To become a licensed addiction counselor (LAC) in North Dakota, you must hold a bachelor’s degree with specific coursework in addiction studies and complete 960 hours of supervised clinical training through an NDBACE-approved consortium. You must pass the ADC (Alcohol and Drug Counselor) exam. The process typically takes 4-6 years and includes completing 27 credit hours of required coursework.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Dakota
- 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling or a Related Field
- 2. Complete a Clinical Training Program
- 3. Take and Pass the ADC Exam
- 4. Apply to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
- Alternative Pathway: SUD Professional Credential
- How Long Does It Take to Become an LAC?
- With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Throughout North Dakota
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fargo, Bismarck, and Throughout North Dakota
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in North Dakota
- Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and First Lady Kathryn Burgum made a monumental step toward fighting substance use disorder and the stigma often associated with addiction through the creation of a statewide initiative. Since its inception seven years ago, the Recovery Reinvented initiative has reached more than 20,000 people in the state through events and programs like the Innovate Recovery Competition and the Youth Ending Stigma Challenge.
Through partnerships with federal agencies, including the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US Surgeon General, North Dakota’s landmark initiative has become a national model for a practical approach to substance use disorder.
But there’s still more work to be done. According to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, the state has seen an increase in unintentional overdose deaths between 2019 and 2022. Tragically, the Department reports that an average of two North Dakota residents die each week from a drug overdose. This growing crisis has created increased demand for qualified substance abuse counselors across the state.
From hospitals to neighborhood clinics to inpatient rehab facilities, substance abuse counselors in North Dakota are hard at work offering the resources and services that give those with substance use disorder hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in North Dakota
The North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners (NDBACE) is the state agency responsible for licensing substance abuse counselors in North Dakota. Based on experience and education, counselors in the state can earn one of two designations:
- Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Professional
- Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
For aspiring professionals at the beginning of their journey, becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) is the goal. This guide will walk you through the steps you’ll need to take to earn that credential.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling or a Related Field
2. Complete a Clinical Training Program
3. Take and Pass the ADC Exam
4. Apply to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
We’ve mapped out the journey to becoming a substance abuse counselor in North Dakota. Our guide simplifies the process into four easy-to-manage steps, ensuring you have a clear path to success.
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Addiction Counseling or a Related Field
To start working towards earning your LAC credential in North Dakota, you’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or in a related field like psychology, social work, or human services.
Under the current guidelines, your education should include:
- Addiction treatment theory and techniques, including evidence-based methods and ASAM criteria (3 credits)
- Group counseling and individual counseling techniques (3 credits)
- Psychopharmacology, focusing on substance effects and medication-assisted treatment (3 credits)
- Dynamics of addiction or alcohol use/abuse studies (3 credits)
- Co-occurring disorders, abnormal psychology, and psychopathology (3 credits)
- Professional ethics, covering regulations, standards, and ethical decision-making (3 credits)
- Human development across the lifespan (3 credits)
- Family systems, exploring family dynamics and addiction impacts (3 credits)
- Cultural competence and counseling, emphasizing multicultural diversity (3 credits)
Along with campus locations in North Dakota, there are online options widely available that offer bachelor’s degree programs meeting the requirements for licensure as an LAC. This flexibility allows you to earn your degree from the comfort of your home, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
2. Complete a Clinical Training Program
You’ll need to complete a minimum of 960 hours of clinical training that includes:
- At least 40 hours of direct, face-to-face supervision in each of the following clinical training areas:
- Screening and ASAM assessment
- Treatment planning
- Counseling
- Client/family/community education
- At least 30 hours of training in documentation, which must include reviewing and discussing clinical notes with your supervisor
You must complete your clinical training program through an NDBACE-approved consortium or an individualized training plan through an ND agency.
Before you begin your clinical training program, you’ll need to complete the Clinical Trainee Registration form, which includes the details of your clinical training program. Your clinical training supervisor must also complete the required section and sign the form. You’ll need to return the form, along with your bachelor’s degree transcript, to the Board office. You will also need to submit two reference forms to apply for clinical training (one must be a person with whom you have an academic relationship and the other who has worked with you in a paid or unpaid capacity).
3. Take and Pass the ADC Exam
After you’ve satisfied the clinical experience requirements, you’ll need to apply to take the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam offered through the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP).
To qualify to take the exam, you’ll need to submit two forms to the Board: the Licensure Examination application and the Clinical Trainee Completion form (completed and signed by your clinical supervisor).
The exam fee is $200, which you’ll need to pay when you apply to take the exam. The cost can typically be paid online through the NCC AP website using a credit card or by mailing a check or money order.
The ADC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions with a total testing time of three hours. You will be tested on key competencies, including:
- Screening, intake, and assessment
- Treatment planning and case management
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Client and community education
- Documentation and record keeping
- Professional and ethical standards
- Understanding of substance use disorders and treatment approaches
Once you pass the exam, you’ll be ready to apply for the LAC credential.
