Licensed Addiction Counselor Requirements in North Dakota
To become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in North Dakota, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or a related field, complete 960 hours of supervised clinical training, and pass the NCC AP Level II exam. The process typically takes 4-5 years. For master-level licensure (LMAC), you’ll need a master’s degree, 2,000 post-licensure hours, and the MAC exam.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you know the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve carried it yourself, or watched it devastate someone you love. In North Dakota, from Fargo to the smallest rural towns, methamphetamine, synthetic opioids, and alcohol continue taking lives. But you already know that. You’re here because you want to help.
We know you’re not in this for the money. This is about turning pain into purpose, about being there when someone’s ready to fight for their life. North Dakota regulates substance abuse counselors through the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners, offering two levels of licensure: Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC).
This guide breaks down exactly what you’ll need at each level—the education requirements, clinical hours, exams, and realistic timelines. We’ve included salary data, cost estimates, and answers to the questions we hear most often from counselors pursuing licensure in North Dakota.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) Requirements
Becoming an LAC in North Dakota requires a bachelor’s degree in addiction studies or a closely related mental health field. Most counselors pursue degrees in addiction counseling, psychology, social work, or counseling psychology.
Education Requirements
Your degree program must include at least three credits in each of these areas:
- Theories and techniques of counseling – Core counseling approaches and therapeutic interventions
- Group counseling – Facilitating therapeutic groups and understanding group dynamics
- Psychopharmacology – Must include drug abuse and how substances affect the brain and body
- Addiction/addiction studies – Understanding substance use disorders, addiction theories, and treatment models
- Ethics – Professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical decision-making in addiction treatment
- Family systems – How addiction affects families and family-based treatment approaches
- Lifespan development – Human development from childhood through older adulthood
- Multicultural diversity – Cultural competence and working with diverse populations
- Co-occurring disorders – Must be specifically related to substance use disorders and mental health conditions
These aren’t arbitrary requirements—they represent the foundation of competent addiction treatment. You’ll use every one of these areas in your daily work with clients.
Clinical Training Requirements
Beyond coursework, you’ll complete a Board-approved clinical training program of at least 960 hours under an approved clinical supervisor. This is where classroom knowledge meets real-world practice.
Your clinical training must include:
- At least 40 hours of face-to-face supervision in each clinical area:
- Screening and intake assessments
- ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) assessment
- Treatment planning and goal setting
- Individual and group counseling
- Family, client, and community education
- At least 30 hours of documentation training – Learning proper clinical records, progress notes, and regulatory compliance
In our experience, finding a qualified clinical supervisor in rural North Dakota can be challenging. You can start building relationships with licensed counselors early in your program, and consider agencies in larger cities if local options are limited.
Examination Requirement
You’ll need to pass the NCC AP Level II (also known as NAADAC Level II) or Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam administered by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP).
The exam covers:
- Clinical evaluation and assessment
- Treatment planning and case management
- Counseling techniques and interventions
- Professional and ethical responsibilities
- Understanding addiction and recovery
Exam costs typically run $150-$250, depending on NAADAC membership status, and most counselors spend 2-3 months preparing using study guides and practice tests available through NAADAC.
Realistic Timeline for LAC
Most counselors complete the LAC requirements in 4-5 years:
- Years 1-4: Bachelor’s degree completion (may include some clinical hours during final year)
- Year 4-5: Complete remaining clinical training hours and exam preparation
- Application processing: 2-4 months after passing the exam
Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) Requirements
The LMAC represents North Dakota’s highest level of addiction counseling licensure. It requires a master’s degree, additional clinical experience, and demonstrated competence through advanced examination.
Education Requirements
To qualify for LMAC licensure, you must hold a master’s degree in addiction counseling, clinical mental health counseling, social work, or a closely related field. Your graduate program must include the same nine three-credit courses required for LAC (listed in the LAC section above), plus one additional requirement:
- Clinical supervision – At least one credit hour covering supervision theory, ethics, and practice
Graduate programs provide the advanced clinical training needed to pass the MAC exam and practice at a master’s level. A master’s degree also significantly improves job prospects and earning potential.
Clinical Training Requirements
LMAC candidates must complete two separate clinical training components:
- Graduate practicum: At least 700 hours of supervised clinical training during your master’s program, including:
- 30 hours of face-to-face supervision in each clinical training area (screening, ASAM assessment, treatment planning, counseling, client/family/community education)
- 20 hours of documentation training
- Post-licensure experience: 2,000 hours – After obtaining your LAC license, you must complete an additional 2,000 hours of supervised addiction counseling experience (typically 1-2 years of full-time work)
It’s important to understand that these are separate requirements—the 700-hour practicum is completed during your master’s program, while the 2,000 hours are accumulated after you’re already licensed as an LAC.
Examination Requirement
LMAC candidates must pass the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam through NCC AP. This advanced exam assesses clinical judgment, advanced treatment planning, and supervisory competence. Exam fees range from $150-$250 depending on NAADAC membership status.
Realistic Timeline for LMAC
The path to LMAC typically takes 7-9 years:
- Years 1-6: Complete bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, including graduate practicum hours
- Year 6: Obtain LAC licensure
- Years 6-8: Work as LAC while accumulating 2,000 post-licensure hours
- Year 8-9: Prepare for and pass MAC exam, apply for LMAC
Clinical Supervisor Registration
Once you’ve practiced as an LMAC for three years (approximately 6,000 hours of direct client contact), you can register as a clinical supervisor. This allows you to supervise LAC candidates as they complete their clinical training requirements.
