An applicant for CAC shall meet the following requirements:

1. (1) Have a minimum of a high school diploma or general education diploma;

2. (2) Have a minimum of three semester hours and a grade of "C" or higher in each of the following undergraduate or graduate level specialized education courses:

   1. (a) Introduction to the study of alcohol use and abuse;
   2. (b) Introduction to the study of drug use and abuse;
   3. (c) Alcohol and drug group counseling;
   4. (d) Ethics for the alcohol and drug professional;
   5. (e) Foundations of individual counseling;
   6. (f) Alcohol and drug treatment continuum;
   7. (g) Counseling families with alcohol or other drug issues;
   8. (h) Diverse populations; and
   9. (i) Alcohol and drug specific elective; and
3. (3) Have the following minimum number of hours of supervised work experience specific to the alcohol and drug counselor domains together with the corresponding diploma or degree: 8,000 hours of work experience and a high school diploma or general education diploma; 6,000 hours of work experience and an associate's degree; 4,000 hours of work experience and a bachelor's degree; 2,000 hours of work experience and a master's degree or above. The degree must be in a behavioral science field and from an accredited post secondary institution. Applicants shall provide detailed documentation for a minimum of 300 hours of the required supervised work experience in the 12 core functions with a minimum of ten hours in each core function.

Source: 40 SDR 58, effective October 9, 2013.

General Authority: SDCL 36-34-12(1)(3).

Law Implemented: SDCL 36-34-12(1)(3).