4. Apply to Become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Upon meeting all licensure requirements, including passing the ADC exam, you’ll head over to the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners (NDBACE) website and download the LAC Application for License. You’ll need to gather three professional references using the form provided by the Board. Make sure one of these references is from a current or former clinical supervisor.
Ask your university to send your official transcripts directly to the NDBACE. Don’t forget to read and sign the North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners’ code of ethics.
Once you’ve got all that sorted, you can submit your application either electronically or by mail to the NDBACE. There’s a non-refundable application fee of $100, so please include this with your application.
After you’ve sent everything in, you can expect to hear back within 4-6 weeks with approval and instructions on scheduling your exam.
LACs in North Dakota must renew their licenses every two years (January 1 in even-numbered years) upon the completion of at least 40 contact hours of continuing education, six of which must be in professional ethics. You can find a list of continuing education providers here.
Alternative Pathway: SUD Professional Credential
North Dakota also offers the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Professional credential, which serves as an alternative entry point into the field of substance use disorder treatment. This credential is designed for individuals who may not yet have a bachelor’s degree but have relevant education and experience.
The SUD Professional credential requires:
- An associate degree in addiction counseling or a related field, or completion of 60 semester credit hours with specific addiction counseling coursework
- Work experience in the substance abuse field
- Completion of required supervised clinical hours
- Passing a competency exam
Many professionals start their careers as SUD Professionals and later upgrade to the LAC credential after completing their bachelor’s degree. This pathway allows you to begin working in the field sooner while continuing your education. Job opportunities for SUD Professionals include positions in treatment facilities, community health centers, and outpatient programs, where they work under the supervision of licensed counselors.
How Long Does It Take to Become an LAC?
The typical timeline to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in North Dakota is 4-6 years, depending on your starting point:
- Years 1-4: Complete your bachelor’s degree in addiction counseling or related field (27 required credit hours of addiction-specific coursework)
- Year 4-5: Complete 960 hours of supervised clinical training through an NDBACE-approved consortium (typically takes 12-18 months if working part-time while training)
- Year 5: Apply for and pass the ADC exam, then submit your LAC application
- Total investment: Approximately 5 years from starting your bachelor’s degree to receiving your LAC license
Suppose you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field. In that case, you may be able to complete the process in 2-3 years by fulfilling the required addiction-specific coursework and clinical hours.
With a Master’s Degree and More Experience Comes Advanced Certification Options
When you’re ready to take your career to the next level, the NDBACE offers the Licensed Master Addiction Counselor (LMAC) credential. To earn the LMAC license, you’ll need to:
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in addiction counseling or a related field
- Take and pass the Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) exam
- Complete at least 2,000 hours of post-LAC licensure supervised addiction counseling (supervision must occur after you’ve received your LAC credential)
The LMAC credential opens doors to advanced positions, including clinical supervision, program direction, private practice, and specialized treatment roles. Many Recovery Reinvented initiative programs specifically seek LMAC-credentialed counselors for leadership positions.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Fargo, Bismarck, and Throughout North Dakota
North Dakota’s Recovery Reinvented initiative has expanded treatment access statewide, creating increased demand for qualified addiction counselors. The initiative’s success has led to the development of new programs and facility expansions, particularly in urban centers such as Fargo and Bismarck.
North Dakota offers a variety of settings where substance abuse counselors can make a meaningful impact. In Fargo, facilities like Prairie St. John’s offer comprehensive treatment programs, while the Heartview Foundation in Bismarck provides both inpatient and outpatient care. Other notable facilities include:
- Centre Inc., Fargo: Specializing in addiction treatment and community reentry services, offering both residential and outpatient programs
- North Dakota State Hospital, Jamestown: Offering a range of behavioral health services, including specialized substance abuse treatment units
- Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Minot: Providing residential and outpatient treatment services with a focus on youth and family programs
- ShareHouse, Fargo: Offering outpatient services and recovery support with emphasis on long-term recovery planning
- West Central Human Service Center, Bismarck: Providing mental health and addiction treatment services with integrated care approaches
Many of these facilities partner with the Recovery Reinvented initiative, creating opportunities for counselors to work on innovative, evidence-based programs that are shaping the national conversation on addiction treatment.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Fargo, Bismarck, and throughout North Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, substance abuse counselors in North Dakota earned a median annual salary of $66,450 as of May 2024. Entry-level counselors earned approximately $42,520, while those with significant experience earned around $90,000.
