Wisconsin requires 360 hours of education, 3,000 supervised hours, and passing the NCAC I exam to become a Substance Abuse Counselor. Clinical Substance Abuse Counselors need an associate degree and 5,000 supervised hours. The entire process typically takes 2-3 years and costs around $5,000-$15,000.
There’s a good chance you’re here because you know the weight of addiction—maybe you’ve carried it yourself, or watched someone you love struggle under it. Wisconsin’s communities, from Milwaukee’s overloaded treatment facilities to the small rural clinics scattered across the state, need counselors who understand pain and can guide people toward recovery.
Becoming a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin means committing to education, supervised experience, and examination. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) streamlines this path through two main credentials: the Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC), who provides vital behavioral health treatment, and the Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (Clinical SAC), who supports clients with complex needs.
Your journey won’t be quick—plan for 2-3 years from start to full certification—but every hour of training brings you closer to making a real difference in lives fractured by addiction.
Requirements: Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training
Before earning full certification in Wisconsin, you’ll need to register as a Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training. This registration allows you to complete your supervised work experience under proper guidance.
Training registration requirements:
- 100 hours of training and education in substance use disorders
- 15 hours in assessment, counseling, and education
- 10 hours in case management
- 20 hours in professional responsibility
- 25 hours in any combination of the above topics
- Employment verification form showing you have a supervisor
- Supervision plan for gaining experience hours
You can earn these hours through a college, university, or any organization listed in the DSPS’s approved training provider database.
Important limitation: Wisconsin law allows you to renew your training license only twice. This means you have a maximum of 5 years to complete your supervised hours and obtain full certification. Plan accordingly.
Cost: $60 application fee plus training course costs (typically $500-$2,000 depending on provider).
Substance Abuse Counselor Education Requirements
To become a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin, you’ll need to complete 360 hours of classes on substance use disorders—this includes the 100 hours required for training registration.
Educational pathway options:
- Minimum requirement: High school diploma or GED (no degree required for SAC)
- Degree option: Bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or related field (recommended but not required)
- Training source: College/university degree programs or DSPS-approved training providers
Required topic distribution (360 total hours):
- 60 hours minimum in each of five core topics:
- Assessment
- Counseling
- Case management
- Patient education
- Professional responsibilities
- 6 hours minimum in ethics
- 54 hours can be distributed among any of the six issues above
The DSPS maintains strict standards for what counts toward these hours. All training must come from accredited colleges, universities, or providers listed in their approved database. Self-study, on-the-job training, or informal workshops typically don’t qualify.
Timeline: If pursuing education alongside work, expect 12-18 months to complete the 360 hours through part-time coursework. Full-time students can complete this in 6-12 months.
Cost: $3,000-$12,000, depending on whether you pursue a degree or certificate training.
Substance Abuse Counselor Experience Requirements
Experience requirements separate Wisconsin from states with lower barriers to entry. You’ll need to complete 3,000 work experience hours as a counselor-in-training under the guidance of a clinical supervisor.
Experience hour breakdown:
- 3,000 total hours of work experience as a counselor-in-training
- 1,000 hours explicitly dedicated to substance use disorder counseling
- 500 hours of one-on-one counseling (out of the 1,000 SUD hours)
- Must be completed within 5 years before submitting your application
Recent activity requirement:
- 200 hours of counseling in the year before application
- 100 hours must be one-on-one counseling
This recent activity requirement ensures you’re actively practicing when you receive certification. You can’t complete all your hours years ago and then apply—Wisconsin wants counselors with current, relevant experience.
What qualifies as supervised experience:
- Employment at licensed treatment facilities
- Work in hospital-based substance abuse programs
- Community health center SUD programs
- Private practice under clinical supervision
- Government-funded recovery programs
Timeline: If working full-time (40 hours/week), you’ll accumulate 3,000 hours in approximately 18 months. Part-time positions (20 hours/week) extend this to 3 years. Many counselors-in-training work full-time and complete this requirement in 2 years.
Supervision standards: Your clinical supervisor must hold a Clinical SAC or equivalent credential and provide regular supervision sessions. The DSPS requires documented supervision meetings and evaluations throughout your training period.
Substance Abuse Counselor Examination Requirements
Wisconsin uses national certification exams administered through the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC). After completing your education hours but before finishing your supervised experience, you’ll register for the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Exam.
NCAC I Exam details:
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 67% passing score (100 correct answers required)
- Content areas: Assessment, counseling, case management, professional ethics, treatment planning
- Registration: Through DSPS (coordinates with NAADAC)
- Cost: $150 exam fee
Wisconsin testing sites: Nine locations across the state, including Oshkosh, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, and other regional centers. Tests are administered year-round with flexible scheduling.
Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code Exam:
You’ll also need to pass the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code Exam. This open-book exam tests your knowledge of Wisconsin law as it relates to substance abuse counseling, including:
- Confidentiality requirements (42 CFR Part 2)
- Mandatory reporting obligations
- Scope of practice limitations
- Professional boundaries
- Documentation standards
The open-book format doesn’t make this exam easy—it tests your ability to navigate Wisconsin’s legal framework and apply regulations to real counseling scenarios.
Exam preparation: Most counselors-in-training study 2-3 months for the NCAC I exam while working in the field. The Wisconsin exam requires familiarity with state statutes, typically covered in your ethics coursework.
Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor Requirements
The Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor credential represents the higher tier of Wisconsin’s two-level system. Clinical SACs can provide more complex treatment, supervise other counselors, and have greater autonomy in practice.
Clinical SAC requirements:
- Associate degree or higher in behavioral science (counseling, addiction studies, social work, psychology, etc.)
- 360 hours of education and training (same as SAC)
- 5,000 supervised hours (vs. 3,000 for SAC)
- NCAC I exam (same as SAC)
- Wisconsin Statutes exam (same as SAC)
- Must be completed within 5 years before application
Pathway from SAC to Clinical SAC:
If you’re already a certified Substance Abuse Counselor, the transition to Clinical SAC is straightforward. Your 3,000 SAC experience hours count toward the 5,000 Clinical SAC requirement. You’ll need to:
- Complete an associate degree in a behavioral science field
- Accumulate an additional 2,000 supervised hours
- Submit a Clinical SAC application
This pathway makes sense for counselors who started with just a high school diploma and later decided to pursue a degree. Your previous work experience isn’t wasted—it all counts.
Why pursue Clinical SAC:
- Higher earning potential ($5,000-$10,000 more annually)
- Ability to provide clinical supervision to counselors-in-training
- Greater treatment autonomy and diagnostic authority
- Required for leadership positions in many treatment facilities
- Opens doors to private practice opportunities
If you’re starting your education now and plan a long-term career in this field, consider pursuing at least an associate degree from the beginning. The master’s degree in addiction counseling opens even more advanced opportunities, including clinical director positions and specialized treatment modalities.
Timeline: Plan for 3-4 years total from start to Clinical SAC certification if pursuing education and experience simultaneously.
Cost: Associate degree adds $6,000-$15,000 to total expenses (community college vs. university rates).
Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor Salary Data
Understanding realistic salary expectations helps you plan your career path and education investment. Wisconsin substance abuse counselors earn competitive wages, with significant variation based on experience level, credentials, and location.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (SAC) | $38,500 | $18.51 |
| Median (All Counselors) | $53,710 | $25.82 |
| Experienced (Clinical SAC) | $74,320 | $35.73 |
Geographic salary variations in Wisconsin:
- Milwaukee metro area: 10-15% above state median due to higher cost of living and demand
- Madison area: 8-12% above the median, strong university and hospital systems
- Rural counties: At or slightly below the median, but with a lower cost of living
- Green Bay and Appleton: Near state median
Factors affecting salary:
- Clinical SAC credential adds $5,000-$10,000 annually
- Master’s degree can add $8,000-$15,000
- Specialized certifications (trauma, adolescent treatment) increase earning potential
- Private practice or supervisory roles significantly boost income
- Hospital-based positions typically pay more than community clinic roles
The investment in education and training typically pays for itself within 3-5 years of full certification, primarily if you pursue the Clinical SAC credential or advanced degrees.
Application Process
Wisconsin’s application process runs entirely through the DSPS’s online portal, making it more streamlined than paper-based systems used by some other states.
Application steps:
- Create account in the DSPS LicensE portal
- Select credential type (SAC, Clinical SAC, or Counselor-in-Training)
- Upload documentation:
- Education transcripts or training certificates (360 hours verified)
- Supervised experience verification forms (3,000 or 5,000 hours)
- NCAC I exam results (sent directly from NAADAC)
- Wisconsin Statutes exam results
- Degree transcripts (for Clinical SAC)
- Pay application fee ($60 for any certification level)
- Wait for DSPS review (typically 4-6 weeks)
Application fees summary:
- Counselor-in-Training: $60
- Substance Abuse Counselor: $60
- Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor: $60
- NCAC I Exam: $150 (paid separately to NAADAC)
Common application delays:
- Incomplete supervision verification forms (supervisor signatures missing)
- Training hours not from DSPS-approved providers
- Experience hours documented incorrectly (dates, setting details missing)
- Transcripts showing degree but not course topics
The DSPS will contact you if the documentation is incomplete, but this can add weeks or months to your timeline. Double-check every form before submission.
