Addiction Counselor Requirements in South Dakota
South Dakota offers three levels of addiction counselor credentials through the Board of Addiction Professionals (BAPP). You can start with just a high school diploma as an Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT), become a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) with specialized coursework, or pursue full licensure as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) with a master’s degree.
If you’re considering addiction counseling in South Dakota, you know the reality: people drive hours across rural landscapes to access treatment. In a state where communities are spread across wide-open spaces, substance use disorder doesn’t stop at county lines. You’ve probably seen how addiction impacts families in towns where everyone knows everyone—and maybe that’s why you’re here, ready to be part of the solution.
The good news? South Dakota’s Board of Addiction Professionals (BAPP) designed a flexible credentialing system that meets you where you are. Whether you’re starting with a high school diploma or already have a master’s degree, there’s a clear path forward. You can begin gaining supervised experience right away and work toward full licensure over time.
Here’s everything you need to know about becoming an addiction counselor in South Dakota, from your first day as a trainee to opening your own private practice.
South Dakota Counselor Credentials Overview
South Dakota’s tiered credentialing system recognizes that addiction counselors come from diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences. The BAPP offers three main credential levels, each building on the last:
| Credential Level | Minimum Education | Supervised Hours | Exam Required | Practice Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT) | High School Diploma | N/A (gaining hours) | None | Under supervision only |
| Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) | High School + 9 specialized courses | 2,000-8,000 (varies by education) | IC&RC ADC Exam | Under supervision only |
| Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) | Master’s degree | 2,000 hours | IC&RC AADC Exam | Independent after 2 years |
What makes South Dakota’s system particularly practical is its emphasis on education. The more formal training you bring to the table, the fewer supervised hours you’ll need—because your degree program already covered foundational knowledge that would otherwise take years to learn through experience alone.
Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT) Requirements
Before you can become certified or licensed, you’ll start as an Addiction Counselor Trainee. Think of this as your entry point into the profession—a way to begin gaining supervised experience while working toward your ultimate credential goal.
You can register as an ACT with just a high school diploma, but there’s one requirement: you need to work or volunteer for a substance use disorder recovery agency. This ensures you’re gaining experience in real treatment settings from day one, not just accumulating hours on paper.
The ACT credential lasts one year and requires annual renewal. Here’s the catch—you can only hold ACT status for a maximum of five years. That’s your window to complete all education requirements, supervised hours, and examination requirements for your chosen credential path. The five-year limit keeps you moving forward rather than staying in trainee status indefinitely.
During your time as an ACT, you’ll work directly with clients, but always under supervision. You’re learning the 12 core functions of addiction counseling through hands-on practice, building the foundation for independent work later.
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) Requirements
The CAC credential is designed for counselors who want to practice under supervision without pursuing a full graduate degree. You can become a Certified Addiction Counselor with a high school diploma, but you’ll need to complete undergraduate or graduate-level coursework in nine specific areas:
- Introduction to use and abuse of alcohol
- Introduction to use and abuse of drugs
- Individual counseling foundations
- Group alcohol and drug counseling
- Treatment continuum
- Counseling families with drug or alcohol issues
- Diverse populations
- Ethics for substance abuse professionals
- Elective (specific to alcohol/drug use)
The BAPP recommends taking three semester hours of classes in each topic. These courses must be taken at the undergraduate or graduate level, and you’ll need to earn at least a C in each class. This coursework can be completed at South Dakota universities, community colleges, or through accredited online programs—flexibility that’s crucial for working adults.
Supervised Experience Hours for CAC
Here’s where your education level makes a significant difference. The supervised hour requirement varies based on your highest degree:
- High school diploma: 8,000 hours (approximately 4 years full-time)
- Associate degree: 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years full-time)
- Bachelor’s degree: 4,000 hours (approximately 2 years full-time)
- Graduate degree: 2,000 hours (approximately 1 year full-time)
To qualify for hour reductions, your degree must be in a field related to behavioral science from an accredited program. The logic here is straightforward: formal education provides foundational knowledge that accelerates the development of practical skills.
