At a Glance
The South Dakota addiction counselor license is issued by the Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (BAPP), which offers three credentials: Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). The LAC requires a master’s degree, 2,000 supervised hours, and passing the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor exam. The application fee is $250.
South Dakota licenses addiction counselors through the Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, which is part of the Department of Social Services. The board’s credentialing system has a tiered structure, letting you enter the field with a high school diploma as a trainee and advance toward full licensure as you complete education and supervised experience. Most people reading this page are working toward the Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), which is South Dakota’s highest level of addiction counseling credential and the one that opens the path to independent practice.
South Dakota Addiction Counselor Credentials
BAPP offers three credentials, each with different entry requirements. Understanding where you’re starting from helps you map the most direct path to licensure. Requirements vary significantly by state, so if you’re also considering options across state lines, see our guide to substance abuse counselor licensure in neighboring states.
Addiction Counselor Trainee (ACT)
The ACT is the entry point into the profession. You can register as a trainee with a high school diploma or GED, provided you’re working or volunteering at a substance use disorder recovery agency. The ACT credential lasts one year and requires annual renewal. You may remain an ACT for up to five years, but you must be supervised by a qualified CAC or LAC throughout. The initial application fee is $150.
Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
The CAC allows you to work with clients under supervision. There’s no bachelor’s degree requirement for the CAC, but you’ll need to complete approved undergraduate or graduate-level coursework in addiction-related subjects with a grade of C or higher in each course. Holding a degree in a behavioral science field may reduce the number of supervised hours required. The application fee is $250, and renewal is $350 biennially.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
The LAC is the top credential issued by BAPP and the focus of this guide. It requires a master’s degree, 2,000 supervised hours, and passing the IC&RC written exam. LACs who complete additional post-licensure requirements may practice independently, including opening a private practice. The application fee is $250, and renewal is $400 biennially.
LAC Requirements in South Dakota
The Licensed Addiction Counselor credential has four components: education, coursework, supervised experience, and examination. Here’s what each one requires.
Education
LAC applicants must hold a minimum of a master’s degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited institution, per BAPP’s licensing requirements. This is a change from older guidance that listed a bachelor’s degree. BAPP’s current licensing requirements confirm the master’s degree standard. Five of the required coursework credits must be at the graduate level.
Required Coursework
In addition to the master’s degree, you’ll need at least three semester hours in each of these seven subject areas, with a minimum grade of C in each course. Five of the seven courses must be at the graduate level, for a minimum of 21 total semester hours.
- Addiction Counseling Theories and Techniques
- Psychopharmacology or Psychopathology
- Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards
- Case Management and Assessment of Co-Occurring Disorders
- Treatment Planning
- Clinical Supervision
- Multicultural Competency
Supervised Experience
LAC applicants must complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised work experience specific to the alcohol and drug counselor domains. Of those 2,000 hours, at least 300 must document hands-on practical training across the Twelve Core Functions, with at least 10 hours in each core function. The four primary domains are:
- Screening, Assessment, and Engagement
- Treatment Planning, Collaboration, and Referral
- Counseling
- Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
All supervisors must hold a CAC or LAC in good standing. According to BAPP requirements, clinical supervision involves regular contact with the candidate and direct or electronic observation of the candidate’s work. Face-to-face supervision is preferred.
Examination
The required exam is the Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) Exam, administered by the International Credentialing and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). To qualify for testing in South Dakota, you must reside or work in the state at least 51 percent of the time. IC&RC offers candidate guides, study materials, and online practice exams at IC&RC Exam Prep.
Applying for Your LAC
Once you’ve completed your education and supervised hours, you’re ready to apply. BAPP handles all applications by mail. Send your completed application and a $250 fee (by check or money order made out to BAPP) to:
Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals
PO Box 340
1351 N. Harrison Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Current forms are available on the BAPP Applications and Forms page. Confirm you’re using the most current version before submitting.
