Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Minnesota

Q: How much does it cost to become an LADC in Minnesota?

Total costs vary, but expect to spend $200 to $400 for certification exams, $50 to $75 for background checks, and additional application fees set by the BBHT. Coursework costs depend on the institution. Some supervisors charge for direct supervision, typically $50 to $150 per hour.

Q: Can I get licensed in Minnesota with an online degree?

Yes, as long as your degree is from an accredited institution and includes 18 credits of addiction-specific coursework. The BBHT does not distinguish between online and on-campus programs. You must still complete your 880-hour practicum and 2,000 supervised hours in person at approved Minnesota facilities.

Q: How long does the application process take once I submit everything?

After submitting a complete application, background checks typically take two to three weeks. Once cleared, the BBHT usually issues licenses within a few days. The full process generally takes about one month, though timelines can vary.

Q: Do I need to live in Minnesota to get licensed?

No, Minnesota residency is not required to apply for or hold an LADC license. However, to practice in Minnesota, practicum and supervised hours must be completed at Minnesota-based facilities under Minnesota-licensed supervisors.

Written by Marcus Delgado, Last Updated: December 23, 2025

To become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Minnesota, you need a bachelor’s degree with 18 addiction-specific credits, an 880-hour practicum, 2,000 hours of supervised practice (or a comprehensive exam alternative), and passage of an IC&RC or NAADAC certification exam. The entire process typically takes 2-3 years after completing your bachelor’s degree.

If you’re considering becoming an alcohol and drug counselor in Minnesota, there’s a good chance you already understand the weight of addiction. Maybe you’ve watched someone you love struggle with substance use disorder, or perhaps you’ve walked that road yourself. That personal experience—that deep understanding of how addiction affects individuals, families, and entire communities—is often what draws people to this profession.

Minnesota’s alcohol and drug counselors serve as lifelines for people at every stage of recovery. You’ll find them working in state-run detox centers and outpatient facilities throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, in private practices serving clients across the economic spectrum, and in community-based recovery centers in suburban and rural clinics across the state. Wherever they work, these professionals provide compassionate, evidence-based support to anyone seeking help.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Minnesota.

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Education and Training Requirements

To become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Minnesota, you must complete a bachelor’s degree along with 18 credits of coursework specifically related to alcohol and drug counseling. The required coursework can be part of your degree program or taken separately. Specific coursework requirements are outlined in Minnesota Statute 148F.01.

You’ll also need to complete a practicum of at least 880 hours, which provides hands-on experience working with individuals affected by substance use disorders.

After completing your education requirements, you’ll qualify for the LADC credential through one of two distinct paths: Method I or Method D.

Method I: Written Examination and Post-Degree Practice

Method I combines a written certification exam with supervised professional practice. This is the most common path for new counselors entering the field.

You must complete 2,000 hours of supervised practice over a period of 12 to 36 months. During this time, you’ll need at least 50 hours of direct supervision—that’s one hour of supervision for every 40 hours of practice you complete. Up to half of your direct supervision hours may take place in a group setting, and up to one-fourth (25%) may be conducted via telephone or video conferencing, following specific Board guidelines for remote supervision.

Your supervisor must be an LADC or another qualified professional with at least three years of experience in the field. Before beginning your supervised practice, you’ll submit a Supervision Plan that’s been reviewed and approved by your LADC supervisor. After you’ve completed all required hours, your supervisor will send a Verification of Supervised Professional Practice form to the Board.

Method D: Comprehensive Examination

Method D offers an alternative path that eliminates the supervised practice requirement. Instead, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive examination (or combined written and oral exam) administered by an approved third party. This path is subject to Board approval and is generally pursued by experienced professionals transitioning from related fields rather than new graduates entering addiction counseling for the first time.

Examination Requirements

The BBHT recognizes three different certification exams that fulfill the examination requirement for LADC licensure. You only need to pass one of these exams.

International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) Exams

The IC&RC offers two exam options, both administered through the Minnesota Certification Board:

Alcohol & Drug Counselor (ADC) exam – Tests foundational knowledge and counseling skills for addiction treatment
Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (AADC) exam – Assesses advanced clinical expertise and independent practice competencies

NAADAC Exam

The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) offers the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam, which the BBHT also accepts.

More detailed information about exam requirements, registration, and preparation resources is available on the BBHT website.

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The Application Process

Applying for your LADC license involves several steps and requires careful attention to documentation requirements.

Start by downloading and completing the LADC application form. You’ll need to have it notarized before submitting it to the BBHT at 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 290, St. Paul, MN 55102.

Along with your application, you must provide a copy of your passing exam score and your official college transcripts. Transcripts must be sent directly from your educational institution to the Board at [email protected].

Once the BBHT receives your complete application, they’ll email you a fingerprint information packet with instructions for completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The background check typically takes two to three weeks to process. After it’s completed and cleared, the Board will issue your license.

Reciprocity

If you’re already licensed or certified as an addiction counselor in another state, you may qualify for reciprocity in Minnesota. The BBHT will review your credentials to determine if your home state’s requirements are substantially similar to Minnesota’s LADC requirements.

