At a Glance
To become a substance abuse counselor in Michigan, you’ll need to earn certification through the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP). The entry-level credential is the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), which requires 300 education hours and up to 6,000 hours of SUD counseling work experience, depending on education level. A higher-level CAADC credential requires a master’s degree.
Michigan certifies substance abuse counselors through MCBAP, a nonprofit credentialing body recognized by the state and affiliated with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). There are two main credentials: the CADC for those entering the field and the CAADC for master’s-level practitioners. Both require education, supervised experience, and a written exam. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, well above the national average for all occupations. This guide walks through every requirement so you know exactly what to expect.
CADC vs. CAADC: Understanding Your Options
Michigan offers two certification levels through MCBAP. The credential you pursue depends on your education, your career goals, and how much supervised experience you’re willing to accumulate. Here’s how they compare.
| Requirement |
CADC |
CAADC |
| Minimum education |
High school diploma or GED |
Master’s degree in a qualifying behavioral health field |
| Required education hours |
300 total (180 SUD-specific, 6 ethics) |
186 total: 180 SUD-specific hours plus 6 ethics hours |
| Work experience |
6,000 hrs (HS/GED), 5,000 (associate’s), 4,000 (bachelor’s), 2,000 (master’s or higher) |
2,000 hours post-master’s |
| Supervision hours |
100–300 hours depending on education level (min. 10 per IC&RC domain) |
100 post-master’s hours (min. 10 per IC&RC domain) |
| Exam |
IC&RC ADC exam |
IC&RC AADC exam |
| Application fee |
Check current Certemy page |
Check the current Certemy page |
Degree Requirements
The CADC doesn’t require a college degree, but a higher degree significantly reduces the work experience hours you’ll need to accumulate. The CAADC requires a master’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: counseling, psychology, social work, addiction studies, art therapy, or marriage and family therapy.
MCBAP sets CADC work experience requirements by education level: 6,000 hours for a high school diploma or GED, 5,000 hours for an associate’s degree, 4,000 hours for a bachelor’s degree, and 2,000 hours for a master’s degree or higher.
For both certifications, 180 of the required education hours must focus specifically on substance use disorders and counseling. Six of those hours must be in ethics. Confirm the current delivery format rules with MCBAP before enrolling, as requirements may have changed.
Experience and Supervision Requirements
Both certifications require documented work experience in the SUD field, which MCBAP says may be paid or volunteer, along with direct supervision by a certified clinical supervisor. All experience must have been completed within the last 10 years.
For the CADC, the experience requirement ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 hours, depending on your degree level (see the table above). Supervision hours also vary by education level: 300, 250, 200, or 100 hours, with at least 10 supervised hours required in each IC&RC domain. The four domains are:
- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
- Counseling and Education
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
The CAADC requires 2,000 hours of SUD counseling work experience completed after your master’s degree, plus 100 hours of supervision, with at least 10 hours in each of the same four domains. All experience must be documented in accordance with MCBAP’s supervision rules.
Application Process
Both certifications use MCBAP’s online application system, Certemy. You can find a step-by-step walkthrough on the MCBAP website. Check the current Certemy application page for the latest fee before applying.
A few things to know before you apply. All transcripts, degrees, or diplomas must be sent directly to the Board from your school or university. You’ll need to live or work in Michigan at least 51% of the time at the initial application. Allow 21 to 42 business days for first-time applications to process. If you have questions, MCBAP can be reached by email at [email protected] or by mail at 616 S. Creyts Rd, Ste A, Lansing, MI 48917.
Application manuals are available directly from MCBAP: the CADC Manual and the CAADC Manual.
Exams
Both exams are administered by the IC&RC. The CADC requires the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam. The CAADC requires the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam. To register, you’ll need to obtain an IC&RC Registration Application through MCBAP directly, then mail it along with a $175 exam fee (check or money order only) to the Board at least six weeks before your test date.
Testing is computer-based, so you’ll receive your results immediately after finishing. Many testing sites offer weekend availability. If you need to reschedule, you can do so up to five days before your original test date for a $25 fee. Study materials are available through the IC&RC exam prep page.
Renewal
Once certified, you’ll renew on a two- or three-year cycle, your choice. The two-year renewal requires 40 continuing education hours. The three-year renewal requires 60 hours. In both cases, at least 50% of those hours must be specific to substance abuse. Renewal is completed through Certemy, with payment submitted as part of the renewal application.
Salary and Job Outlook
Substance abuse counselors in Michigan work in a growing field. According to the BLS, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Nationally, the median annual wage for this occupation was $59,190 as of May 2024.
| Wage Percentile |
Annual Wage |
| 10th percentile |
$39,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) |
$59,190 |
| 90th percentile |
$98,210 |
BLS data shows higher median wages for counselors working in hospitals than in several other industries. Earnings vary by role, employer, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a certified substance abuse counselor in Michigan?
The timeline varies by credential and education level. A CADC candidate with only a high school diploma needs up to 6,000 hours of supervised work experience, which typically takes three or more years. A bachelor’s degree reduces that to 4,000 hours. The CAADC requires a master’s degree plus 2,000 post-degree experience hours, so most candidates are looking at five or more years total from enrollment to certification.
Do I need a college degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Michigan?
Not for the CADC. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement. However, earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree significantly reduces the number of supervised work experience hours you’ll need, so a degree often shortens your overall path to certification even if it isn’t required.
What is MCBAP and why does it matter?
MCBAP, the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals, is the nonprofit organization that issues substance abuse counselor credentials in Michigan. It’s affiliated with the IC&RC, an international credentialing consortium, which means Michigan CADC and CAADC holders may be eligible for reciprocity through other IC&RC member boards. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. If you plan to practice in multiple states, holding an IC&RC-affiliated credential is a practical advantage.
Can I transfer my Michigan certification to another state?
Because MCBAP is an IC&RC member, your Michigan certification may make you eligible for reciprocity through other IC&RC-affiliated state boards. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so check directly with the credentialing board in your destination state. Contact MCBAP at [email protected] for guidance on the reciprocity process.
What’s the difference between CADC and CAADC supervision requirements?
The CADC supervision requirement varies by education level: 300, 250, 200, or 100 hours, with at least 10 hours required in each IC&RC domain. The CAADC requires 100 post-master’s supervision hours, also with at least 10 hours per domain. All supervision must be documented in accordance with MCBAP’s supervision rules.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan certifies substance abuse counselors at two levels: the CADC (entry-level) and the CAADC (master’s-level), both of which are issued by MCBAP.
- CADC candidates need a minimum of 300 education hours and up to 6,000 work experience hours, though a degree significantly reduces the experience requirement.
- Both certifications require a written IC&RC exam and 300 or 100 hours of direct supervision, depending on the credential.
- Employment in this field is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, with a national median wage of $59,190 as of May 2024.
- Certifications renew on a two- or three-year cycle. The two-year renewal requires 40 CE hours, and the three-year renewal requires 60, with at least 50% SUD-specific in both cases.
Ready to take the next step toward CADC or CAADC certification? Browse accredited addiction counseling programs in Michigan and find options that fit your goals.
Find Schools Near You
Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