Requirements for Independent Practice
LACs who want to open their own practice must meet additional requirements beyond initial licensure. You’ll need to already hold your LAC and have completed at least 4,000 total hours of documented work experience as a substance abuse counselor. All hours must be documented using the Work Experience Verification for Independent Practice form. You complete part of it, and your supervisor(s) complete the rest before it’s submitted to the board.
License Renewal
Following a 2023 legislative change, LAC, CAC, and CPS renewals now occur every two years in odd years. The next renewal cycle opens October 1, 2027. To renew, you’ll need 40 hours of continuing education and a $400 renewal fee paid by check or money order. You don’t need to submit CE certificates with your renewal application, but BAPP reserves the right to audit, so keep your documentation. NAADAC/IC&RC-approved distance-learning courses are accepted for CE credit. Continuing education hours are prorated based on your initial licensure date.
The BAPP Renewal Information page has current renewal forms and instructions.
Salary and Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earned a national median annual wage of $59,190 in May 2024. The bottom 10 percent earned below $39,090, and the top 10 percent earned above $98,210. Earnings vary by setting, experience, and credential level.
| Percentile |
Annual Wage |
| 10th percentile |
$39,090 |
| Median (50th percentile) |
$59,190 |
| 90th percentile |
$98,210+ |
The BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The agency projects approximately 48,300 job openings per year over that decade, driven by demand for mental health and addiction treatment services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a CAC and an LAC in South Dakota?
The Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) is a certification that allows you to work with clients under supervision. It doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree. The Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) is South Dakota’s highest credential issued by BAPP, requires a master’s degree and 2,000 supervised hours, and allows for independent practice once additional post-licensure requirements are met. Most professionals working toward long-term career growth in addiction counseling work toward the LAC.
Do I need a master’s degree to become a substance abuse counselor in South Dakota?
Not to practice under supervision. You can begin as an Addiction Counselor Trainee with a high school diploma, and you can earn the CAC credential without a four-year degree. But the LAC, South Dakota’s highest BAPP credential, does require a master’s degree in a behavioral science field.
How long does it take to get an LAC in South Dakota?
It depends on where you’re starting from. If you’re enrolling in a master’s program now, expect at least two to three years for the degree, plus the time needed to accumulate 2,000 supervised hours. Some people complete both simultaneously through programs that incorporate field placements. The University of South Dakota offers an online Master of Arts in Addiction Counseling and Prevention that meets BAPP’s educational requirements and is one of a small number of nationally accredited programs in this field. Some counselors also pursue a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential alongside or after the LAC for a broader scope of mental health practice.
Can I get credit toward my LAC hours while I’m still a trainee?
Yes. Hours worked as an ACT, or CAC, under proper supervision can count toward the 2,000 hours required for LAC, as long as the work is documented correctly and supervision meets BAPP’s standards. This is one of the key advantages of starting as an ACT: you’re building your experience hours while you finish your education.
How much does it cost to apply for an LAC in South Dakota?
The initial application and examination fee is $250. Once licensed, renewal costs $400 every two years. There’s also a $20 IC&RC certificate fee associated with the exam. Pay all fees by check or money order made out to BAPP.
Key Takeaways
- BAPP offers three addiction counseling credentials in South Dakota: ACT (trainee), CAC (certified), and LAC (licensed). You can enter as a trainee with a high school diploma.
- The LAC requires a master’s degree in a behavioral science field, 21 semester hours of specific coursework, 2,000 supervised hours, and passing the IC&RC ADC exam.
- LAC, CAC, and CPS licenses renew every two years in odd years. Following a 2023 legislative change, the next renewal cycle opens October 1, 2027. Renewal requires 40 hours of CE and a $400 fee for LACs.
- Independent practice requires an additional 4,000 documented post-licensure hours beyond the initial LAC requirements.
- The BLS reports a national median annual wage of $59,190 for this occupation as of May 2024, with 17% projected job growth through 2034.
Ready to find a program that meets South Dakota’s LAC education requirements? Browse accredited options by state and compare program formats.
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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 state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2026.