Salary varies by location and credential level throughout the state:
- Fargo: As of May 2024, substance abuse counselors in Fargo earned a median salary of $61,680. Early-career counselors earned about $44,320, and the most experienced earned about $82,640
- Bismarck: Substance abuse counselors in Bismarck earned a median salary of $67,950 as of May 2024. Entry-level counselors earned approximately $43,580 during this time, while highly experienced counselors earned around $84,760
LMAC-credentialed counselors typically earn 15-25% more than LAC-credentialed counselors, with those in supervisory or program director roles earning at the higher end of the salary range. The expansion of the Recovery Reinvented initiative has also led to the creation of competitive compensation packages as facilities compete for qualified professionals.
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in North Dakota
North Dakota offers several pathways for individuals interested in pursuing a degree as a substance abuse counselor. For example, Minot State University offers a BS in Addiction Studies, while the University of Mary offers a BS in Addiction Counseling.
Many accredited programs that meet state licensure requirements are available in convenient, online formats. For example, the BS in Addiction Counseling through the University of Mary can be completed online. This flexibility allows you to earn your degree from the comfort of your home, making it easier to balance your studies with other commitments.
Minot State University
College of Education and Health Sciences, Department of Addiction Studies, Psychology and Social Work
Accreditation: HLC
Campus, Online
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Addiction Studies
- Minor in Addiction Studies
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AA in Addiction Studies
University of Mary
Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Addiction Prevention Undergraduate Certificate
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS/BA in Addiction Counseling
- Minor in Addiction Counseling
- Minor in Addiction Prevention
Master’s Degrees
- MS in Counseling-Addiction Counseling concentration
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an LAC in North Dakota?
It typically takes 4-6 years to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor in North Dakota. This includes earning your bachelor’s degree (4 years), completing 960 hours of supervised clinical training (12-18 months), and passing the ADC exam. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you can complete the process in approximately 2-3 years.
Can I complete my degree online and still qualify for North Dakota licensure?
Yes, North Dakota accepts online degree programs for LAC licensure, provided they meet the state’s educational requirements. Programs must include the 27 required credit hours of addiction-specific coursework. The University of Mary, for example, offers an online BS in Addiction Counseling that meets NDBACE requirements.
What’s the difference between LAC and SUD Professional credentials?
The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a bachelor’s degree, 960 clinical hours, and passing the NCAC II exam. The SUD Professional credential is an entry-level option that requires an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours of relevant coursework. Many professionals start as SUD Professionals and upgrade to LAC after completing their bachelor’s degree.
Do I need to live in North Dakota during clinical training?
Yes, your clinical training must be completed at an NDBACE-approved consortium or through an individualized training plan with a North Dakota agency. You’ll need to be physically present in the state to complete your supervised hours. Remote or online-only clinical training doesn’t meet NDBACE requirements.
Can I transfer clinical hours from another state to North Dakota?
North Dakota may accept some clinical hours completed in other states on a case-by-case basis. You’ll need to contact NDBACE directly to have your previous training evaluated. Hours must have been completed under proper supervision and documented in accordance with North Dakota’s standards and regulations.
What jobs can I get while completing clinical training?
While completing clinical training, you can work in entry-level positions such as case manager, intake coordinator, or peer support specialist at treatment facilities. Some facilities hire clinical trainees specifically to help them complete their supervised hours while gaining paid experience.
How much does the LAC licensure process cost?
The total cost includes your bachelor’s degree tuition (varies by institution), the ADC exam fee ($200), and the LAC application fee ($100). Additional costs include background checks, transcripts, and continuing education for license renewal, which is required every two years (40 hours of training). Total out-of-pocket costs, beyond tuition, typically range from $600 to $1,200.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota requires a bachelor’s degree with 27 specific credit hours of addiction coursework, 960 supervised clinical hours, and passing the ADC (Alcohol and Drug Counselor) exam for LAC licensure.
- The SUD Professional credential offers an alternative entry pathway for those with associate degrees or 60 credit hours, allowing you to work in the field while completing your bachelor’s degree.
- Clinical training must be completed through an NDBACE-approved consortium or an approved individualized training plan with direct supervision requirements.
- The typical timeline from starting your bachelor’s degree to receiving LAC licensure is 4-6 years, or 2-3 years if you already hold a bachelor’s in a related field.
- Median salary for substance abuse counselors in North Dakota is $66,450 as of May 2024, with variations by location (Fargo: $61,680, Bismarck: $67,950) and experience level.
- The Recovery Reinvented initiative has created increased demand for qualified counselors and expanded access to treatments statewide.
- LMAC credential requires a master’s degree and 2,000 additional supervised hours after receiving your LAC license, opening doors to clinical supervision, program direction, and private practice
- License renewal occurs every two years on January 1 of even-numbered years, requiring 40 contact hours of continuing education, including 6 hours in professional ethics.
Ready to Start Your Journey as a Substance Abuse Counselor?
North Dakota needs qualified addiction counselors now more than ever. Explore degree programs, compare online and campus options, and find the educational path that fits your schedule and career goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
