Alcohol and Drug Counselor Requirements in Vermont
Vermont offers three levels of addiction counselor certification: Apprentice Addiction Professional (an associate degree + 40 hours of training), Alcohol and Drug Counselor (a bachelor’s degree + 270 hours + 2,000 supervised hours), and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (a master’s degree + 2,000 hours). A 2024 law change made state certification more accessible and improved insurance billing for recovery services.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you’ve seen addiction’s impact firsthand—maybe in your own life, or in someone you love. That weight, that struggle, it drives people to this work.
Vermont just made it easier to turn that experience into professional credentials. In mid-2024, the state legislature changed the certification process for substance use disorder counselors. You can now get certified directly through the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) at three distinct levels, rather than going through third-party organizations.
This change accomplished two critical things: it made certification more accessible to new counselors entering the field, and it simplified insurance billing for life-saving recovery services that patients desperately need.
Whether you’re considering the entry-level Apprentice Addiction Professional path, working toward Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification, or pursuing Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor status for independent practice, here’s everything you need to know about Vermont’s requirements, timelines, and application process.
Apprentice Addiction Professional Certification: Education and Exam Requirements
The Apprentice Addiction Professional (AAP) is Vermont’s entry-level certification. It’s designed for people starting their journey in addiction counseling, often while they’re completing their bachelor’s degree or gaining early field experience.
To qualify for AAP certification, OPR regulations require an associate degree and 40 hours of substance use disorder education. You can complete this requirement through college coursework, professional workshops, or specialized training seminars.
Your 40 hours of training must cover the four core domains of SUD counseling:
- Screening, Assessment, and Education – Working with clients, families, and the broader community
- Treatment Planning and Collaboration – Creating treatment plans, coordinating with other professionals, and making appropriate referrals
- Counseling Methods and Theory – Evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment
- Professional Ethics – Ethical standards and boundaries in addiction counseling
Vermont doesn’t specify exact hour requirements for each domain, but you’ll need at least six hours dedicated to ethics. After completing your education requirements, you’ll take a Vermont-specific AAP exam consisting of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions.
Typical Timeline: 6 months to 1 year, depending on whether you’re completing your associate degree simultaneously.
Alcohol and Drug Counselor Certification: Education, Experience, and Exam Requirements
The Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) certification represents the intermediate professional level in Vermont. At this stage, you’re equipped to provide direct counseling services under supervision.
Education Requirements
ADC certification requires a bachelor’s degree and 270 hours of substance use disorder education. This is significantly more comprehensive than the AAP level, with specific hour requirements in key areas:
- Ethics – Minimum 6 hours
- Medication-Assisted Treatment – Minimum 6 hours
- Co-Morbid Disorders – Minimum 6 hours
- SUD Counseling and Treatment – Minimum 36 hours
The remaining 216 hours should cover a range of essential topics, including co-occurring disorders, the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), ASAM patient placement criteria, human development across the lifespan, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, case management, treatment planning, neurobiology of addiction, and serving diverse populations.
If you’re taking college courses, each credit hour counts as 15 hours toward your education requirement.
Supervised Experience Requirements
After completing your education, you’ll need to accumulate 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. This is where classroom knowledge meets real-world practice.
At least half of these hours—1,000 minimum—must involve direct clinical counseling with clients. You’ll also need to spend at least 10 hours working in each of the four core domains, ensuring you gain well-rounded practical experience.
Examination
Your final step is passing the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium’s (IC&RC) ADC Exam. This 150-question multiple-choice test assesses your knowledge across all areas of addiction counseling practice.
Typical Timeline: 2 to 3 years after bachelor’s degree completion, depending on how quickly you can accumulate supervised hours while working.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor: Education, Experience, and Exam Requirements
The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) represents Vermont’s highest credential for addiction professionals. This license allows you to practice independently, supervise other counselors, and work in advanced clinical roles.
Education Requirements
LADC licensure requires a master’s degree in a human services field. This can be specifically in substance use disorder counseling, but related fields like social work, psychology, or counseling also qualify. You’ll need at least 60 credit hours of graduate coursework.
During your master’s program, you must complete a 600-hour clinical internship. This gives you intensive supervised experience while still in school, though these hours don’t count toward your post-graduation supervised practice requirement.
Supervised Clinical Practice
After earning your master’s degree, you’ll need an additional 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice. The requirements mirror those for ADC certification—at least half must be direct clinical counseling, with representation across all four core domains.
