To become a substance abuse counselor in South Dakota, you need to earn the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential from the state Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals. This requires 27 semester credits in addiction counseling courses, 300-8,000 supervised work hours (depending on degree level), 300 direct contact hours across 12 domains, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in South Dakota
- Advanced Certification Options with a Master’s Degree
- Transferring Your Addiction Counselor Credentials to South Dakota
- Timeline and Cost Considerations
- Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in South Dakota
- Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries in South Dakota
- Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in South Dakota
- Frequently Asked Questions
The latest stats coming out of the South Dakota State Epidemiological Outcomes database and the state Department of Social Services (DSS) paint a picture of the stark reality of the state’s substance use disorder epidemic:
- Overdose deaths increased by 11.53% year over year during the three-year period ending in 2021
- 2018 saw a peak for alcohol-related chronic liver disease deaths, up more than 100% since 2002
- In 2019, 15.7% of state residents reported using prescription drugs without a prescription
But with nearly 12,000 residents receiving publicly funded treatment for substance use disorders in 2023, the situation is far from hopeless.
Rising up from behind the painful experiences and fallout associated with substance use disorders are aspiring Certified Addiction Counselors (CACs), Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs), and other treatment and recovery specialists ready to draw a line in the sand and take an active role in solving the problem.
If your career calling is to work as a substance abuse counselor in South Dakota, you can achieve this goal by earning the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential.
Part of the South Dakota DSS, the Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (BAPP) issues the CAC.
The CAC allows you to engage in substance abuse counseling under supervision. To start working with clients, you need to earn the CAC credential, so that’s what we’ll focus on in this guide.
Later on, with additional qualifications, you could also opt to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), which would give you more autonomy.
BAPP also issues two credentials that focus less on patient counseling and more on the public-education and awareness-raising side of the substance use disorder profession:
- Prevention Specialist Trainee (PST)
- Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS)
Both credentials require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. You can stack the CPS on top of the PST once you gain qualifying experience and supervision.
Steps to Becoming Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor in South Dakota
You can earn the Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential in five steps:
1. Apply for Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT) Recognition with BAPP
2. Complete CAC Education Requirements Through a Degree or Certificate Program
3. Document a Period of Supervised Work Experience
4. Document 300 Direct Contact Hours and Apply for the CAC
5. Pass the IC&RC’s ADC Examination
BAPP’s website has all the forms and applications you’ll need for each step.
Step 1: Apply for Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT) Recognition with BAPP
Holding ACT Recognition is your way to formally establish with BAPP that you’re going to be adequately supervised while you gain the experience necessary to become a CAC. It’s valid for up to 5 years and must be renewed annually. Your supervisor must be a CAC or LAC.
To qualify for ACT Recognition, all you need is a high school diploma or GED.
You’ll also need to find an employer who will supervise you while you work as an ACT. Qualifying supervised volunteer experience is also acceptable.
When you look through substance abuse counselor job ads, you’ll see employers who will hire you upon the condition that you become a CAC or higher within a specified time frame. These positions are the ones you’re after, and it’s worth noting that you’re more likely to be hired as someone with ACT Recognition if you already have some education in substance abuse counseling, ideally even a bachelor’s degree.
On that note, you can always opt to complete your education first and then apply for ACT Recognition after you graduate. Doing it this way gives you a little more breathing room to complete your supervised work experience within the five-year limit. For guidance on finding the right supervision, visit our guide to getting supervised experience.
Step 2: Complete CAC Education Requirements Through a Degree or Certificate Program
You can meet the education requirements for the CAC in South Dakota with any level of degree. The SD Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals states that you can complete the required credits at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
As long as you complete at least three semester credits of study in each of the following subject areas (27 total semester credits), you meet the qualifications:
- Introduction to alcohol use and abuse
- Introduction to drug use and abuse
- Group counseling for alcohol and drugs
- Substance abuse counselor ethics
- Individual counseling foundations
- Alcohol and drug treatments
- Substance abuse family counseling
- Diverse populations
- Substance abuse elective
South Dakota offers exceptional flexibility in meeting these requirements. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s degree, you can fulfill the CAC education requirement. Learn more about your options in our comprehensive substance abuse counseling degree guide.
Step 3: Document a Period of Supervised Work Experience
There’s also a general supervised substance abuse work experience requirement you must meet to become a CAC, based on the level of degree you hold.
If you earn a college degree in a behavioral science field then this significantly reduces the hours of general supervised substance abuse work experience you’ll need:
- You need 8,000 hours of experience if you have a high school diploma or GED
- 6,000 hours if you have an associate’s degree
- 4,000 hours for a bachelor’s degree
- 2,000 hours for a master’s degree or higher
With no stated degree requirement for the CAC in South Dakota, you can find basic certificate programs that will fulfill this requirement, though you’ll need to be prepared to participate in about four years of full-time supervised work experience going that route.