Regardless of how many total hours you need, at least 300 of them must focus specifically on the 12 core functions of addiction counseling. You’ll spend a minimum of 10 hours working on each function, but you and your supervisor can allocate the remaining hours to functions where you need more practice.
You’ll also meet with your supervisor for one hour for every 10 hours of direct client contact. This ensures regular feedback and guidance as you develop your clinical skills.
The CAC Examination
Once you’ve completed your education and supervised hours, you’ll apply to take the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam. This 150-question multiple-choice exam tests your knowledge across all 12 core functions. You can find prep materials on the IC&RC website to help you prepare.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Requirements
The Licensed Addiction Counselor credential represents the highest level of professional practice in South Dakota. LACs can eventually work independently and open their own private practices—a level of autonomy not available to CACs.
To pursue LAC licensure, you’ll need a master’s degree in a human services-related field. This requirement reflects the clinical complexity of independent practice. When you’re assessing clients, developing treatment plans, and making clinical decisions without oversight, graduate-level training in psychopathology, treatment planning, and clinical supervision becomes essential.
Required Coursework for LAC
In addition to your master’s degree, you’ll need to complete at least three semester hours of coursework in each of these seven areas:
- Theories and techniques of addiction counseling
- Psychopathology or psychopharmacology
- Treatment planning
- Case management/assessment of co-occurring disorders
- Multicultural competency
- Ethical, legal, and professional standards
- Clinical supervision
Five of these courses must be taken at the graduate level, while the remaining two can be undergraduate courses. As with CAC coursework, you’ll need to earn at least a C in each class.
Supervised Experience for LAC
Because you’re bringing comprehensive graduate training to the role, LAC candidates need just 2,000 supervised hours—the minimum required regardless of education level. You’ll still complete 300 hours working on the 12 core functions, with at least 10 hours dedicated to each function.
The reduced hour requirement for LACs acknowledges that your graduate program already covered counseling theory, ethics, and treatment modalities. You need supervised practice applying this knowledge with real clients, not years of observation, learning basics covered in your coursework.
The LAC Examination
LAC candidates take the IC&RC’s Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Exam. Like the ADC exam, it’s 150 multiple-choice questions, but the AADC tests more advanced clinical knowledge consistent with graduate-level training.
Private Practice by LACs
One of the main advantages of becoming an LAC is the ability to work independently and eventually run your own private practice. However, you won’t gain that privilege the moment you earn your license. South Dakota requires LACs to work under supervision for at least two years before transitioning to independent practice.
This two-year requirement serves an essential purpose: it ensures that even highly educated counselors gain substantial post-licensure experience before working without oversight. Opening a private practice means handling complex cases, managing a business, and making clinical decisions entirely on your own. The two-year supervised period builds the judgment and practical wisdom that only comes through experience.
The Application Process
The BAPP maintains a comprehensive set of forms and application materials for every credential level on its website. You’ll need to submit several supporting documents along with your application:
- Official transcripts showing completed coursework
- Current job description from your agency or organization
- Supervisor evaluations documenting your supervised hours
- Signed code of ethics acknowledging professional standards
- Background information regarding any past convictions
If you’re not sure whether your coursework meets BAPP’s education requirements, you can submit a course approval request form. The BAPP will review your specific courses and confirm whether they satisfy credential requirements before you invest more time or money.
Application Fees
Application fees vary by credential type:
- ACT Registration: $50 application fee + $100 trainee recognition fee (renewable annually)
- CAC Application: $250 (includes testing and application fees)
- LAC Application: $250 (includes testing and application fees)
- CAC to LAC Upgrade: $250 upgrade fee
These fees cover credential processing and examination costs. They don’t include education expenses, which vary depending on whether you take courses at community colleges, state universities, or online programs.
