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IC&RC ADC Exam Domains

IC&RC provides the Candidate Guide for the ADC exam which can be found at the link below. It is important to focus your studying around the topics presented in the domains. 

Our study material uses topics only in line with the IC&RC Candidate Guide

  • Domain I: Screening, Assessment, and Engagement (23%)"
     Task 1: Demonstrate verbal and non‐verbal communication to establish rapport and promote engagement.  Task 2: Discuss with the client the rationale, purpose, and procedures associated with the screening and assessment process to facilitate client understanding and cooperation.  Task 3: Assess client’s immediate needs by evaluating observed behavior and other relevant information including signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal.  Task 4: Administer appropriate evidence‐based screening and assessment instruments specific to clients to determine their strengths and needs.  Task 5: Obtain relevant history and related information from the client and other pertinent sources to establish eligibility and appropriateness of services.  Task 6: Screen for physical needs, medical conditions, and co‐occurring mental health disorders that might require additional assessment and referral.  Task 7: Interpret results of screening and assessment and integrate all available information to formulate diagnostic impression and determine an appropriate course of action.  Task 8: Develop a written summary of the results of the screening and assessment to document and support the diagnostic impressions and treatment recommendations.
  • Domain II: Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral (27%)"
     Task 1: Formulate and discuss diagnostic assessment and recommendations with the client  Task 2: Use ongoing assessment and collaboration with the client and concerned others to review and modify the treatment plan to address treatment needs.  Task 3: Match client needs with community resources to facilitate positive client outcomes.  Task 4: Discuss rationale for a referral with the client.  Task 5: Communicate with community resources regarding needs of the client.  Task 6: Advocate for the client in areas of identified needs to facilitate continuity of care.  Task 7: Evaluate the effectiveness of case management activities to ensure quality service coordination.  Task 8: Develop a plan with the client to strengthen ongoing recovery outside of primary treatment.  Task 9: Document treatment progress, outcomes, and continuing care plans.  Task 10: Utilize multiple pathways of recovery in treatment planning and referral.
  • Domain III: Counseling (28%)
     Task 1: Develop a therapeutic relationship with clients, families, and concerned others to facilitate transition into the recovery process.  Task 2: Provide information to the client regarding the structure, expectations, and purpose of the counseling process.  Task 3: Continually evaluate the client’s safety, relapse potential, and the need for crisis intervention.  Task 4: Apply evidence‐based, culturally competent counseling strategies and modalities to facilitate progress towards completion of treatment objectives.  Task 5: Assist families and concerned others in understanding substance use disorders and engage them in the recovery process.  Task 6: Document counseling activity and progress towards treatment goals and objectives.  Task 7: Provide information on issues of identity, ethnic background, age, sexual orientation, and gender as it relates to substance use, prevention and recovery.  Task 8: Provide information about the disease of addiction and the related health and psychosocial consequences.
  • Domain IV: Professional and Ethical Responsibilities (22%)
     Task 1: Adhere to established professional codes of ethics and standards of practice to uphold client rights while promoting best interests of the client and profession.  Task 2: Recognize diversity and client demographics, culture and other factors influencing behavior to provide services that are sensitive to the uniqueness of the individual.  Task 3: Continue professional development through education, self‐evaluation, clinical supervision, and consultation to maintain competence and enhance professional effectiveness.  Task 4: Identify and evaluate client needs that are outside of the counselor's ethical scope of practice and refer to other professionals as appropriate.  Task 5: Uphold client's rights to privacy and confidentiality according to best practices in preparation and handling of records.  Task 6: Obtain written consent to release information from the client and/or legal guardian, according to best practices.
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