LicenseCompass

Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified License in Louisiana

Quick Answer

To become a Board Certified Substance Abuse Counselor in Louisiana, you need a degree, must pass a board-specified exam, and must not have had substance abuse issues or felony convictions in the previous 2 years. Contact LADRA for specific requirements.

Exam
Board-specified exam
Timeline
2-5 years depending on credential level
Background Check
Required

Requirements

Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified certification in Louisiana

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Felony convictions prohibited
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals~Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority

Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified Salary in Louisiana

Entry Level

$29,170

Median

$40,200

Experienced

$66,560

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified in Louisiana.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Felony convictions prohibited

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — Board-specified exam

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-5 years depending on credential level.

Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified Licensing in Louisiana: What to Know

Licensed as 'Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified' through the Louisiana Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority. Degree required, third-party exam required. Must not have violated ethical standards, must be a US resident, must not have abused alcohol/drugs in previous 2 years. Felony convictions prohibited (Board may waive). CE required. Background: Felony convictions prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified license in Louisiana?
The process typically takes 2-5 years depending on credential level, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified license in Louisiana?
You need to pass the Board-specified exam. Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.