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International Credentialing & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC)
LASACT is a proud member of IC&RC, which protects the public by establishing standards and facilitating reciprocity for the credentialing of addiction-related professionals. The largest organization of its kind, IC&RC represents more than 40,000 professionals worldwide.
The Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA)
The state agency authorized by law to credential Addiction Professionals in Louisiana. Since ADRA’s major priority is public protection, it works in partnership with LASACT to ensure that applicants for credentialing meet the highest levels of competency.
The Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority is the state licensing and credentialing board for addiction counselors and prevention professionals.
(LAC, CAC, RAC, CCS, LPP, CPP, RPP)
The Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority is the state licensing and credentialing board for addiction counselors and prevention professionals. In Louisiana, the practice of most health care professions is licensed and regulated by appointed boards placed within the Department of Health and Hospitals. Therefore, the legislature hereby finds it appropriate that the responsibility and authority to regulate the practice of addictive disorder treatment and prevention be exercised by a licensing board created for that purpose. Throughout this website you will find the necessary information to obtain an ADRA credential.
ADRA'S WEBSITETreatment for addictive disorders vary, but we do know that most patients respond well to talk therapy and social support situations. The process of recovery is often a long and difficult one, so it is important that addiction counselors and prevention professional have the skills to cultivate an enduring relationship with their patients. ADRA credentialing ensures that all counselors specializing in addiction recovery and prevention have the necessary skills to treat diverse groups of patients by awarding our seal of accreditation only to those counselors who have exhibited excellence in their trade. As a mental health specialist, earning ADRA's mark of distinction can open up a world of opportunities and professional advantages for you.
Louisiana's addiction counseling and prevention credentialing system operates through the coordinated efforts of three organizations, each with a distinct role. ADRA (the Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority) is the state licensing board, established under Louisiana law, that sets eligibility requirements, issues credentials such as LAC, CAC, RAC, CCS, LPP, CPP, and RPP, and maintains the official public registry of credential holders. IC&RC (the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) sets the minimum education, experience, and examination standards behind these credentials at the national and international level, allowing Louisiana professionals' certifications to be recognized and reciprocated across other member jurisdictions. LASACT (AEP #2) serves as Louisiana's IC&RC Member Board representative and as ADRA's Approved Education Provider, and its Certification Examining Board (CEB) administers the IC&RC examinations candidates must pass to earn their ADRA credentials.
IC&RC'S WEBSITEIn practice, a candidate's path runs through all three organizations in sequence. A candidate first applies to ADRA to verify they meet Louisiana's education and work-experience requirements and to complete the required background check; once ADRA approves the candidate, LASACT's CEB registers them for the appropriate IC&RC examination (for example, the ADC exam for CAC/RAC, or the AADC exam for LAC) and administers that computer-based test through ISO Quality Testing at the LASACT office in Baton Rouge. Because these exams are built to IC&RC's national standards, passing them not only satisfies ADRA's licensing requirement but also positions the credential holder for reciprocity in other IC&RC member jurisdictions should they choose to practice elsewhere. In short: ADRA licenses and regulates, IC&RC sets the underlying standards and enables reciprocity, and LASACT bridges the two by delivering the education and testing infrastructure Louisiana candidates need to meet those standards.
Once CIT/PSIT candidates meet the educational and work requirements, they must submit an application and fee to the ADRA for credential verification (as per LA 803).
A criminal background check is required.
If approved, the ADRA emails candidates an approval letter. Candidate needs approval letter to continue scheduling for test.
Send Approval Letter to ceb@lasact.org
The candidate sends a copy of ADRA approval letter and completes the Test Payment Form.
CCS – $200
LAC, CAC, RAC – $285
LPP, CPP, RPP – $285
Once LASACT receives both the Approval Letter and Test Payment Form, LASACT registers candidates with ISO Quality Testing, which then emails instructions on scheduling the test. Exams can be scheduled as soon as five days after registration.
Testing is computer-based and available at the LASACT Office in Baton Rouge. Results are provided immediately.
If a candidate fails, they must wait 90 days and pay a re-test fee. There is no waiting period for taking a different test. After four failed attempts, remedial action is required
The International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) is the world leader in addiction-related credentialing.
