Ky. Rev. Stat. § 309.083 (2026)
Requirements for certification as alcohol and drug counselors
An applicant for certification as an alcohol and drug counselor shall pay the board the initial fee for certification, and shall:
(1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(2) Have obtained a baccalaureate degree, unless the applicant is certified by the board as an associate alcohol and drug counselor II;
(3) Have completed the minimum work experience and supervision requirements for alcohol and drug counselors by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium with supervised hours being under the direct supervision of:
(a) A certified alcohol and drug counselor who has at least two (2) years of post- certification experience and has attended the board-sponsored supervision training; or
(b) A licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who has at least twelve (12) months of post-licensure experience or has attended the board-sponsored supervision training;
(4) Meet all minimum supervision, education, and training requirements of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium for the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC);
(5) Have passed a written examination for alcohol and drug counselors that has been approved by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium;
(6) Have signed an agreement to abide by the standards of practice and code of ethics approved by the board;
(7) Have completed at least six (6) hours of ethics training; three (3) hours of domestic violence training; and two (2) hours of training in the transmission, control, treatment, and prevention of the human immunodeficiency virus;
(8) Have submitted two (2) letters of reference from certified or licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselors;
(9) Live or work at least a majority of the time in Kentucky; and
(10) Have complied with the requirements for the training program in suicide assessment, treatment, and management in KRS 210.366 and any administrative regulations promulgated thereunder. Effective: July 15, 2024 History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 89, sec. 4, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended 2020 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 7, effective March 1, 2021. -- Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 29, sec. 6, effective June 24, 2015. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003. -- Created 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 96, sec. 5, effective July 15, 1996.