The IC & RC has announced the development of a new counselor testing protocol which will test both professional knowledge and professional competency. Effective for the June 2008 examination cycle, IC & RC International Certification Examination for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors will utilize a new examination format. Under the new format testing for both knowledge and competency will be combined in one written examination. The format utilizing the oral examination (case presentation) will be supported only through August of 2008. Candidates who have not passed BOTH the current written and oral examinations prior to the end of August 2008 will be required to pass the new written examination in order to satisfy the practice credential examination requirement.

At its regularly scheduled meeting held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on February 15, 2008, the ADRA Board voted to adopt the IC & RC International Certification Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors as the test required for those candidates seeking to be licensed addiction counselors. Effective for the June 2008 examination cycle, any person making application for the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) practice credential shall be required to take and pass the IC & RC International Certification Examination for Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors. This is an advanced test. Any candidate who otherwise satisfies the requirements for the LAC credential, but who elects to take and passes the IC & RC International Certification Examination for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselors shall be awarded the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) practice credential. Any counselor holding the CAC or RAC practice credential, who otherwise satisfies the requirements for the LAC and who subsequently takes and passes the advanced examination, will be awarded the LAC credential.