IC&RC promotes public protection by offering internationally recognized credentials and examinations for prevention, substance use treatment, and recovery professionals.
Professionals that hold eligible certifications or licenses are able to transfer their credentials between jurisdictions that use IC&RC products. The IC&RC provides free Candidate Guides for candidates for testing. Access the guides through the links below.
Please note that the ADC Guide applies to the Louisiana CAC and RAC credentials. The AADC Guide applies to the Louisiana LAC credential.
Send documents to: Donna Simoneaux, ceb@lasact.org
Practice Exams are available for the following IC&RC examinations:
Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
NEW Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Releases March 16th 2026
Clinical Supervisor (CS)
Prevention Specialist (PS)
Peer Recovery (PR)
LAC Takes AADC Exam
NEW AADC Candidate Guide (Releases March 16th 2026)
NEW AADC Practice Exam (Releases March 16th 2026)
AADC Study Guide
AADC Supplement Guide
AADC Standards
CAC and RAC Takes ADC Exam
ADC Candidate Guide
ADC Job Analysis
ADC Practice Exam
ADC Study Guide
ADC Standards
CCS Takes CS Exam
CS Candidate Guide
CS Job Analysis
CS Practice Exam
CS Study GuideCS Eligibility Requirements
CS Supervised Practical Training Form
CCS Policy 2024
CCS Exemption Form
CCS Competencies Verification Form
CCS Standards
LPP/CPP/RPP Takes PS Exam
PS Candidate Guide (New Exam Starts March 1, 2023)
PS Candidate Guide (Last Day of Exam Feb. 28, 2023)
PS Job Analysis
PS Practice Exam
PS Study Guide
PS Code of Ethics (ADRA)PS Standards
Certification Examining Board (CEB) of LASACT facilitates credentialing and certification issues and functions under authority granted to it by LASACT. CEB carries out its duties independent of the political structure of LASACT. President and President-Elect of LASACT serve on the CEB, but it has a Chairperson and conducts Board meetings independent of LASACT’s Board.
(AADC, CCJP, PRSS, SAP)
Certification Examining Board (CEB) of LASACT facilitates credentialing and certification issues and functions under authority granted to it by LASACT. CEB carries out its duties independent of the political structure of LASACT. President and President-Elect of LASACT serve on the CEB, but it has a Chairperson and conducts Board meetings independent of LASACT’s Board.
CEB members are elected by the eight Substance Abuse Counselors Organizations (SACO’s) in the state, with one representative from each district. CEB is affiliated with the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which offers reciprocity to over 70 member Boards.
Currently, a major responsibility of the CEB is to handle credential testing for the Addictive Disorders Regulatory Authority (ADRA).
Send documents to: Donna Simoneaux, ceb@lasact.org
Setting standards for certificates granted by LASACT, i.e. ADC, CPS, CCS, AADC, CCJP, PRSS, and any future certificates that may be approved
Reviewing applications and portfolios for LASACT certification(s) and testing eligible applicants
Reviewing applications and portfolios for LASACT certification(s) and testing eligible applicants
Please note: CEB issues the ADC (Alcohol & Drug Counselor), CCS (Certified Clinical Supervisor), and PS (Prevention Specialist) certifications offered by IC&RC for reciprocity purposes only. The practice credentials are issued by ADRA.
All applications for LASACT certificates are reviewed by CEB for approval. Those who pass the LAC (AADC) test within the past five years do not have to re-test to obtain the AADC certificate.
For test prep resources, visit the “Written Exam Preparation”
An ADRA credential is not required for CCJP or PRSS testing. The CCJP requires the ADC and CJ Supplement exams, and an ADRA credential is recommended. The PRSS testing fee is $125, while most other LASACT tests cost $285 unless stated otherwise.
Candidates must submit a Test Payment form to LASACT. For ADRA credential testing, they must also attach ADRA’s approval email confirming their testing expiration date.