Requirements for supervisor registration:
- Three years (6,000 hours) of direct client contact practice as an LMAC
- 20 hours of supervision training covering supervision theory, ethics, and best practices
- Professional references attesting to your clinical competence
Becoming a clinical supervisor is personally rewarding—you’re directly shaping the next generation of addiction counselors. It also provides additional income, as supervisees typically pay $50-$75 per hour for supervision services in North Dakota.
The Application Process
Applying for Examination
Before you can take the NCC AP Level II or MAC exam, you must complete all education and clinical training requirements. The Board won’t approve your exam application until you’ve finished your coursework and clinical hours.
To apply for the exam:
- Complete and submit the Exam Application and Clinical Trainee Completion forms to the North Dakota Board
- Submit verification of completed clinical training (signed by your approved clinical supervisor)
- Pay the exam application fee (currently $100-150 per Board fee schedule)
- Wait for Board approval (typically 4-6 weeks)
- Once approved, you’ll receive instructions for registering and scheduling your exam through Pearson VUE or PSI testing centers
Applying for Licensure
After passing your exam, you’ll apply for LAC or LMAC licensure by submitting:
- Completed licensure application (available on Board website)
- Official transcripts showing degree completion and required coursework
- Verification of clinical training completion
- Copy of passing exam score
- Two letters of recommendation from licensed professionals familiar with your clinical work
- Application fee (currently $200 for LAC, $250 for LMAC per Board fee schedule)
- Background check authorization
The Board typically processes complete applications within 6-8 weeks. Your license is valid for two years and must be renewed with proof of continuing education (20 hours per renewal cycle).
Out-of-State Addiction Counselors
If you’re already licensed in another state, you may be eligible for licensure by reciprocity in North Dakota. The Board evaluates each reciprocity application individually.
To apply as an out-of-state applicant:
- Submit verification of all current and past licenses (must be in good standing)
- Provide documentation that your home state’s requirements are substantially equivalent to North Dakota’s
- Complete the reciprocity application with detailed information about your education, training, and experience
- Submit to a background check
- Pay the reciprocity application fee
The Board approves reciprocity only when your state’s requirements meet or exceed North Dakota’s standards. If there are gaps (for example, your state required only 500 clinical hours vs. North Dakota’s 960), you may need to complete additional supervised hours before receiving full licensure.
Plan for a 3-6 month reciprocity application timeline. The Board meets quarterly to review applications, so timing your submission strategically can reduce wait time. Applications submitted just after a board meeting may face longer processing times as they wait for the following quarterly review.
Private Practice Registration
Both LACs and LMACs can operate private practices in North Dakota, but you’ll need additional registration beyond your counseling license.
To establish a private practice:
- Hold current LAC or LMAC licensure
- Obtain a program license from the Division of Behavioral Health
- Register your private practice with the Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners
- Secure professional liability insurance
- Comply with HIPAA and state confidentiality regulations
- Set up appropriate clinical records systems
Most counselors work in agencies or treatment centers for several years before opening private practices. This gives you time to build clinical skills, develop referral networks, and save startup capital (typically $10,000-$20,000 for office space, insurance, licensing, and initial operating expenses).
Salary and Job Outlook in North Dakota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in North Dakota earn:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $35,840 | $17.23 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,650 | $24.35 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $62,110 | $29.86 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $76,900 | $36.97 |
Salaries vary by location, employer, and specialization. Counselors in Fargo and Bismarck typically earn more than those in rural areas, while private practitioners with established practices often exceed median ranges.
Job outlook: Employment for addiction counselors in North Dakota is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade as the state continues addressing substance use disorder treatment needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in North Dakota?
Can I practice as an addiction counselor while completing my requirements?
What’s the difference between LAC and LMAC in terms of practice?
How much do the exams and licensure applications cost?
Do I need a master’s degree to become an LMAC?
Can I find clinical supervisors in rural North Dakota?
Will my license from another state transfer to North Dakota?
What continuing education do I need to maintain my license?
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota offers two counseling levels: LAC requires a bachelor’s degree, 960 clinical hours, and passing the NCC AP Level II exam (4-5 years typical completion time), while LMAC requires a master’s degree, 700 practicum hours, 2,000 post-licensure hours, and the MAC exam (7-9 years typical).
- All LAC candidates must complete nine specific three-credit courses covering counseling theories, group counseling, psychopharmacology, addiction studies, ethics, family systems, lifespan development, multicultural diversity, and co-occurring disorders.
- Clinical training must include 40 hours of face-to-face supervision in each of five clinical areas (screening, ASAM assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and education) plus 30 hours of documentation training.
- Total estimated costs for LAC licensure range from $35,000-$80,000 (primarily tuition), plus $600-1,000 in application, exam, and licensing fees.
- Median salary for addiction counselors in North Dakota is $50,650 annually, with experienced counselors earning $62,000+ and top earners reaching $76,900+.
- Out-of-state counselors can apply for reciprocity if their state’s requirements meet or exceed North Dakota’s standards, though the process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on quarterly board meeting schedules.
- Both LACs and LMACs can operate private practices after obtaining additional program licensure through the Division of Behavioral Health and registering with the Board.
- Clinical supervisors must complete 3 years (6,000 hours of direct client contact) as an LMAC, plus 20 hours of supervision-specific training, before registering to supervise others.
Ready to Start Your Path to Licensure in North Dakota?
Find accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in addiction counseling, psychology, and social work that meet North Dakota’s education requirements.
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 January 2026.
Additional Resources and Contact Information
For questions about licensure requirements, application status, or to verify license information, contact the North Dakota State Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners at (701) 255-1439 or [email protected].
The North Dakota Addiction Counselors Association provides professional development, networking opportunities, and continuing education for addiction counselors throughout the state.