Examination Sites
Once you’ve submitted your application and BAPP confirms you’ve met all requirements, you’ll work with them to schedule your IC&RC exam at an approved testing site. South Dakota currently has four testing locations:
- Rapid City: Two testing sites
- Sioux Falls: One testing site
- Spearfish: One testing site
The geographic distribution of testing sites reflects South Dakota’s rural character—BAPP tries to ensure counselors across the state can access testing without traveling unreasonable distances.
Costs and Timeline Expectations
Understanding the full financial and time investment helps you plan realistically for your credentialing journey. Here’s what to expect:
Total Cost Breakdown
Beyond application and exam fees, you’ll incur several education-related costs:
- Coursework: $300-$600 per 3-credit course (9 courses for CAC, 7 for LAC) = approximately $2,700-$5,400
- Application fees: $150 for ACT, $250 for CAC/LAC
- Annual ACT renewal: $100 per year
- Study materials: $100-$200 for IC&RC exam prep
If you’re pursuing an LAC and don’t already have a master’s degree, add graduate program tuition (typically $15,000-$40,000 total depending on institution and program length).
Timeline Expectations
Your timeline depends heavily on your starting education level and whether you’re working full-time while pursuing credentials:
High School Diploma to CAC:
- 9 courses (27 credit hours) = 1-2 years part-time
- 8,000 supervised hours = 4 years full-time or 8+ years part-time
- Total: 4-10 years, depending on work schedule
Bachelor’s Degree to CAC:
- 9 courses (if not completed during degree) = 1 year part-time
- 4,000 supervised hours = 2 years full-time or 4+ years part-time
- Total: 2-5 years, depending on work schedule
Master’s Degree to LAC:
- 7 specialized courses (if not completed duringthe degree) = 1 year part-time
- 2,000 supervised hours = 1 year full-time or 2+ years part-time
- Total: 1-3 years, depending on work schedule
LAC to Private Practice:
- An additional 2 years of supervised licensed practiceare required
Remember: the five-year ACT limit means you need to complete everything within that window. If you’re working part-time while pursuing credentials, plan carefully to ensure you can meet all requirements before your ACT status expires.
Career Outlook and Salary in South Dakota
You’re not entering addiction counseling for the money—we know that. But understanding realistic salary expectations helps you plan your financial future and make informed decisions about education investments.
According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in South Dakota earn:
- Median Annual Wage: $48,920
- Entry-Level (25th percentile): $40,150
- Experienced (75th percentile): $58,740
- Top Earners (90th percentile): $68,430
Entry-level CACs working in community agencies typically start closer to the 25th percentile, while experienced LACs in private practice often earn toward the higher end of the range. Geographic location within South Dakota also affects earnings—positions in Sioux Falls and Rapid City typically offer higher salaries than in rural areas. However, cost-of-living differences partially offset this advantage.
The BLS projects 22% growth in addiction counseling positions nationwide through 2031—significantly faster than the average for all occupations. South Dakota’s widespread rural communities and ongoing substance use challenges suggest strong demand for qualified counselors throughout the state for years to come.
Beyond salary, many counselors find the work itself deeply rewarding. You’re walking alongside people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives, helping them find paths to recovery that seemed impossible before. That impact on individuals, families, and communities is worth more than any paycheck—but it’s good to know you can support yourself while doing this vital work.
Salary data sourced from the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed December 2025.
Out-of-State Addiction Counselors
If you’re already certified or licensed in another state and considering a move to South Dakota, the reciprocity process is relatively straightforward—assuming your current credential comes from an IC&RC member board.
South Dakota doesn’t offer full reciprocity for all out-of-state credentials, but they do recognize IC&RC certifications. If you hold an IC&RC credential from another state, you can apply for reciprocity and pay a $100 fee to receive your South Dakota credential without retaking exams or completing additional supervised hours.