TEST PAYMENT FORMAdvance Alcohol Drug Counselor
AADC Portfolio
NEW AADC Candidate Guide (New Exam Releases TBD)
AADC Standards
Fee Schedule for persons with AADC certification (A small convenience fee will be added for charges made through PayPal or Credit Card). The fees consider you are a LAC or have another practice right (ex: LCSW, LPC, etc.).
Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional
Fee Schedule for persons with CCDP certification (A small convenience fee will be added for charges made through a Credit Card).
Certified Co-Occurring Disorder Professional-Diplomat
Fee Schedule for persons with CCDP/CCDP-D certification (A small convenience fee will be added for charges made through PayPal or Credit Card).
Certified Criminal Justice Professional
CCJP Portfolio
CCJP Candidate Guide
CCJP Standards
Fee Schedule for persons with CCJP certification (A small convenience fee will be added for charges made through PayPal or Credit Card).
Peer Recovery Support Specialist
PRSS Portfolio
PRSS Candidate Guide
PRSS Application
PRSS Training
PRSS Fact Sheet
PR Standards
Fee Schedule for persons with PRSS certification (A small convenience fee will be added for charges made through PayPal or Credit Card).
CCJP Takes CJ Exam
CJ Portfolio
CJ Candidate
GuideCJ Job Analysis
CJ Practice Exam
CJ Standards
PRSS Takes PR Exam
NEW PR Candidate Guide (New Exam Releases 7/3/35)
PR Job Analysis
PR Practice Exam
PR Study Guide
PR Standards
Street Drugs Overview 2017 requires: Drug Identification Guide (2017)
Addiction Care: Early Recovery requires: Recovery Book, Al J. Mooney, M.D., Workman Publishing 2nd Ed.
One Peer Louisiana is a comprehensive LASACT initiative dedicated to keeping peer support professionals, behavioral health leaders, educators, providers, and community stakeholders informed and engaged as Louisiana enters a new era of peer support. Louisiana has taken a significant step toward creating a more unified, professional, and sustainable peer support workforce. One Peer Louisiana is LASACT's commitment to helping our members and the broader behavioral health community understand these changes, participate in their implementation, and remain connected as the new system takes shape.
During the 2026 Louisiana Legislative Session, LASACT championed legislation to strengthen and unify the state's approach to peer support credentialing.
That effort resulted in Act 767 (SB 426), which modernizes Louisiana's behavioral health credentialing framework and expands the authority of the Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA). Under the new law, ADRA becomes the state's sole licensing and credentialing authority for peer support professionals, creating a unified structure for credentialing, professional standards, and regulatory oversight.
The legislation also establishes an expanded career pathway for peer support professionals, including Specialist and Supervisor levels, creating new opportunities for professional growth and recognition within Louisiana's behavioral health workforce.
This achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of peers, advocates, policymakers, providers, professional organizations, and other stakeholders who recognized the need for a stronger and more sustainable system.
The passage of Act 767 established the framework for Louisiana's new peer support credentialing system. The next phase is implementation.
The ADRA Board will develop and promulgate the rules necessary to put the new system into practice. Important details—including the application process, fees, required training, continuing education requirements, transition procedures, and other professional standards—will be determined through that process.
For now, peer support professionals should keep their credential and professional status current with their existing issuing body. Louisiana peers will transition into the ADRA structure once the necessary rules have been approved and promulgated.
LASACT will not speculate about requirements that have not been formally established. Through One Peer Louisiana, we will continue communicating what is known, what is being considered, and what has been officially implemented as Louisiana moves through this transition.
The implementation of Act 767 will shape the future of peer support in Louisiana, and the voices of peer support professionals and the broader behavioral health community matter.
Professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to:
• Follow ADRA Board meetings. Meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity to stay informed about decisions affecting peer support.
• Respond to Requests for Comment. As rules are developed, review proposed changes and provide feedback based on your experience and the needs of the communities you serve.
• Maintain your current credential. Continue meeting the requirements of your existing issuing body until transition requirements are formally established.
• Stay connected through LASACT. Paid LASACT members receive timely updates, important resources, and direct communication about changes as they happen.
Your experience. Your insight. Your impact.
Act 767 represents an important accomplishment, but implementation is the beginning of the next chapter.
