Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor Study Guide (AADC)

The AADC (Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) credential, offered by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), is designed for professionals with advanced skills in alcohol and drug counseling. To obtain the AADC, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements, follow a code of ethics, and pass a 150-question exam. The passing score is 500 out of 800, with a 90-day waiting period for retakes if needed. The average pass rate is around 72%.

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.

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. Click here for the AADC content outline.

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:

• Exam Format: The AADC exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions. The number of questions is 150. Questions are designed to evaluate your understanding of various aspects of alcohol and drug counseling, including assessment, treatment planning, counseling techniques, and ethical considerations. 125 are scored with 25 being pretest (unscored) questions for future exam versions.
• Content Areas: The exam covers a broad range of content areas related to advanced alcohol and drug counseling. This may include topics such as assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, case management, counseling theories, pharmacology, and professional ethics.
• Preparation: Successful preparation for the AADC exam involves a combination of formal education, clinical experience, and independent study.
  Reviewing textbooks, academic materials, and practice exams specific to alcohol and drug counseling will be crucial. Many professionals also find it helpful to participate in study groups or use online resources. I recommend ReadyToTest.com. That is where I got my study materials to pass the AADC.
• Passing Score: The passing score for the AADC exam is typically set by the certifying body, such as the IC&RC. In the information provided, a minimum passing score of 500 is mentioned.
• Retake Options: If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, retake options are usually available. However, there is often a waiting period, which, as mentioned earlier, is commonly 90 days. This allows candidates time for further preparation before attempting the exam again.
• Contacting the Local Member Board: To register for a retake of the AADC exam, you'll need to contact your local member board. They will provide guidance on the registration process, exam scheduling, and any additional requirements.
• Exam Environment: The AADC exam is typically administered in a controlled environment, such as a testing center. Ensure that you are familiar with the testing center's rules and procedures.

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. Click here to download the AACD candidate guide.

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.

How I Can Help

For those preparing for the AADC, I recommend allowing three months for preparation. Get your testing materials from ReadyToTest.com. I highly recommend immersing yourself in as many practice questions as possible to build your confidence and familiarity with the exam. Our AADC flashcards are a powerful tool to support your study journey—don’t miss out! Click here to learn more!

More Resources

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

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IC&RC AADC study materials.

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.