In order to complete the CADC Preparatory Program, individuals must also complete a 300-hour internship that demonstrates competence in the 12 Core Functions of an addiction counselor. Individuals must receive weekly supervision throughout the internship experience. ICB requires the internship duration to be a minimum of 3 months. Once these internship requirements are met, McDermott Professional Learning Center will issue a completion letter for ICB records.

Upon completing the internship and passing the examination individuals are registered as applicants for CADC certification with ICB.

Note: ICB also requires 4,000 hours (2 years) of paid Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse qualified work experience in order to receive your certification. ICB may allow for waiver of some of these hours, depending on your specific degree and any applicable paid work experience in the past four years.

Please carefully read the Counselor Model on ICB website for additional requirements to obtain your CADC certification:

http://www.iaodapca.org/credentialing/counselor-2/

Registration is now open for the 2024 Program!

Registration Packet

For inquiries, contact:

Ryan Patterson at rpatterson@hcenter.org or by calling (312) 226-7984 ext. 594

or Lisa Abrams at labrams@hcenter.org or by calling (312) 226-7984 ext. 581.

Cost: All students must pay $500 at time of registration which is included in the full cost of the course.

Payment Option 1: If the class is paid in full by 3/19/24, we offer a $200 discount- the total cost is $1,800.

Payment Option 2: $500 deposit and then monthly payments of $250 on the 1st of each month for 6 months- total cost is $2,000.

Payment in full must be made by 10/17/24 or late fees of $25/ monthly will accrue.

Course Details

Date: March 19- October 3, 2024

Days/Times: Every week – Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Duration: 6 months

Modality: Classes are virtual

Required Textbook: Global Criteria: The 12 Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor (7th or 8th Edition) – Haymarket offers this to students at  a discounted rate of $45.00

***Recommended: ICB Study Guide purchased directly through ICB https://iaodapca.org/Testing

If an individual decides not to take the class after payment is made, a full refund minus a $25.00 administration fee will be given up to the start date of the curriculum. A refund minus $150.00 will be given during the first 2 weeks of the start of the curriculum. After two weeks from the start date, no refund will be given.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of frequently asked questions: If you require an answer to something that is not indicated, please feel free to contact Lisa Abrams at labrams@hcenter.org for further assistance.

Q: Will I be a certified CADC counselor once I complete the course?

A: No. Please review the Counselor Model on the IL Certification Board website to find further information regarding requirements and the process to receive your certification: http://www.iaodapca.org/credentialing/counselor-2/

Q: What is the CADC class attendance requirement?

A: Only 8 absences throughout the duration of the course are allowed. If absences exceed 8 classes, you may not be able to continue the course.

Q: Does the cost of the course include ICB application fees or any other costs associated with ICB exam and application?

A: No. Any costs associated with ICB are your responsibility.

Q: Can I get a refund if I decide not to take the full curriculum?

A: A full refund minus a $25.00 administration fee will be given up to the start date of the curriculum. A refund minus $150.00 will be given during the first 2 weeks of the start of the curriculum. After two weeks from the start date, no refund will be given.

Q: Does McDermott Learning Center offer their students internships?

A: At the discretion of the CADC Program Director, unpaid internships may be offered to students who complete the course classroom hours (some restrictions do apply). Internship opportunities at Haymarket Center are not guaranteed.

Q: Does McDermott Learning Center offer financial aid?

A: Currently McDermott Learning Center does not offer financial aid. Payment options are available. Please contact Lisa Abrams for further information: labrams@hcenter.org

Q: Does the cost of the curriculum include books?

A: No. The cost of the curriculum does not include any required study materials needed. McDermott Learning Center offers one required textbook for $45.00: Global Criteria: The 12 Core Functions of the Substance Abuse Counselor (7th or 8th Edition). However, you are not required to purchase from Haymarket Center. 

It is a strong recommendation to purchase the Illinois Certification Board Exam Study Guide available through ICB. You can find the order form here: https://iaodapca.org/Testing

Q: Where will classes be held?

A: Classes are virtual. 

Q: What education is required to attend the CADC curriculum?

A: All applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) to participate in the course. Proof will be required at registration.