The typical associate degree program includes 60 total semester credits, with half or more dedicated to specialty courses in your major and the rest being general undergraduate courses. Though an associate degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related field would cover the requirement, a bachelor’s degree sets you up better to advance in your career and qualify for the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential, which requires a master’s degree.
Step 4: Document 300 Direct Contact Hours and Apply for the CAC Credential
You need at least 300 hours of supervised training experience working directly with people who have substance abuse issues. This must include at least 10 hours in each of the following 12 areas:
- Screening
- Intake
- Orientation
- Assessment
- Treatment planning
- Counseling
- Case management
- Crisis intervention
- Client education
- Referral
- Record keeping and reports
- Consultation
Once you’ve completed this, you’re ready to apply for the CAC.
Your supervisor will send confirmation to BAPP that you’ve fulfilled all supervision requirements. You also need three colleagues to submit Professional Recognition forms to BAPP as personal references.
Once BAPP determines your CAC application portfolio is complete, it will send you the registration info you need to book an exam appointment with the IC&RC. You can find detailed application forms and requirements on the BAPP website.
Step 5: Pass the IC&RC’s ADC Examination
BAPP requires you to pass the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Examination, which is sponsored by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). For more information about national certification pathways, visit our guide to state and national certification.
Once you have your registration info you can schedule an exam appointment at one of the following three Prometric ISO-Quality Testing centers in South Dakota:
- Rapid City
- Sioux Falls
- Spearfish
The ADC Exam is taken on a computer. It takes three hours and comprises 150 multiple-choice questions, 125 of which are scored. A scaled score of 500 is considered passing.
The subject material you’re tested on is divided into these four areas:
- 30% – Counseling, referral, and evidence-based treatment
- 25% – Scientific basis of substance use disorders
- 25% – Legal, professional, and ethical duties
- 20% – Evidence-based assessment and screening
Once BAPP receives notification from the IC&RC that you passed the exam, it will issue you your CAC credential.
Advanced Certification Options with a Master’s Degree
You can opt to upgrade your CAC to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), which lets you work as a substance abuse counselor independently without supervision.
To qualify for the LAC, you need a minimum of two years of CAC work experience and at least a master’s degree in a behavioral science field, like substance abuse counseling.
Your education must include at least three semester credits in each of the following subject areas. Five of these areas (15 credits total) must be completed at the graduate level:
- Substance abuse counseling techniques and theories
- Psychopathology or psychopharmacology
- Addiction counseling: ethical, professional, and legal standards
- Assessment and case management of co-occurring disorders
- Treatment planning
- Clinical supervision
- Multicultural populations
If you’re keen on completing your graduate education before you set foot in the workplace, there’s a pathway for this too. After graduation, you can work with ACT Recognition and fulfill the education, experience, and exam requirements described up to this point, then go directly to applying for an LAC.
Maintaining Your Certification
Both CAC and LAC credentials require renewal and continuing education to maintain. Be sure to check the BAPP renewal requirements for current continuing education hour requirements and renewal cycles. Many counselors fulfill these requirements through workshops, conferences, and online courses from approved providers.
Transferring Your Addiction Counselor Credentials to South Dakota
If you’re moving to South Dakota with existing addiction counselor credentials from another state, you may be able to transfer your certification through the IC&RC reciprocity process.
IC&RC Reciprocity and Interstate Credential Transfer
South Dakota participates in the IC&RC reciprocity consortium, which allows counselors with IC&RC credentials from other member states to apply for equivalent South Dakota credentials without retaking the full examination process. This can significantly streamline your transition to practicing in South Dakota.
To transfer your credentials:
- Contact BAPP to request a reciprocity application
- Submit proof of your current IC&RC credential from your home state
- Provide documentation of your supervised experience hours
- Pay the applicable application and transfer fees
- Be prepared to demonstrate that your education meets South Dakota’s 27-credit requirement
Keep in mind that not all state credentials are automatically transferable. BAPP will evaluate your existing credentials on a case-by-case basis. If you’re coming from a neighboring state like North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Wyoming, or Montana, be sure to compare requirements early in your planning process.
For detailed information about credential reciprocity and the evaluation process, visit the BAPP website or contact the board directly.
Timeline and Cost Considerations
How Long Does It Take to Become a CAC in South Dakota?
