Free California Training Program Helps Substance Use Disorder Counselors Meet AB 2473 Requirements

Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, many substance use disorder counselors must meet new California education requirements to maintain compliance and support consistent, high-quality care. Counselors can meet these requirements by enrolling in Advancing Substance Use Disorder Counselor Education and Development (ASCEND), a new training program developed by the UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

ASCEND is a fully online, self-paced, 80-hour training program offered at no cost to Californians to help registered and aspiring substance use disorder counselors meet the updated education standard established under AB 2473. With continuous enrollment and asynchronous coursework, participants can begin at any time and complete the program at their own pace. 

Who needs the training? 

Registered counselors who registered before July 1, 2025, and who have not obtained initial certification by Jan. 1, 2026, must submit proof of completion of the existing 315 education-hour requirement when they apply for initial certification, which include education topics set forth in CCR, Title 9, Section 13040, subdivisions (a)(1) through (5) and all core competency education topics. First-year registered counselors who register between July 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2025, must submit proof of 80 hours of education and core competency education topics by July 1, 2026. First-year registered counselors who register on or after Jan. 1, 2026, must submit proof of 80 hours of education and core competency education topics within six months of their initial registration date.

How AB 2473 Requirements Impact Current Counselors
 

Enacted in Sep. 2022 and effective Jan. 1, 2026, AB 2473 strengthens the education and training standards for substance use disorder counselors by establishing a clear set of core skills and competency areas. Prior requirements were varied and inconsistent, leading to uneven preparation and gaps in care.

Under new AB 2473 requirements, counselors must demonstrate proficiency across 12 core competency areas:

1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and diagnostic criteria
2. American Society of Addiction Medicine criteria and levels of care
3. Cultural responsiveness
4. Case management and care coordination
5. Electronic health records
6. Medication-assisted treatment
7. Clinical documentation
8. Co-occurring conditions
9. Confidentiality
10. Relevant law and ethics
11. Professional boundaries
12. Behavioral health service delivery

ASCEND Simplifies the Compliance Process for Substance Use Disorder Counselors

ASCEND provides newly registered and aspiring substance use disorder counselors with a clear, accessible pathway to meet California’s updated education standards, while fitting into the realities of busy schedules. 

By covering the 12 core competency areas required by the state, ASCEND equips participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals in recovery. Program instruction is led by UC San Diego instructors who haveexpertise in health-focused education and workforce training.

The updated education requirements apply to substance use disorder counselors who registered with a DHCS-approved certifying organization.

Eligible participants must submit a brief application at extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/ASCEND to verify California residency. Once approved, they can begin coursework at any time and complete modules at their own pace.

To learn more about AB 2473 requirements, visit the California Legislative Information website. For additional information about substance abuse disorder counselor certification pathways recognized by the DHCS, visit DHCS.ca.gov. To learn more about ASCEND and apply, visit extendedstudies.ucsd.edu/ASCEND.