After approval: Your certification is valid for renewal and requires continuing education to maintain. Wisconsin counselors must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including 3 hours in ethics and 3 hours in cultural competency.
Out-of-State Substance Abuse Counselors
If you’re moving to Wisconsin with an active substance abuse counselor license from another state, the DSPS offers a streamlined endorsement process—but there’s no automatic reciprocity.
Out-of-state licensure process:
- Review your credentials: DSPS compares your state’s requirements to Wisconsin’s standards
- Substantially similar requirements: If your state requires comparable education, experience, and examination, you’ll likely receive Wisconsin certification with minimal additional requirements
- Deficient requirements: If your state has lower standards, DSPS may require you to complete additional hours, training, or examinations
States with comparable requirements:
Wisconsin’s standards align closely with Minnesota’s requirements, Illinois addiction counselor requirements, and other IC&RC member states. If you’re certified through IC&RC in your home state, endorsement is usually straightforward.
Application for out-of-state endorsement:
- Submit the Wisconsin application through the LicensE portal
- Request license verification from your home state board (sent directly to DSPS)
- Provide transcripts and documentation of your original certification
- Pay $60 application fee
- Wait for DSPS equivalency review (4-8 weeks)
The DSPS evaluates each out-of-state application individually. Don’t assume automatic endorsement—contact the board early in your move planning to understand what additional requirements you might face.
If DSPS requires additional training: You may need to complete specific coursework, accumulate additional supervised hours, or pass the Wisconsin Statutes exam. These requirements vary based on your home state’s standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree to become a substance abuse counselor in Wisconsin?
How long does it take to become certified in Wisconsin?
What does a substance abuse counselor earn in Wisconsin?
Can I work while completing my supervised hours?
What’s the difference between SAC and Clinical SAC in Wisconsin?
Will my out-of-state license transfer to Wisconsin?
How much does Wisconsin certification cost?
How many times can I renew my training license?
Additional Information
Your primary resource for requirements, application updates, and regulatory changes is the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The DSPS maintains detailed information for each counselor certification level. Browse their list of regulated professions to access the most current requirements, application forms, and policy updates.
Professional organization support:
Recovery and Addiction Professionals of Wisconsin (RAP-WI) serves as Wisconsin’s state affiliate of NAADAC. They host conferences, workshops, and professional development events throughout the year. Membership benefits include:
- Continuing education opportunities
- Networking with experienced Wisconsin counselors
- Job boards and career resources
- Advocacy for counselor interests at the state level
- Discounts on NAADAC certification exams and materials
Staying current with certification or licensure requirements:
Wisconsin revises its administrative code periodically. Requirements can change, exam formats may be updated, and new continuing education mandates may be added. Check the DSPS website quarterly and maintain RAP-WI membership to receive regulatory updates that affect your credential.
Next steps for aspiring counselors:
- Review approved training providers and select education path
- Complete initial 100 hours for counselor-in-training registration
- Apply for training status and secure employment with supervision plan
- Complete remaining 260 education hours while accumulating experience
- Register for and pass NCAC I exam
- Pass Wisconsin Statutes exam
- Submit full certification application after completing all requirements
Wisconsin’s substance abuse counseling community stands ready to support you through this journey. Every requirement, every supervised hour, and every exam brings you closer to making a real difference in lives fractured by addiction.
Key Takeaways
- Wisconsin requires 360 hours of education, 3,000 supervised experience hours, and passing the NCAC I exam to become a Substance Abuse Counselor (no degree required).
- Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor requires an associate degree in behavioral science and 5,000 supervised hours (SAC hours count toward this total).
- The entire certification process typically takes 2-3 years for SAC, 3-4 years for Clinical SAC, with maximum 5 years allowed in training status (two renewals only).
- Total costs range from $5,000-$15,000 for SAC certification including education, exams, and application fees; Clinical SAC adds $6,000-$15,000 for associate degree.
- Wisconsin substance abuse counselors earn a median $53,710 annually, with entry-level starting at $38,500 and experienced Clinical SAC counselors earning $74,320+.
- Out-of-state counselors may receive endorsement if their home state has substantially similar requirements; contact DSPS early for equivalency evaluation.
- All applications, registrations, and renewals are processed through the DSPS LicensE online portal with 4-6 week processing times.
- Counselor-in-training registration requires 100 hours of education, employment verification, and a supervision plan before beginning the accumulation of experience hours.
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Wisconsin?
Explore online addiction counseling programs and DSPS-approved training providers to begin your 360-hour education requirement. Every hour of training brings you closer to helping Wisconsin communities recover from addiction.
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.