The timeline for earning your CAC depends heavily on your starting point and the educational pathway you choose:
- With a Master’s Degree: 1-2 years (2,000 supervised hours + 300 direct contact hours + exam prep)
- With a Bachelor’s Degree: 2-3 years (4,000 supervised hours + education if needed + exam)
- With an Associate Degree: 3-4 years (6,000 supervised hours + exam)
- With High School Diploma/GED: 4-5 years (8,000 supervised hours + 27 credits + exam)
These timelines assume full-time work or study. Part-time paths will extend these timeframes accordingly.
Estimated Costs
Budget for the following expenses as you plan your path to becoming a South Dakota substance abuse counselor:
- Education: $3,000-$60,000+ depending on credential type (certificate to master’s degree)
- ACT Recognition Application: Check current BAPP fee schedule
- CAC Application: Application fees vary; check the BAPP website
- IC&RC ADC Examination: Approximately $195-$250
- Annual Renewal Fees: Ongoing costs for maintaining ACT and later CAC/LAC status
- Continuing Education: Budget for CE courses required for renewal
Online programs often offer more affordable tuition than traditional campus-based options. Compare total program costs, including fees, when evaluating your options.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in South Dakota
There are plenty of indications that people are increasingly turning to addictive substances to self-medicate where they otherwise lack support. As an aspiring CAC or LAC, you’ll be the one stepping up to provide the support they so desperately need.
The number of substance abuse counseling jobs in South Dakota has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting increased demand for addiction treatment services across the state.
Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Rapid City, Metro Sioux City, and Sioux Falls
According to the US Department of Labor, as of 2023, there were 1,620 substance abuse counselors working in South Dakota. Of these:
- 730 are in Sioux Falls
- 340 are in Rapid City
Additionally, there are 190 working in the metro Sioux City, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota area.
Major Employers in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, as the state’s largest city, offers the most abundant opportunities for substance abuse counselors. The concentration of treatment facilities, hospitals, and community health centers makes it an ideal location for counselors at all credential levels.
Substance abuse counselor employers in Sioux Falls include:
- Community Direct in Sioux Falls
- New Start in Sioux Falls
- Avera Behavioral Health facilities
Major Employers in Rapid City
Rapid City, located in the Black Hills region, serves as the healthcare hub for western South Dakota. The city offers diverse employment opportunities from hospital-based programs to community mental health centers.
Employers in the Rapid City area include:
- Youth and Family Services in Rapid City
- Monument Health behavioral health programs
- Regional behavioral health centers
Statewide Employers
Additional substance abuse counselor employers across South Dakota include:
- Avera St Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen
- LSS of South Dakota in Spearfish
- Avera Behavioral Health Center in Brookings
- Keystone Treatment Center in Canton
Many counselors also find opportunities in correctional facilities, tribal health centers, school-based programs, and private practice settings after earning their LAC credential.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salaries in South Dakota
2023 stats from the US Department of Labor show that South Dakota’s 1,620 substance abuse counselors earned an average salary of $50,960.
Statewide salaries among the top 25% were $55,260, while those in the top 10% earned $67,060 or more.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Rapid City?
- Rapid City average: $50,870
- Rapid City 75th percentile: $52,980
- Rapid City 90th percentile: $76,150
Rapid City offers competitive salaries, with top earners significantly exceeding the state average. The city’s role as a regional healthcare center contributes to strong compensation for experienced counselors.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Sioux Falls?
- Sioux Falls average: $49,870
- Sioux Falls 75th percentile: $56,210
- Sioux Falls 90th percentile: $67,060
Sioux Falls counselors earn slightly below Rapid City averages but enjoy a larger job market with more diverse employment opportunities across multiple healthcare systems and treatment facilities.
How Much Do Substance Abuse Counselors Make in Metro Sioux City?
- Metro Sioux City average: $61,050
- Metro Sioux City 75th percentile: $75,830
- Metro Sioux City 90th percentile: $77,680
The tri-state metro area of Sioux City offers the highest average salaries for substance abuse counselors in the region, reflecting the competitive market where South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska converge.
Factors Affecting Salary
Your earning potential as a substance abuse counselor in South Dakota depends on several factors:
- Credential level: LACs typically earn more than CACs due to independent practice authority
- Education: Master’s degree holders command higher salaries
- Experience: Years in the field significantly impact compensation
- Setting: Hospital-based programs often pay more than community clinics
- Specialization: Counselors with expertise in co-occurring disorders or MAT may earn premium rates
- Geographic location: Urban areas generally offer higher salaries than rural regions
Substance Abuse Counselor Degree Options in South Dakota
It’s no accident that all the substance abuse degree and certificate programs offered in South Dakota fulfill the minimum semester credit requirement to become a CAC. Nor is it that the University of South Dakota offers a master’s program to become an LAC.
