The 3 RADT Levels in California: Trainee I, Trainee II & Intern Explained

If you are pursuing a career in substance use disorder (SUD) counseling in California, one of the first things you will encounter is the RADT registration. RADT stands for Registered Alcohol and Drug Technician, and it is the entry-level credential issued by CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals) that allows you to begin working in the field while you complete your education and work toward full certification.

Under the current CCAPP credentialing structure, there are three distinct RADT levels that create a clear, progressive pathway from your first day as a registrant all the way to sitting for your state written exam. Understanding these levels is critical because there is a 5-year registration limit — the clock starts the day you register as a Trainee I, and you must achieve full certification within that window.

This article breaks down each level in detail so you know exactly what is required, what to expect, and how to stay on track.

The 5-Year Clock: Why It Matters

Before we get into the individual levels, you need to understand the most important rule governing RADT registration: you have 5 years from the date of your initial RADT Trainee I registration to achieve full certification. That means passing your state written exam and earning your CADC-I, CADC-II, SUDCC-I, or SUDCC-II credential.

If you do not achieve certification within that 5-year window, your registration expires. This is not a suggestion — it is a hard deadline. Every month you delay starting your education is a month taken off your clock. This is why choosing the right school and staying consistent with your coursework matters from day one.

Level 1: RADT Trainee I — The Starting Line

RADT Trainee I is your entry point into the SUD counseling profession in California. This is where everyone begins, regardless of background or experience.

Requirements to Apply

To register as a RADT Trainee I, you must complete the following:

• Complete a 10-hour approved Orientation Course covering ethics, professional boundaries, confidentiality, sexual harassment, DEI, and LGBTQIA2+ competency
• Sign the CCAPP Code of Conduct
• Sign the DHCS (State) Code of Conduct
• Complete your application through Certemy (CCAPP's online credentialing system)
• Sign the Registrant Scope of Practice
• Upload an official government-issued ID
• Pay the $100 application fee (non-refundable)

What Happens After Registration

Once you are registered as a Trainee I, the clock starts immediately. You have 6 months from your registration date to complete 80 hours of core competency education from a CCAPP-approved education provider. This 80-hour requirement was established under AB 2473 and covers 12 specific core competency topics mandated by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

You must upload proof of completion in Certemy before the 6-month deadline. Your certifying organization will send verification within 45 days of completion. This is not optional — failure to complete the 80 hours within 6 months puts your registration at risk.

Renewal

You must apply for renewal a minimum of 120 days before your registration expires. The renewal requires proof that you have completed the 80 hours of core competency education. CCAPP will acknowledge receipt within 7 days and issue a decision within 45 days: approved, denied, or incomplete. If incomplete, you have 30 days to submit the missing documentation.

Level 2: RADT Trainee II — Building Your Education Hours

RADT Trainee II is the mid-level registration where you are actively accumulating education hours toward the 315-hour total required for full certification eligibility.

How to Advance from Trainee I

To move from Trainee I to Trainee II, you must have:

• Completed all 80 hours of AB 2473 core competency education (Topics 1 through 12)
• Successfully renewed your RADT Trainee I registration

Upon renewal approval, you automatically advance to RADT Trainee II status.

Requirements at This Level

• Must have completed 50 hours of college education from a CCAPP-approved school
• Sign the CCAPP and DHCS Codes of Conduct
• Complete application in Certemy
• Sign the Registrant Scope of Practice
• Upload official government ID
• Pay the $100 application fee

Ongoing Requirements

As a Trainee II, you must complete a minimum of 50 hours of AOD education per year, counted toward the 315-hour total. You must track your cumulative education hours and renew your registration annually with proof of the 50 hours completed. The goal at this level is to reach 315 total education hours so you can advance to RADT Intern.

This is where having a structured program matters. At ADCSI, our SUD Counseling Studies Certificate Course provides 365 hours of education — well beyond the 315-hour requirement — delivered across 6 didactic modules, supervised practicum, and clinical externship. Students who enroll with us are set up to move through Trainee II efficiently and with confidence.

Level 3: RADT Intern — The Final Stage Before Certification

RADT Intern is the highest registration level and the final step before achieving full certification. At this level, you have completed all required education and are focused on preparing for and passing your state written exam.

How to Advance from Trainee II

To move from Trainee II to Intern, you must have:

• Completed 315 hours of college education from a CCAPP-approved school
• Met any additional intern eligibility requirements

Requirements at This Level

• Documentation of 315 hours of education
• Sign the CCAPP and DHCS Codes of Conduct
• Complete application in Certemy
• Sign the Registrant Scope of Practice
• Upload official government ID
• Pay the $100 application fee

Ongoing Requirements

As an Intern, you must remain actively engaged in the certification process. This means preparing for and applying to take your written and oral exams, meeting practicum or work experience requirements, and completing 25 hours of AOD continuing education annually. You must renew your registration each year with proof of the 25 hours completed.

Remember: the 5-year clock is still ticking. You must achieve full certification — CADC-I, CADC-II, SUDCC-I, or SUDCC-II — before your 5-year registration window closes.

Summary: The Three RADT Levels at a Glance

Level	Education Required	Annual CE	Key Milestone
RADT Trainee I	10-hr Orientation + 80 hrs within 6 months	N/A (first year)	Complete 80 hrs core competency
RADT Trainee II	50 hrs/year toward 315 total	50 hrs/year	Reach 315 total hours
RADT Intern	315 hrs completed	25 hrs/year	Pass exams, achieve certification

The Full Career Pathway

The RADT levels are just the beginning. Once you achieve full certification, the career ladder continues:

RADT Trainee I → RADT Trainee II → RADT Intern → CADC-I → CADC-II → CADC-III → LAADC

Each step opens new doors — higher pay, more responsibility, broader scope of practice, and the ability to supervise other counselors. The RADT registration is the foundation that everything else is built on.

How ADCSI Supports You at Every Level

At The Alcohol and Drug Counseling Studies Institute (ADCSI), we are a CCAPP and CADTP approved education provider offering a 100% online SUD Counseling Studies Certificate program. Our program provides 365 hours of education across 6 didactic modules, supervised practicum, and 255 hours of clinical externship — exceeding the 315-hour education requirement for RADT advancement.

But we are more than just an online school providing coursework. We are a community designed to support students through every stage of their career development in the SUD counseling profession. From registration to coursework to externship to exam preparation, our students have direct support every step of the way.

We enroll new students every first Monday of the month. If you are ready to start your journey toward becoming a certified SUD counselor in California, book a call with our Program Director or complete your application to get started.

Source: CCAPP Credentialing Website, AB 2473 (California Health and Safety Code Section 11833)

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Related Articles

• What Is CCAPP? Everything You Need to Know About California's Largest SUD Counselor Credentialing Organization
• What Is AB 2473 and What It Means for Registrants (RADTs & SUDRCs) in California
• CCAPP vs. CADTP: Which Certification Board Is Right for You?
• The Complete SUD Counselor Career Ladder in California: RADT to LAADC