At a Glance
To become an LADC in Minnesota, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school, 18 semester credits of addiction-specific coursework, an 880-hour supervised practicum, and a passing score on one of three accepted exams. The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) issues the license and oversees the entire process.
Minnesota’s substance abuse counselors work under a single state license: the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, or LADC. The Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) issues the credential and sets the requirements under Minnesota Statutes section 148F.025. If you’re starting from scratch or working toward your LADC after some experience in the field, here’s what the path looks like from start to finish. For a broader look at substance abuse and addiction counseling careers and how licensing works across states, our specialty overview covers the full picture.
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Temporary Permit
Before you’re eligible for the full LADC license, you can apply for a Temporary Permit. This credential lets you practice alcohol and drug counseling under supervision by a Minnesota LADC or another licensed professional authorized under Minnesota law while you complete the remaining work experience hours you need for full licensure.
To qualify for the Temporary Permit, you’ll need to meet these requirements from the BBHT:
- Associate degree
- 270 clock hours (18 semester credits) of alcohol and drug counseling coursework
- 880 hours of substance abuse counseling practicum
- A signed agreement from a licensed LADC who agrees to supervise you during the permit period
When you apply, you’ll need to have your official transcripts sent directly from your institution to the BBHT. The application fee is $100, payable to BBHT. You can access the current application on the BBHT’s Temporary Permit page.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
The LADC is Minnesota’s full substance abuse counseling license. It authorizes alcohol and drug counseling practice. Supervision of licensure candidates may require meeting separate BBHT supervisor requirements. There are two approved pathways to licensure, both of which require a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school.
Method D: Standard Method
Method D is the most direct route. You’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited school, 18 semester credits (270 clock hours) of specific alcohol and drug counseling coursework, an 880-hour supervised practicum, and a passing score on a comprehensive written exam or passing scores on both a written and oral exam.
Method I: Supervision Alternative
Method I is designed for candidates who’d rather demonstrate competency through extended supervised practice. The education and practicum requirements are the same as Method D, but instead of the comprehensive exam, you’ll take a non-comprehensive written exam and complete 2,000 hours of supervised professional practice acceptable to the board.
For both methods, official transcripts go directly from your institution to the BBHT. You’ll also need to complete a fingerprint-based background check. The application fee is $295; verify the current criminal background check fee with the BBHT before applying, as fees are subject to change. Applications may be submitted through the BBHT’s current application process, including online options where available. Check submission instructions on the BBHT’s LADC application page before submitting.
| Requirement |
Temporary Permit |
LADC |
| Degree |
Associate |
Bachelor’s or master’s |
| Coursework |
18 semester credits |
18 semester credits |
| Practicum |
880 hours |
880 hours |
| Exam |
Not required |
Required (see exam section) |
| Application fee |
$100 |
$295 + $33.25 background check |
Licensure Exams
The BBHT accepts three exams for LADC licensure. You only need to pass one. The International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) offers two options, both administered through the Minnesota Certification Board (MCB): the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, which tests foundational counseling knowledge, and the Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam, which covers advanced clinical competencies. The BBHT also accepts the National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) from the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC).
The MCB administers the IC&RC exams in Minnesota and offers study guides and online practice exams through its website. You can review preparation resources at the MCB Testing page.
Reciprocity and Interstate Credentials
The LADC itself does not have IC&RC reciprocity. Some MCB credentials are non-reciprocal (such as the ADC-MN), while the reciprocal IC&RC credential (ADCR-MN) may be transferable if you meet the applicable MCB and IC&RC requirements. Minnesota counselors should confirm whether they hold a reciprocal IC&RC credential, not merely an exam result or state LADC, before relying on portability to another jurisdiction.
Minnesota also offers a reciprocity pathway for counselors already licensed or credentialed in another state. If the requirements you met in that jurisdiction were substantially similar to Minnesota’s current LADC requirements, the BBHT can issue a license based on that existing credential. You can find details on both routes on the BBHT’s LADC Reciprocity page. For counselors interested in the IC&RC certification pathway through the MCB, the MCB Alcohol and Drug Counselor page walks through the credentialing process. The BBHT also issues Minnesota’s Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials. For a full breakdown of those pathways, see our guide to Minnesota Counseling Overview, Education, Licensure and Resources.
License Renewal
The LADC license renews every two years. Renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education, including at least three hours of ethics and nine hours of cultural diversity content. The renewal fee is $295. You can manage your renewal through the BBHT’s online portal.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to BLS May 2024 data, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Minnesota earned a median annual wage of $58,720. Nationally, the median annual wage for the same occupation was $59,190 during the same period. Demand is growing: the BLS projects employment in this field to grow 17 percent nationally from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average.
| Geography |
Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Minnesota |
$58,720 |
| United States (national) |
$59,190 |
LADCs in Minnesota work across a range of settings: outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities, hospitals, correctional programs, and community mental health organizations. Some Minnesota behavioral health employers and public agencies have reported workforce shortages in recent years. Demand may vary by region, employer, and funding conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LADC license in Minnesota?
The Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) is Minnesota’s state license for substance abuse counselors. It’s issued by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) and authorizes holders to practice addiction counseling independently and to supervise other counselors working toward their own credentials.
Do I need a master’s degree to become an LADC in Minnesota?
No. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for the LADC in Minnesota. You’ll also need 18 semester credits of approved alcohol and drug counseling coursework, an 880-hour supervised practicum, and a passing score on one of the three BBHT-accepted exams.
What exams does the BBHT accept for LADC licensure?
The BBHT accepts three exams: the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) exam, the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) exam, and the NAADAC National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level II (NCAC II) exam. The IC&RC exams are administered through the Minnesota Certification Board. You only need to pass one.
Can I work as a substance abuse counselor in Minnesota while completing my hours?
Yes. The Temporary Permit is designed for this purpose. It lets you practice under a licensed LADC supervisor while you build the supervised experience needed for full licensure. You’ll need an associate degree, 18 semester credits of coursework, and 880 practicum hours to qualify.
Does the LADC license transfer to other states?
The LADC itself does not have IC&RC reciprocity. Portability depends on whether you hold a reciprocal IC&RC credential through the Minnesota Certification Board, not merely a state LADC or exam result. Minnesota also accepts incoming applications from counselors licensed in states with substantially similar requirements. Confirm your specific credential status with the MCB before assuming portability.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota issues a single substance abuse counseling license, the LADC, regulated by the BBHT under Minnesota Statutes section 148F.025.
- The LADC requires a bachelor’s degree, 18 semester credits of addiction coursework, an 880-hour practicum, and one of three accepted exams.
- Two exam pathways exist: Method D uses a comprehensive written exam with no post-degree supervised hours, while Method I pairs a non-comprehensive written exam with 2,000 supervised hours.
- A Temporary Permit lets you practice under LADC supervision while completing requirements, requiring only an associate degree and the same coursework and practicum hours.
- BLS May 2024 data puts the median annual wage for substance abuse counselors at $58,720 in Minnesota, with a national 17 percent job growth projected through 2034.
Looking for accredited addiction counseling programs in Minnesota that meet BBHT coursework requirements? Browse programs that include the practicum placement support you need to qualify for LADC licensure.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors represent national data. State figures are drawn from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
