About.

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Introduction

The Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorders (UMICAD) offers certification to qualified AODA 
counselors who work with Indian people

The purpose of certification is to insure a level of knowledge and skill among counselors. UMICAD 
believes in the importance of standards for counselor practice established by Indian AODA program staff 
rather than waiting for the government to set standards.

Certification for counselors, developed by Indian people, is considered necessary because special skills 
and knowledge that are needed to work effectively within the Indian community. By the development of 
Indian specific certification standards, Indian people are more assured that unique cultural, spiritual, and 
social factors are incorporated into the standards. Certification provides a measure of excellence, which 
is recognized far beyond the Indian community. It constitutes an important step in insuring that the 
quality of AODA counseling services is maintained at a recognized acceptable level.

Certification attests to the professional qualifications and competence of the counselor.

The standards for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC I) are those commonly recognized by 
various AODA entities and authorities in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Northern 
Illinois, the UMICAD, and the Indian Health Service (IHS). The specific requirements and procedures for 
certification have been developed by the UMICAD.

The standards for Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II and III (CADC II & III) meet and are approved 
by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and other Drug Abuse, Inc. 
(IC&RC/AODA, Inc.)

The Upper Midwest Indian Council on Addictive Disorder was created with the cooperation of the Area 
Bemidji IHS in recognition of the need for competitive standards with other certification bodies, as well 
as the increasing accountability required by the Federal Government.

Brief History

Beginning in 1978, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse began transferring to the United States 
Public Health Service, IHS. This transfer of agency authority came about in part because of P.L. 94-437, 
Indian Health Care Improvement Act. The Indian Health Care Improvement Act noted that alcohol abuse 
continued to be a major health problem among Indian people. Indian Health Services had been the 
principal federal agency responsible for Indian health care since 1955, therefore, Congress believed it 
was appropriate for IHS to assume direct responsibility for Indian alcohol programs.

To continue the tribal and urban AODA programs, IHS contracts with tribal governments and urban 
non-profit boards to maintain and expand Indian alcohol programs. In addition to maintaining existing 
programs, IHS has committed itself to provide training and evaluation.

As Programs expand and attain stability, the tribal community has a right to consistent and defined 
levels of services. Counselor certification is an important factor in defining a consistent level of 
knowledge and skill. Certification is a process by which non-governmental agencies grant recognition to 
individuals who have met certain per-determined qualifications specified by that agency and are generally 
agreed upon by other agencies to be of value.

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Principles

In developing certification standards for counselors working in Indian Substance Abuse Programs, the 
following principles were considered:
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1. Certification is based largely on knowledge, experience, and academic achievement regarding AODA as 
it related to Indian people.

2. Authority for this service rests in the legal incorporation of the certifying body.

3. Certification is voluntary. Certification as specified herein represents minimum standards of excellence 
and provides a method of continued education to enhance professional skills.

4. Certification is offered to counselors in the IHS-Bemidji area (Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and 
Northern Illinois).

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Authority

​The UMICAD Board is governed by a set of approved by-laws and rules. It is incorporated under the 
laws of the State of Michigan as a nonprofit agency. All members of the Board serve without pay. The 
UMICAD is composed of four elected Board Officers from IHS Bemidji area, (Minnesota, Wisconsin, 
Michigan and Northern Illinois).

The authority of UMICAD is derived from knowledgeable and dedicated AODA counselors. This authority 
is embodied in the corporate by-laws created under the auspices of the UMICAD and is supported by 
the Bemidji Area IHS Office.

Individuals seeking certification do so voluntarily and must agree to accept the decision of the UMICAD 
Board.

Certification implies no special rights or privileges except as incorporated in agency or program policies.

It's value lies in the claim to a standard knowledge/skill level, and the assurance of competence that can 
be given clients and others.

The credibility of this certification is based on counselors maintaining certification standards, as well as 
the performance of the UMICAD itself.

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Reciprocity for UMICAD Certified Counselors

Eligibility

​All UMICAD counselors who hold CADC II & III certification are eligible for reciprocity in the majority of 
states, a number of foreign countries, as well as the Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Indian Health Services 
through the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC/AODA, Inc.)

UMICAD CADC II & III counselors who move to a member state or country may apply for reciprocity 
through the IC&RC office. Forms and more information are available from the UMICAD office.

Completion of the single page reciprocity application and a $100.00 processing fee are the only 
requirements.

​A bit of IC&RC History

​In July, 1979, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin signed a three-state agreement of reciprocity of certified 
alcohol counselors.

At the historic signing of the agreement, the group incorporated and chose a name, the Certification 
Reciprocity Consortium/Alcohol and Drug Abuse. The Consortium grew as state after state adjusted 
their requirements to meet those of the Consortium and became members.

The written certification test and the oral interview are products of the joint efforts of IC&RC members 
and are required for certification in all member credentialing bodies.