It’s important to note that your master’s program internship hours don’t reduce this 2,000-hour requirement. Vermont separates educational internships from post-degree supervised practice.
Examination
The final step is passing the IC&RC’s Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) Exam. Like the ADC exam, this is a 150-question multiple-choice test, but it covers more advanced clinical concepts and independent practice skills.
To be eligible for full LADC licensure, you must already hold ADC certification in Vermont or equivalent IC&RC certification from another jurisdiction.
Typical Timeline: 4 to 5 years total (2 years for master’s degree, 2-3 years for post-degree supervised hours and exam preparation).
Certification Level Comparison
| Certification Level | Education Required | SUD Training Hours | Supervised Experience | Exam | Practice Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Addiction Professional (AAP) | Associate Degree | 40 hours | None | Vermont AAP Exam (100 questions) | Entry-level, supervised work |
| Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | Bachelor’s Degree | 270 hours | 2,000 hours (50% direct clinical) | IC&RC ADC Exam (150 questions) | Direct counseling under supervision |
| Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) | Master’s Degree (60+ credits) | Included in master’s program | 600-hour internship + 2,000 post-degree hours | IC&RC AADC Exam (150 questions) | Independent practice, clinical supervision |
The Application Process
Vermont has streamlined the application process through the Office of Professional Regulation’s Online Service Platform. Here’s what you’ll need to submit for any certification level:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Training certificates from workshops, seminars, and continuing education courses
- Supervisor evaluation forms (for ADC and LADC levels requiring supervised experience)
- Application fee of $260 for all certification and licensure levels
Your clinical supervisor will submit their evaluation directly through the platform after your supervised hours. Make sure you’re working with an approved supervisor from the start—Vermont maintains a list of qualified supervisors who can sign off on your experience hours.
Processing Time
Application processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks once all materials are received. If you’re missing any documentation or need clarification, the OPR will contact you via the online platform.
Out-of-State License Transfer and Reciprocity
If you’re already certified or licensed in another state, Vermont offers a path to licensure by endorsement. This process recognizes your existing credentials while ensuring Vermont’s standards are met.
Start by requesting a license verification from your current state’s licensing board. You’ll submit this verification along with your application through Vermont’s Online Service Platform. Vermont reviews endorsement applications on a case-by-case basis, comparing your home state’s requirements to Vermont’s standards.
Because Vermont participates in the IC&RC consortium, counselors certified through IC&RC member boards generally have the smoothest transfer process. If your state’s requirements substantially match Vermont’s, you’ll likely qualify for direct endorsement without additional testing.
However, if there are significant gaps—such as fewer required education hours or less supervised experience—you may need to complete additional training or supervised hours to meet Vermont’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become fully licensed in Vermont?
Can I work as a counselor while completing my supervised hours?
What’s the difference between ADC and LADC in practice?
Does Vermont recognize certifications from other states?
What continuing education is required to maintain certification?
How do I find an approved clinical supervisor?
Can I use my master’s internship hours toward my 2,000 supervised hours?
What does the 2024 law change mean for new counselors?
Key Takeaways
- Vermont offers three levels of addiction counselor certification: AAP (associate degree + 40 hours), ADC (bachelor’s + 270 hours + 2,000 supervised hours), and LADC (master’s + 2,000 hours).
- The 2024 law change allows direct certification through Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulation, making the process more accessible and improving patient insurance billing.
- All certification levels require passing specific exams—Vermont’s AAP exam for entry-level, and IC&RC’s ADC or AADC exams for higher certifications.
- Supervised clinical experience hours (2,000 for both ADC and LADC) must include at least 50% direct client counseling and representation across all four core domains.
- Vermont accepts out-of-state certifications through licensure by endorsement, with IC&RC consortium members having the smoothest transfer process.
- Complete timeline from associate degree to full LADC licensure typically takes 6 to 8 years, but you can begin working in the field within 6-12 months at the AAP level.
- All applications are processed through the OPR’s Online Service Platform with a $260 application fee for any certification level.
Ready to Start Your Vermont Addiction Counseling Career?
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Additional Resources and Contact Information
While all application materials are available once you register on Vermont’s Online Service Platform, you can find additional forms, detailed application instructions, exam information, and regulatory updates on the OPR’s alcohol and drug counselor page.
If you have questions about specific requirements, application status, or continuing education, contact the Office of Professional Regulation directly at 802-828-1505.
For training opportunities, professional development conferences, networking, and other career resources, connect with the Vermont Addiction Professionals Association (VAPA), a local affiliate of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).
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.