To apply for reciprocity, you’ll need to provide the Board with a copy of your current state’s credentialing laws and rules that were in effect when you received your credential. You’ll also need to submit proof that your credential is active and in good standing.

Keep in mind that reciprocity decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed, even if your state’s requirements appear similar. Each application is reviewed individually based on the comparability of requirements between states.

Timeline and Costs

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline to become an LADC in Minnesota varies based on where you’re starting from. If you already have a bachelor’s degree but need to complete the 18 required addiction-specific credits, expect to spend six months to one year completing coursework and your 880-hour practicum.

If you choose Method I, you’ll then complete 2,000 supervised hours over 12 to 36 months. Most counselors working full-time complete this in about two years. Add time for exam preparation, application processing, and background checks, and you’re looking at roughly 2-3 years from the time you complete your bachelor’s degree.

Method D can shorten this timeline if you pass the comprehensive examination without the supervised practice requirement.

Cost Considerations

Budget for these expenses as you plan your path to licensure:

Coursework – Costs vary widely depending on whether you take classes at a university, community college, or an online program
Practicum placement – Often unpaid, though some sites offer stipends
Certification exam – IC&RC and NAADAC exams typically cost $150-300
Application fee – Check the current BBHT fee schedule
Background check – Approximately $50-75
Supervision – Some supervisors charge hourly fees for direct supervision time

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a master’s degree to become an LADC in Minnesota?

No, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for LADC licensure in Minnesota. You’ll need your bachelor’s degree, 18 credits of addiction-specific coursework, and an 880-hour practicum. While a master’s degree isn’t required, it can open doors to advanced clinical positions and may reduce the supervised practice hours needed in some cases.

Can I complete my supervised hours while working part-time?

Yes, you can complete your 2,000 supervised hours on a part-time basis. The BBHT requires you to complete these hours within 12 to 36 months, which allows flexibility for part-time work. Just make sure you maintain the required supervision ratio: one hour of direct supervision for every 40 hours of practice.

What’s the difference between Method I and Method D, and which should I choose?

Method I requires 2,000 hours of supervised practice plus a certification exam, while Method D requires only a comprehensive examination without the supervised practice requirement. Most new counselors choose Method I because it provides valuable hands-on experience under supervision. Method D might be better if you’re already experienced in a related field and want to transition to addiction counseling more quickly.

How much does it cost to become an LADC in Minnesota?

Total costs vary based on your starting point, but expect to spend $200-400 for certification exams, $50-75 for background checks, and application fees set by the BBHT. If you need to complete coursework, those costs depend on your chosen institution. Some supervisors also charge fees for direct supervision hours, typically $50- $ 150 per hour.

Can I get licensed in Minnesota with an online degree?

Yes, as long as your degree comes from an accredited institution and includes the required 18 credits of addiction-specific coursework. The BBHT doesn’t distinguish between online and on-campus programs. You’ll still need to complete your 880-hour practicum and 2,000 supervised hours in person at approved Minnesota facilities.

Will my license from another state transfer to Minnesota?

Minnesota offers reciprocity for counselors licensed in other states if your home state’s requirements are substantially similar to Minnesota’s LADC requirements. You’ll need to provide documentation of your current license, proof that it’s in good standing, and copies of your state’s credentialing laws. The BBHT reviews each reciprocity application individually.

How long does the application process take once I submit everything?

Once you submit your complete application with all required documentation, the background check will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks to process. After the background check clears, the BBHT typically issues licenses within a few days. Plan for about one month total from submission to receiving your license, though processing times can vary.

Do I need to live in Minnesota to get licensed?

No, you don’t need to be a Minnesota resident to apply for or hold an LADC license. However, if you plan to practice in Minnesota, you’ll need to complete your practicum and supervised hours at Minnesota-based facilities under Minnesota-licensed supervisors. Many counselors who live in border areas maintain licenses in multiple states.

Key Takeaways

Minnesota licenses addiction counselors through the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) as Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC).
You need a bachelor’s degree, 18 credits of addiction-specific coursework, and an 880-hour practicum to qualify for licensure.
Two paths exist: Method I requires 2,000 supervised hours plus a certification exam, while Method D requires only a comprehensive examination.
The BBHT accepts IC&RC (ADC or AADC) and NAADAC (NCAC II) certification exams for licensure.
Most counselors complete the entire process in 2-3 years after earning their bachelor’s degree, with full-time supervised practice taking about two years.
Minnesota offers reciprocity for counselors licensed in other states with substantially similar requirements.
Costs include exam fees ($150-300), application fees, background checks ($50-75), and potential supervision fees.

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Additional Resources

Questions about LADC licensure? Contact the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy at [email protected] or (651) 201-2756.

The Minnesota Certification Board is another excellent resource for information on the profession and the practice of substance abuse counseling in Minnesota, including exam preparation materials and continuing education opportunities.

For a broader context on professional development in the field, explore professional organizations for addiction counselors that offer networking, advocacy, and career advancement resources.

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