And these are in addition to all the substance abuse degree and certificate options available online.
Careers in substance abuse can last decades. It’s an understatement to say it’s rewarding to help your clients piece their lives back together and focus on what’s truly important. Putting in the time to earn a qualifying degree to pursue your full potential is the best step to take to bring about real change in South Dakota.
Sinte Gleska University
Human Services Department
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certified Addiction Counselor-Chemical Dependency
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BA in Human Services-Chemical Dependency concentration
Sisseton Wahpeton College
Accreditation: HLC
Campus
Associate Degrees
- AS in Addiction and Diversity Counseling
University of South Dakota
School of Health Sciences
Accreditation: HLC
Online
Undergraduate Certificates
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Bachelor’s Degrees
- BS in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (Treatment Specialization, Prevention Specialization)
- Minor in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Master’s Degrees
- MA in Addiction Counseling and Prevention (option for Co-Occurring specialization)
Graduate Certificates
- Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CAC in South Dakota?
The timeline depends on your starting education level. With a master’s degree, you can complete requirements in 1-2 years. With a bachelor’s degree, expect 2-3 years. With an associate degree, plan for 3-4 years. Starting with only a high school diploma or GED requires 4-5 years due to the 8,000 supervised hours requirement.
Can I get my CAC with an online degree?
Yes, South Dakota accepts online degrees as long as they fulfill the 27-semester credit requirement in the nine specified subject areas. Many counselors complete their education online while simultaneously working toward their supervised experience hours. Be sure to verify that your program is regionally accredited.
What’s the difference between CAC and LAC in South Dakota?
The CAC (Certified Addiction Counselor) allows you to practice under supervision, while the LAC (Licensed Addiction Counselor) permits independent practice without supervision. The LAC requires a master’s degree, 2 years of CAC experience, and additional graduate-level coursework in specific areas, such as clinical supervision and psychopharmacology.
Does South Dakota recognize addiction counselor credentials from other states?
Yes, through IC&RC reciprocity. If you hold an IC&RC credential from another member state, you can apply for a South Dakota credential transfer through BAPP. You’ll need to demonstrate that your education and experience meet South Dakota’s requirements, but you typically won’t need to retake the full examination.
How much does the IC&RC ADC exam cost?
The IC&RC ADC examination fee is approximately $195-$250. This covers the computer-based test administration at Prometric testing centers in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, or Spearfish. Additional costs may apply if you need to reschedule your exam or request accommodations.
Where can I find supervision for my required hours?
Look for positions advertising ACT or trainee roles at treatment facilities, hospitals, community mental health centers, and correctional facilities throughout South Dakota. Many employers hire ACTs with the expectation that you’ll complete your CAC within a specified timeframe. You can also check the BAPP website for approved supervisors or connect with South Dakota professional organizations for networking opportunities.
Do I need to complete continuing education to maintain my CAC?
Yes, both CAC and LAC credentials require continuing education for renewal. Check the BAPP website for current CE hour requirements and approved provider lists. Many counselors fulfill these requirements through conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses related to addiction counseling, ethics, and evidence-based treatments.
Can I work as a substance abuse counselor in South Dakota if I have a degree in a different field?
Yes, but you’ll need to complete the 27 semester credits in the required addiction counseling subject areas. Your existing degree may reduce the supervised experience hours required (4,000 for a bachelor’s or 2,000 for a master’s), but you must still fulfill the specific coursework requirements for the CAC.
Key Takeaways
- South Dakota offers multiple pathways to becoming a substance abuse counselor through the Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (BAPP)
- The Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) credential requires 27 semester credits in addiction counseling, supervised work experience, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam
- Your degree level significantly reduces required supervised hours: 8,000 hours with just a high school diploma down to 2,000 with a master’s degree
- South Dakota substance abuse counselors earn an average of $50,960 annually, with top earners in Metro Sioux City making over $77,000
- Advancing to Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) requires a master’s degree and two years of CAC experience for independent practice
- IC&RC reciprocity allows counselors with credentials from other states to transfer to South Dakota without retaking the full exam
- Three South Dakota schools offer on-campus programs, plus numerous accredited online options fulfill the education requirements
- The job market for substance abuse counselors in South Dakota has grown 66% between 2019 and 2023, with strong demand in Sioux Falls and Rapid City
Ready to Start Your Substance Abuse Counseling Career in South Dakota?
Explore accredited degree programs that fulfill South Dakota’s CAC education requirements and set you on the path to making a difference in addiction recovery across the state.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors; Psychiatric Technicians (proxy for Substance Use Disorder Technicians); and Social and Human Service Assistants (proxy for Peer Recovery Specialists) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2025.
