Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training

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​License Information

Per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2), the required renewal date for the Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training credential is 02/28/odd years.  Should you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to this date, you are still required to renew your license by the statutorily defined date. Note: Per Wis. Stat. § 440.88(4)​, renewal of certification as a substance abuse counselor-in-training may be made only twice. The supervised work experience required for a SAC certification pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 161.02(6) must be completed within the timeframe of the original certification plus two (2) renewal periods.  

Pursuant to 2017 Wisconsin Act 262, as of May 1, 2018, the requirements to obtain a Substance Abuse Counselor in-training credential have changed.

Requirements

  • Complete pre-credential education (see below).
  • Provide evidence of current employment, a written offer of employment, internship, practicum or agreement authorizing volunteer hours at an agency providing substance use disorder treatment.
  • Must provide Employment Verification (Form #2770) from a qualified supervisor. After June 1, 2008, a credential holder acquiring supervised experience as a Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training may not practice under the supervision of an individual holding a certificate as a Clinical Supervisor-In-Training.
  • Complete and submit Application for Substance Abuse Counselor In Training including all required documentation and pay required fee.
  • Successfully complete required examination.
  • Note: Per Wis. Stat. § 440.88(4), renewal of certification as a substance abuse counselor-in-training may be made only twice. The supervised work experience required for a SAC certification pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 161.02(6) must be completed within the timeframe of the original certification plus two (2) renewal periods. ​

Pre-Credential Education Information

Substance abuse education must include at least 100 hours of specialized education in the performance dimensions of assessment, counseling, case management, patient education and professional responsibility. See SPS 161.01

Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training Core Curriculum

CONTENT AREA HOURS
Substance Abuse Assessment15
Substance Abuse Counseling15
Substance Abuse Case Management10
Substance Abuse Education15
Substance Abuse Professional Responsibility20
Electives within the performance domains listed above25
Total100

The training hours shall be in seminars, courses or other presentations that meet the criteria for pre-certification education programs for substance abuse counselors or continuing education programs. 

All of the content areas shall be infused with information and application to practice that is responsive to the characteristics of individual, group, family, and couple clients and significant others seeking substance use disorder treatment, including, but not limited to, age, gender, ability, disability, developmental level, sexual orientation, health status, ethnicity, culture, and social issues.

The total number of contact hours submitted must equal 100.  Submit  Education and Training (Form #2832) at the time of application along with proof of attendance, completion and course descriptions.

Note: A requirement to advance to Substance Abuse Counselor or Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor licensure is attendance and completion of 360 hours of approved specialized education in substance use disorder counseling through a postsecondary institution, department approved education program or department approved continuing education. See Wis. Admin. Code §​ SPS 161.02.

Current Pre-Certification Education - Current list of Approved Pre-Certification Courses. Additional programs will be added as programs apply and are approved.

Former Pre-Certification Education - Formerly-Approved Pre-Certification Programs.

Educators: To apply for approval of a 360 hour comprehensive program , see application procedure:

Form 2848 - Application Instructions

Form 2784 - Course Application Information


Application for Licensure

FormDescription
2743Credentialing Information for Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training Applicants
​3217​​Application for Fee Reduction (If applying for a fee reduction, this form must accompany the LicensE application for the credential.) 
3079Certificate of Completion of Department-Approved Comprehensive Substance Abuse Education Program (360 Hour Program) (For applicants who have completed a Department approved 360 hour program.)
2832​Education and Training Form (For applicants who have completed 100 hours of specialized education.)
​2770​Employment Verification Form
2829Malpractice Suits or Claims Form (if applicable)
3085​Application for Predetermination (Optional-Submit ONLY if you have been convicted of any felony, misdemeanor, or other violations of federal or state law in this state or any other and you desire a review of your conviction record before applying for a credential.)​
2252​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable)

Renewal Information

Requirements

  • FEE (See Renewal Dates and Fees)
  • SIG (Signature regarding the completion of Continuing Education in Chapter SPS 165.01, included in online renewal. See Continuing Education Information for details.)
  • If your legal status as a qualified alien or nonimmigrant lawfully present in the United States has changed since the issuance of your credential or your last renewal, please contact the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services at (608) 266-2112 or dsps@wisconsin.gov.
  • Note: Per Wis. Stat. § 440.88(4)​, renewal of certification as a substance abuse counselor-in-training may be made only twice. The supervised work experience required for a SAC certification pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code § SPS 161.02(6)​ must be completed within the timeframe of the original certification plus two (2) renewal periods.

This credential may only be renewed twice.

Renewal Method

FormDescription
RDAFRenewal Dates and Fees
​2254
​Convictions and Pending Charges (if applicable for renewal)
R210Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension

​Wisconsin Act 210 (effective June 1, 2012)

This Act extends the license of a service member if the license expires while they are on active duty from 90 days to 180 days from the date of discharge. The same applies to a spouse of a service member if the spouse does not practice under their license while the service member is on active duty and does not practice because the service member is on active duty.

This Act repeals a provision of prior law that required a service member to meet all of the requirements for license extension or renewal, except for continuing education requirements, in order to have the license extended.

Service members and spouses may request extensions of licenses beyond 180 days from discharge and may request a waiver or extension of time to complete continuing education requirements due to hardship.  Please view Active Duty/Discharge Renewal Extension Form #R210.