Substance Abuse Counseling Certification in Utah
Utah offers three certification levels for substance use disorder counselors: the Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CSUDC), the Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC), and the Certified Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CASUDC). Requirements differ by education level and supervised experience hours, ranging from a high school diploma with 200 training hours to a bachelor’s degree with 2,000 supervised hours. All levels require passing a board-approved national exam as part of the certification process.
Every year, thousands of Utahns seek help for addiction, including alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, and more. The counselors who meet them in treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and recovery programs need more than compassion. They need a credential that lets them practice legally and do the work effectively. Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) oversees three certification levels for substance use disorder counselors, each designed to recognize different levels of education and experience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, here’s what you need to know.
What Does a Substance Use Disorder Counselor Do?
Substance use disorder counselors in Utah work within what DOPL calls the 12 Core Functions: Screening, Intake, Orientation, Assessment, Treatment Planning, Counseling, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Client Education, Referral, Reports and Record Keeping, and Consultation. Day to day, this means sitting with clients in individual sessions, running group counseling, building treatment plans, connecting people to housing or employment resources, and sometimes responding to a client in crisis.
The work isn’t clinical therapy in the psychiatric sense. Substance use disorder counselors don’t diagnose or prescribe. Their focus is on practical support: helping clients understand their addiction, navigate recovery, and build sustainable lives. Readers drawn to independent clinical or therapeutic work may want to explore counseling licensure in Utah as a related path. They work in treatment centers, hospitals, correctional facilities, nonprofit agencies, and community health organizations across the state.
Utah’s Three Certification Levels at a Glance
The credentials represent increasing levels of education and experience. The CSUDC is the entry point for candidates who are still accumulating supervised hours. The SUDC is the first full certification level. The CASUDC is the advanced credential for experienced counselors. Here’s how the three compare:
| Credential | Education Required | Supervised Hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSUDC (Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor) | High school diploma or GED | 200-hour practicum | NAADAC Level I, II, or MAC; or IC&RC ADC or AADC |
| SUDC (Substance Use Disorder Counselor) | Bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related field that meets DOPL requirements | 2,000 hours | NAADAC Level I, II, or MAC; or IC&RC ADC or AADC |
| CASUDC (Certified Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor) | CSUDC requirements plus additional experience | 12,000 hours | NAADAC Level II or MAC; or IC&RC Advanced ADC |
CSUDC Requirements
The Certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CSUDC) title is for candidates who are in the process of building the experience required for full licensure. Think of it as the supervised practice credential. To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Pass a criminal background check
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Complete at least 200 hours of substance use disorder training or education. At least 100 hours must be specific to substance abuse and treatment; the remaining 100 can be related coursework in clinical counseling
- Complete a 200-hour practicum covering all 12 Core Functions, with at least 20 hours in each function
- Sign the Ethical Standards agreement
- Pass a board-approved national exam as part of the certification process. Utah accepts the NAADAC National Certification Exam (Level I, II, or MAC) or the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination
Applications are submitted through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. The CSUDC application is available on the DOPL substance use disorder counseling page.
SUDC Requirements
The Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC) is the first full certification level. In addition to meeting all CSUDC requirements, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related field that meets DOPL requirements. Your program must include coursework in Human Development Across the Lifespan, General Psychology, and Human Biology
- 2,000 hours of supervised experience in substance use disorder counseling
- Supervision that meets DOPL requirements, including minimum supervision ratios
- Pass a board-approved national exam. Utah accepts the NAADAC National Certification Exam (Level I, II, or MAC) or the IC&RC Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination
The SUDC application is available through the DOPL substance use disorder counseling page.
CASUDC Requirements
The Certified Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor (CASUDC) is Utah’s highest substance use disorder credential. It’s built for counselors who have put in serious time in the field. Beyond the CSUDC requirements, you’ll need:
- 12,000 hours of supervised experience in substance use disorder treatment
- Pass the NAADAC National Certification Exam Level II or MAC, or the IC&RC Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor examination
That experience requirement is substantial. At full-time hours, 12,000 hours represents roughly six years of supervised clinical work. Counselors pursuing this credential are typically already working in the field at the CSUDC or SUDC level.
