At a Glance
Utah substance abuse counselors are licensed by the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) under a credential structure updated by SB26 in 2024. The three active license levels are the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC), Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). The SUDC no longer requires a national exam for Utah practice. Higher credential levels require a national exam, additional supervised experience, and a higher degree.
Utah ranks among the top states in the country for substance abuse counselor pay, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the demand for trained counselors isn’t slowing down. The state’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees three credential levels for substance use disorder counseling, giving people entering the field a clear path from entry-level certification through advanced independent licensure. Whether you’re starting with an associate degree or already hold a master’s, there’s a defined track for you.
Utah SUDC Credential Levels
Utah’s DOPL currently recognizes three active licensure levels for substance use disorder counselors. The 2024 updates to Utah’s behavioral health licensing laws consolidated and renamed several older credential categories, so if you’re working from older information, the structure has changed. Here’s how the current system breaks down.
| Credential |
Minimum Degree |
Education Hours |
Practicum Hours |
Supervised Experience |
| Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) |
Associate’s degree |
200 |
200 |
No post-licensure hours required |
| Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) |
Bachelor’s degree |
Per DOPL requirements |
Per DOPL requirements |
500 hours (as SUDC) |
| Associate MAC (pathway to MAC) |
Master’s degree |
Per DOPL requirements |
200 hours of direct client care |
3,000 hours (as Assoc. MAC) |
The ASUDC and MAC levels require passing a national exam from either the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The SUDC credential no longer requires a national exam for Utah practice following the state’s 2024 licensing reforms. Check DOPL’s current requirements page for the latest details on each credential level.
Degree and Education Requirements
All applicants must have completed coursework in human growth and development across the lifespan and general psychology, regardless of which credential level they’re pursuing. Beyond those prerequisites, requirements branch by level.
SUDC Requirements
An associate’s degree is the minimum for the SUDC credential. You’ll also need to complete a DOPL-approved substance use disorder education program that includes 200 hours of SUD-specific education (at least 2 of which must cover suicide prevention) and a 200-hour supervised practicum. The prerequisite coursework in human growth and development across the lifespan and general psychology must be documented with official transcripts sent directly from your institution.
Importantly, following Utah’s 2024 licensing reforms under SB26, the SUDC no longer requires a national certification exam for Utah practice. This is a significant change from the older credential structure. If you plan to practice in another state, check that state’s licensing board, as requirements may differ from Utah’s.
Utah Valley University, Salt Lake Community College, and the University of Utah all offer SUDC certificate programs structured to meet DOPL’s educational requirements. Completing one of these programs doesn’t guarantee licensure. DOPL evaluates each application individually, but these programs are built around the state’s requirements.
ASUDC Requirements
The Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (ASUDC) credential requires a bachelor’s degree in substance use disorders, addiction, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, or psychology from a regionally accredited institution. You’ll also need to complete 500 hours of supervised experience as an SUDC before applying. Per DOPL, applicants who already submitted at least 2,000 hours of experience with an earlier SUDC application under the old credential structure only need 2,000 additional hours. If that path applies to you, check with DOPL directly.
The ASUDC requires passing a national exam: the NCAC II or MAC exam through NAADAC, or the AADC through IC&RC. This is the first credential level that requires a national exam for Utah practice. ASUDC counselors are licensed to work with clients who have co-occurring behavioral health conditions, within the scope defined by state law following the SB26 reforms.
MAC Requirements
The Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential is Utah’s highest SUD licensure level, introduced through SB26 in 2024. It requires a master’s or doctoral degree in substance use disorders, addiction counseling, social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family counseling, psychology, or medicine, with additional SUD-specific coursework required if the degree is in a related field rather than addiction counseling directly. Candidates with an MSW may also want to review the Utah social work license page to understand how social work credentials intersect with the MAC pathway.
The MAC pathway runs through an intermediate credential: the Associate Master Addiction Counselor (Associate MAC). You must complete 3,000 hours of experience as an Associate MAC, including 1,200 hours of direct client care and 100 hours of clinical supervision (at least 25 of which must involve direct observation). The MAC also requires passing the NCAC II or MAC exam through NAADAC, or the AADC through IC&RC, and submitting proof of at least 2 hours of continuing education in suicide prevention. Per DOPL, the MAC represents the advanced independent practice credential in Utah’s SUD counseling system.
The Application Process
Applications to DOPL can be submitted online through Utah’s E-Government portal. Paper applications can be mailed to DOPL at PO Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741. You’ll need to submit official transcripts directly from your educational institution — DOPL doesn’t accept copies provided by the applicant.
Application fees are $85 for SUDC and ASUDC applicants and $120 for MAC applicants. Verify current amounts on the DOPL website before applying, as fees are periodically updated. You must pass the required exam before applying (ASUDC and MAC levels only). DOPL requires proof of passing at the time of application, not afterward. Applicants with any of the following in their history will need to provide additional documentation: pending criminal actions, misdemeanor convictions in the past ten years, any felony conviction, or any period of incarceration or probation. This typically means providing your own account of the incident along with police reports, court records, and probation or parole officer reports.
Certification Exams
Utah accepts exams from two organizations: NAADAC and IC&RC. The SUDC credential no longer requires a national exam for Utah practice after the 2024 SB26 reforms, which is a meaningful distinction if you’re comparing Utah’s entry requirements to those of other states. The ASUDC and MAC credentials both require a passing score before you can apply.