LASACT will continue bringing together peer support professionals, state leaders, educators, providers, and community stakeholders to encourage thoughtful dialogue, practical solutions, and a unified vision for peer support in Louisiana.
Our goal is to help build a system that strengthens professional standards, expands career opportunities, supports workforce development, and ultimately improves services for individuals, families, and communities across our state.
One Peer Louisiana will keep you informed every step of the way.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Guidelines cover over 7 million transportation safety-sensitive positions such as airline pilots, school bus drivers, shipping boat captains, and tractor-trailer drivers, to name just a few. The regulations require that any safety-sensitive individual who refuses a drug test, tests positive for drugs, or has a breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater must be immediately removed from duty and referred to a SA
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) Guidelines cover over 7 million transportation safety-sensitive positions such as airline pilots, school bus drivers, shipping boat captains, and tractor-trailer drivers, to name just a few.
The regulations require that any safety-sensitive individual who refuses a drug test, tests positive for drugs, or has a breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater must be immediately removed from duty and referred to a SAP.
Send documents to: Donna Simoneaux, ceb@lasact.org
Re-testing is not required. After taking a renewal course, send a copy of the certificate of course completion to LASACT for your records here. If we do not receive this certificate, we will remove your name from our website. Keep a copy of the certificate for the renewal course in your records so that it will be available in the event of an audit.
It is the responsibility of the individual SAP to keep track of renewal dates. Since the SAP is not a LASACT certification, we do not send out renewal reminders.
The definition of a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) is as follows: an SAP is a licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy); or a licensed or certified psychologist, social worker, or employee assistance professional; or an addiction counselor credentialed by one of the following organizations:
1. Louisiana Addictive Disorders Regulatory Authority (ADRA) as either a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC); Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC); or Registered Addictions Counselor (RAC); IF a member of LASACT – LAC’s, CAC’s, and RAC’s who are NOT members of LASACT do not qualify OR
2. International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC); OR
3. National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Certification Commission (NAADAC)
Currently, all LAC’s, CAC’s, and RAC’s who are members of LASACT meet the definition of SAP because of LASACT’s membership in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC).
All SAP’s must be knowledgeable and remain current with the DOT Substance Abuse Professional Guidelines. A counselor who wishes to become an SAP must complete an SAP training course and satisfactorily complete an examination. Every three years, all SAP’s must complete a refresher course to be able to continue to act as a Substance Abuse Professional.
The SAP exam must be administered by a nationally recognized professional or training organization whose examination must be validated by a test evaluation organization. The examination must comprehensively cover all the elements of qualification training.
LASACT has access to the IC&RC exam that meets these requirements. The SAP exam, which LASACT administers, will be given at times and locations agreed upon with the applicant. This exam can be taken only by paper and pencil at this time.
LASACT is offering this exam to all LAC’s, CAC’s, RAC’s, and other qualified professionals in Louisiana who are interested in pursuing DOT work. Anyone who wishes to qualify to be an SAP must hold an LAC, CAC, or RAC credential from the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority (ADRA) and must be a LASACT member. A membership application form can be completed online from this website. Visit the Membership Tab. Membership in LASACT is required for the entire period that an LAC, CAC, or RAC holds a valid SAP certificate.
Other types of professionals, i.e. LCSW’s, LPC’s, LMFT’s, etc., who wish to become an SAP must verify that they meet the DOT’s qualifications for this designation before applying to LASACT for testing.
Upon receipt of notification of SAP test score, LASACT notifies the applicant, provides a certificate showing that the applicant is qualified to do SAP work, and lists the applicant on this web page. Those who do not pass the SAP test may schedule to re-take it.
The SAP must be renewed every three years by taking a recertification course.
SAP training is offered on an ongoing basis. According to DOT, no counselor can be considered a SAP until completing the required training and taking the exam. SAP tests can be taken at the LASACT office with a six-week advance notification to give time to receive the test from IC&RC.
The SAP exam covers a lot of DOT regulations
Review before taking SAP Exam
DOT 5 Panel Notice.
The SAP test fee is $285—an approx. $12 convenience fee is added for credit card payments.