Exams and How to Register
All three certification levels require passing a board-approved national exam as part of the certification process. Utah accepts exams from two organizations: the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). The CSUDC and SUDC both accept the full range of NAADAC and IC&RC exams. The CASUDC requires the higher-level versions: NAADAC Level II or MAC, or the IC&RC Advanced ADC exam.
Exam registration is typically coordinated through the Association of Utah Substance Abuse Professionals (AUSAP) or approved testing providers. Exam fees through AUSAP are $210 for members and $225 for non-members. Membership also provides access to professional networking and continuing education resources, which many candidates find useful beyond exam day.
Continuing Education and License Renewal
Earning your certification isn’t the end of the process. Utah requires 40 hours of continuing education (CE) directly related to your professional practice for each renewal cycle. Licenses expire on May 31st in odd-numbered years, so plan your CE accordingly. Failing to submit proof of completed CE hours means your license lapses, and a lapsed license means you can’t legally work with clients.
CE courses can be completed through AUSAP, DOPL-approved providers, and accredited universities across the state. When you complete a course, keep the certificate. You’ll need to submit copies as proof during renewal.
Salary and Job Outlook in Utah
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Utah earned a median annual salary of $65,920 as of May 2024. The range is wide: the bottom 10% earned around $34,560, while the top 10% earned $111,470 or more. Higher certification levels and clinical experience tend to push salaries toward the upper end.
The job outlook is strong. BLS data projects strong growth for behavioral health professions in Utah, with approximately 38% growth in related occupations between 2022 and 2032, well above the national average for most fields, with roughly 140 job openings per year. Utah’s behavioral health workforce has seen consistent demand tied to statewide efforts to expand addiction treatment access. For a related career path with its own licensure structure, see our guide to Utah social work licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between CSUDC and SUDC in Utah?
The CSUDC is a supervised practice credential for candidates still accumulating their required experience hours. It requires a high school diploma, 200 training hours, and a 200-hour practicum. The SUDC is the first full certification and requires a bachelor’s degree in substance use disorder counseling or a related field that meets DOPL requirements, plus 2,000 hours of supervised experience. Both require passing a board-approved national exam as part of the certification process.
How long does it take to become certified as a substance use disorder counselor in Utah?
It depends on which level you’re pursuing. The CSUDC can be obtained relatively quickly once you’ve completed your 200 training hours and practicum. The SUDC requires a bachelor’s degree and 2,000 supervised hours, so realistically, two to four years beyond your degree, depending on your work situation. The CASUDC requires 12,000 supervised hours, roughly six or more years of full-time clinical work.
Which exam do I need to take for the Utah substance abuse counselor certification?
Utah accepts exams from NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors) and IC&RC (International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium). For CSUDC and SUDC, the NAADAC Level I, II, or MAC and the IC&RC ADC or AADC are all accepted. For the CASUDC, you’ll need the higher-level versions: NAADAC Level II or MAC, or the IC&RC Advanced ADC. Exam registration is typically coordinated through AUSAP or approved testing providers.
Can I transfer my substance abuse counselor license from another state to Utah?
Utah may offer licensure by endorsement for applicants from states with substantially similar requirements. Contact DOPL directly to confirm the documentation required for your situation and whether your current license qualifies.
What do substance use disorder counselors earn in Utah?
The median annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Utah is $65,920, according to May 2024 BLS data. Salaries range from around $34,560 at the entry level to over $111,470 for experienced counselors in higher-paying settings or roles.
Key Takeaways
- Three credentials, increasing requirements. The CSUDC, SUDC, and CASUDC represent increasing levels of education and experience, from a high school diploma and practicum to 12,000 hours of supervised clinical work.
- Degree flexibility at the SUDC level. Utah may accept a bachelor’s degree in a related behavioral health field, not just substance use disorder counseling specifically, as long as it meets DOPL requirements.
- All levels require a board-approved national exam. Utah accepts NAADAC and IC&RC exams. Exam registration is typically coordinated through AUSAP or approved testing providers.
- Plan for renewal. Licenses expire May 31st in odd-numbered years. You’ll need 40 hours of CE each cycle, and missing the deadline means you can’t legally work with clients.
- Strong job outlook. BLS data projects approximately 38% growth for behavioral health professions in Utah between 2022 and 2032, with roughly 140 job openings annually.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.