Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Study Guide (AADC)

If you are also looking for study material for the addiction oral exam, I wrote a blog post that you can read by clicking here.

Table of Contents

What Is the AADC

The IC&RC AADC refers to the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) and the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) credential it offers. IC&RC is an organization that sets standards for the certification of substance abuse and other behavioral health professionals.

AADC credential is designed for individuals who have advanced knowledge and skills in the field of alcohol and drug counseling. This certification is often sought by professionals working in the addiction treatment and counseling field. To earn the AADC credential, individuals typically need to meet specific education and experience requirements, adhere to a code of ethics, and pass a certification examination.

The examination consists of 150 questions, and scores are provided within a range of 200 to 800. The minimum passing score required is 500. In the event of not passing, retakes can be taken following a 90-day waiting period. To register and schedule a retake for the AADC exam, reach out to your local member board.

It is worth noting that certification requirements can vary by jurisdiction, as IC&RC member boards are located in different regions and countries. If you are considering pursuing the AADC credential or any other IC&RC certification, it is recommended to check with the specific IC&RC member board in your jurisdiction for the most accurate and up-to-date information on requirements and the certification process.

Preparing for the AADC

Taking the AADC exam involves a process that assesses your knowledge and skills in the field of alcohol and drug counseling. Here's what you can generally expect:

Remember, specific details can vary, and it's essential to refer to the guidelines provided by the certifying body or your local member board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Taking the AADC

I recall the moment when I went to collect my AADC score printout, and the proctor mentioned that approximately 75% of exam takers did not pass on their initial attempt. Based on my research, primarily using Google, the overall pass rate is around 72%, which is considered average. It is worth noting that pass rates may vary by geographic area, with some regions having higher or lower rates.

Additionally, I want to highlight that the passing score is 62%, equivalent to 500 out of the maximum 800 points. This translates to needing just 94 correct answers out of the 150 questions to pass. Unlike the NCE, the AADC does not have different test versions dictating passing criteria; it is straightforward—achieve 500 points, and you pass.

In my experience, I did not find the AADC to be particularly challenging. I should mention that working at an inpatient residential addiction facility provided me with a unique advantage, enhancing my knowledge retention.

For those preparing for the AADC, I recommend allowing three months for preparation. Get your testing materials from ReadyToTest.com .

More Resources

If you are interested in learning more, click here . For more information on this topic, we recommend the following:

DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute clinical advice. Consult with a medical or mental health professional for advice.

Jessica Taylor

About the Author

Jessica Taylor is a licensed therapist and board certified coach who contributes to the promotion of mental health and addiction awareness by providing educational resources and information.

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