Great news!  It is with enthusiasm and pleasure that I have the privilege on behalf of MCB (Minnesota Certification Board, Inc.) and IC&RC (International Consortium of Addiction Credentialing Boards) to announce a revolutionary change in testing that affects LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor)licensure and MCB certification.  Starting June 2008 the new IC&RC AODA written exam is the only written exam that has the ability to test for knowledge, competence and skills needed to apply for the LADC license and certification. Prior to this time licensure and certification required the written exam (testing the knowledge) and oral evaluation (Testing the competence and skills) or 2000 hours of post-degree supervised professional practice in lieu of the oral exam.

The Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT) is currently working on a statutory amendment to Minnesota Statutes section 148C.04, subdivision 4, to offer this new written examination option for the LADC license.  If the bill passes, the change will be effective August 1, 2008.  The change in the licensure law will add this single written examination option but will also leave the other examination and supervision options in place.

So what exactly does this mean?

It is, for a change, simple. If the legislation passes, to apply for your LADC license and/or MCB certification all you will need to do is:

1.    Meet the educational requirements.

2.    Pass the NEW IC&RC, AODA written exam which is offered through MCB. This new written exam meets the requirements for the written AND oral exams.

The prior examination options to apply for the LADC license will remain in the law.  However, the MCB will only offer the “old” oral exam for a limited time (until legislation passes and for a short time thereafter to transition applicants who have already applied to take the old oral exam).

With the new IC&RC, AODA written exam covering both the written and oral exam requirements, the licensing and certification process will be simpler and shorter.

So how do applicants apply for this new written exam?

Applicants must complete the application forms from MCB for the written exam and certification, if applying to also be certified. There is no longer the need to purchase the Certification Manual as applicants no longer need to write a case presentation.

MCB will contact those who have applied to take the taped orals. If they wish to complete the oral part of the requirement by taping the interview, MCB is offering it.  If they wish to change their application to take the new written instead, these arrangements will be made.

For more information please contact MCB at 763-434-9787 or visit our website at www.mcboard.org.  Visit the BBHT website at www.bbht.state.mn.us for legislative updates.

Respectfully,

Bonnie J. Freeland

MCB administrator

BCCR-BA