For the ASUDC, DOPL accepts the NCAC II or MAC exam through NAADAC, or the AADC through IC&RC. For the MAC, the accepted exams are the same: NCAC II or MAC through NAADAC, or the AADC through IC&RC. DOPL’s exam information page lists each accepted exam and the organizations that administer them. For exam registration and prep resources, the Association of Utah Substance Abuse Professionals (AUSAP) is a useful starting point. Contact them directly for current fees and scheduling.
You can take a higher-level exam than your current credential requires. If you’re pursuing the ASUDC but expect to advance to MAC, taking the MAC exam now means you won’t need to retake it later.
Salary and Job Outlook
Utah is one of the better-paying states in the country for this profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Utah was $65,920 as of May 2024, compared to the national median of $59,190. That gap is meaningful: Utah counselors earned roughly 11 percent more than the national median. Several Utah metro areas also appear among the highest-paying in the country for substance abuse counselors according to BLS state wage data, though metro rankings shift year to year and are worth checking directly through the BLS OES state data tool if you’re evaluating a specific city.
| Location |
Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
| Utah (statewide) |
$65,920 |
| National median |
$59,190 |
Nationally, employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with approximately 48,300 job openings projected annually. Utah’s population growth, one of the fastest-growing in the country, adds additional local demand on top of the national trend.
License Renewal
All SUDC credentials in Utah expire on May 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal is completed online, with current fees of $88 for SUDC and ASUDC holders and $103 for MAC holders. Check the DOPL renewal page for current figures since fees are subject to change. Each two-year renewal cycle requires 40 hours of continuing education, with specific requirements built in: 6 hours must cover professional ethics and responsibilities, and 2 hours must address suicide prevention. The remaining hours need to be relevant to substance abuse counseling practice.
Out-of-State Applicants and Reciprocity
If you’re already licensed in another state, Utah offers a licensure by endorsement pathway. To qualify, you generally need to have held your out-of-state license for at least one year and be in good standing with no disciplinary actions. DOPL maintains a list of jurisdictions it considers equivalent for each credential level, so check the DOPL substance use disorder counseling page directly to see if your state qualifies, since equivalency determinations are made by license type and are updated periodically. If your home state isn’t on the equivalent list, you can still apply by submitting transcripts, experience verification forms, and exam scores for individual review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SUDC and ASUDC in Utah?
The SUDC requires an associate’s degree, a 200-hour SUD education program, and a 200-hour practicum. No national exam is required for Utah SUDC practice following the 2024 SB26 reforms. The ASUDC requires a bachelor’s degree, 500 hours of supervised experience as an SUDC, and passing a national exam (NCAC II, MAC, or AADC). The ASUDC also opens the door to a broader scope of practice and is the stepping stone toward the MAC credential. Counselors considering mental health therapy rather than substance use disorder counseling specifically may want to review Utah counseling license requirements as a parallel path.
Do I need to pass an exam before applying for my SUDC license?
Not for Utah practice. Following the state’s 2024 behavioral health licensing reforms, the SUDC credential no longer requires a national certification exam for Utah-based practice. However, if you plan to work in another state or eventually advance to the ASUDC or MAC, national exam requirements apply at those levels.
How long does it take to become a licensed substance abuse counselor in Utah?
It depends on the credential level. The SUDC requires completing an associate’s degree plus the education and practicum hours, with no post-licensure supervised experience required. The ASUDC adds 500 hours of supervised practice on top of a bachelor’s degree. The MAC requires a master’s degree, the Associate MAC credential, and 3,000 hours of supervised experience (including 1,200 hours of direct client care), a substantial commitment beyond the degree itself.
Can I transfer my out-of-state SUD counseling license to Utah?
Utah offers licensure by endorsement for counselors licensed in states that DOPL considers equivalent. You’ll need to have been licensed for at least one year and hold a clean standing record. DOPL maintains a list of equivalent jurisdictions by credential type. Check the current DOPL substance use disorder counseling page to see if your state qualifies before applying.
What continuing education is required to renew a Utah SUDC license?
Renewal requires 40 hours of continuing education every two years. At least 6 hours must cover professional ethics and at least 2 hours must address suicide prevention. The remaining hours need to be relevant to substance abuse counseling practice. All Utah SUDC credentials expire on May 31 of odd-numbered years. Current renewal fees are $88 for SUDC/ASUDC and $103 for MAC, though fees are subject to change.
Key Takeaways
- Utah’s 2024 behavioral health licensing reforms (SB26) restructured the credential system to three active levels: SUDC, ASUDC, and MAC, with an Associate MAC serving as the intermediate step before the full MAC credential.
- The SUDC no longer requires a national certification exam for Utah practice following the 2024 reforms. National exam requirements apply at the ASUDC and MAC levels.
- Utah substance abuse counselors earned a median annual wage of $65,920 as of May 2024, roughly $6,700 above the national median of $59,190, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Licenses expire May 31 of odd-numbered years and require 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, including 6 hours in ethics and 2 hours in suicide prevention. Current renewal fees are $88 for SUDC/ASUDC and $103 for MAC.
- Out-of-state counselors may qualify for licensure by endorsement if licensed for at least one year in a state that DOPL considers equivalent. Check DOPL’s current equivalency list before applying.
Ready to take the next step toward SUDC licensure in Utah? Browse accredited degree programs that meet DOPL’s educational requirements and find options that fit your goals.
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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 2025.
