IC&RC ADC Exam Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination has 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours; 125 are scored and the rest are pretest items (ADC Candidate Guide, November 2022). Scores are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, equated across forms; the minimum passing scaled score is 500. This portal's mock exam uses 125 questions, the number of scored items, weighted like the four official domains.

Many state and international boards use the IC&RC ADC exam for alcohol and drug counselor credentials, and IC&RC reciprocity helps you move a credential between member boards.

Substance use disorder counselors and counselor trainees preparing for a member-board credential.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

Your member board sets the retake waiting period and fees; check its rules before you reschedule.

You need a scaled score of 500 on the 200-800 scale. The mock exam here reports a percentage on 125 questions, so use it as a study measure rather than a scaled score. Format: 150 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes, 125 of them scored; this portal's mock uses 125. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination has 150 multiple-choice questions in three hours; 125 are scored and the rest are pretest items (ADC Candidate Guide, November 2022). Scores are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, equated across forms; the minimum passing scaled score is 500. This portal's mock exam uses 125 questions, the number of scored items, weighted like the four official domains. 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored) in 3 hours · computer-based at Prometric · scaled score 200-800, 500 to pass. You need a scaled score of 500 on the 200-800 scale. The mock exam here reports a percentage on 125 questions, so use it as a study measure rather than a scaled score.

• Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders25%
• Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment20%
• Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral30%
• Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities25%

The content outline spreads questions across 4 areas: Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders (25.0%); Evidence-Based Screening and Assessment (20.0%); Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral (30.0%); Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities (25.0%).

Each member board sets its own education, supervised work experience and practicum requirements and approves you to test. Confirm them with your board.

Exam and application fees are set by your member board; confirm them before applying.

Credential renewal and continuing education are set by your member board.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Evidence-Based Treatment, Counseling, and Referral (30.0%); Scientific Principles of Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders (25.0%); Professional, Ethical, and Legal Responsibilities (25.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 125 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the official documents listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check your IC&RC member board before you register.