This limited reciprocity reflects the standardization maintained by IC&RC member boards. Because all IC&RC credentials meet consistent standards for education, supervised experience, and examination, South Dakota can confidently accept them as equivalent to its own.
If your current credential doesn’t come from an IC&RC member board, you’ll need to apply as a new candidate and complete all standard requirements. Contact the BAPP directly to discuss your specific situation and determine the best path forward.
Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) Requirements
Not everyone working in addiction services provides direct counseling. If you’re a social worker, healthcare provider, educator, or another professional who frequently addresses substance use issues but doesn’t conduct formal therapy, the Certified Prevention Specialist credential might be more appropriate for your role.
CPSs focus on preventing substance use disorders before they develop, working in schools, community organizations, healthcare settings, and public health departments. To become a CPS in South Dakota, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and complete coursework in five specific areas:
- The study of substance use disorders
- The study of alcohol abuse
- The foundations of substance use disorder prevention
- Prevention theory
- Professional ethics (including 6 contact hours specifically about prevention specialist ethics)
You’ll complete three semester hours of coursework in each topic, earning at least a C in all classes. Then you’ll need 2,000 supervised hours working in addiction prevention, with 750 of those hours dedicated to practical training. You’ll spend at least 50 hours working in each domain of prevention work.
At the end of the process, you’ll take the IC&RC’s Prevention Specialist (PS) Exam. The combined application and testing fee is $250, consistent with other credential types.
The CPS credential serves a vital role in South Dakota’s broader addiction response. While counselors help people recover from substance use disorders, prevention specialists work upstream, reducing the number of people who develop these conditions in the first place. Both roles are essential to comprehensive community health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an addiction counselor in South Dakota without a degree?
What’s the difference between a CAC and LAC in South Dakota?
How long does it take to become licensed in South Dakota?
Can I transfer my addiction counselor credentials from another state to South Dakota?
What exams do I need to pass to become certified or licensed?
Do I need to work at a specific type of agency while completing supervised hours?
Can I complete the required coursework online?
What happens if I don’t complete my credential requirements within the 5-year ACT limit?
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota requires registration as an Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT) before pursuing CAC or LAC credentials—you can hold ACT status for a maximum of 5 years, creating a firm deadline for completing all requirements.
- A Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) can be obtained with a high school diploma and nine specialized courses. At the same time, a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a master’s degree and opens the path to independent private practice after 2 years.
- Supervised hour requirements vary dramatically by education level: from 8,000 hours with a high school diploma to just 2,000 hours with a graduate degree—formal education significantly accelerates your credentialing timeline.
- All counselor levels must complete 300 hours specifically focused on the 12 core functions of addiction counseling, spending at least 10 hours on each function, regardless of total hour requirements.
- South Dakota offers limited reciprocity through IC&RC member boards—out-of-state counselors with IC&RC credentials can transfer with a $100 fee, while non-IC&RC credential holders must complete full South Dakota requirements.
- Median salary for addiction counselors in South Dakota is $48,920, with entry-level positions around $40,150 and experienced counselors earning $58,740 or more, particularly in private practice or urban areas.
- The BAPP maintains testing sites in Rapid City (2), Sioux Falls (1), and Spearfish (1), with application fees of $250 for CAC or LAC credentials, including examination costs.
- Certified Prevention Specialists (CPS) offer an alternative path for professionals who work in addiction prevention rather than direct counseling, requiring a bachelor’s degree, specialized coursework, and 2,000 supervised prevention hours.
Ready to Start Your Addiction Counseling Career in South Dakota?
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Additional Resources
You can direct any questions about becoming an addiction counselor in South Dakota to the Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. Reach them by email or phone at 605-224-1721.
Another valuable resource is the South Dakota Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (SDAAPP). While they share a similar name with BAPP, they’re a separate organization focused on professional development and advocacy. They host conferences, connect members with peer support, and advocate for addiction counselors and the people they serve at the legislative level. Membership provides networking opportunities and keeps you informed about policy changes affecting the profession.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.