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Frequently Asked Questions

What must I include in my Counselor Application for LADC testing, BCC/ADCR-MN when I send it in? The application must included the following:

  1. ALL forms from the Counselor Application Manual must be completed and submitted.
  2. Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted. MCB reserves the right to request and official copy)
  3. A flat fee of $360 for the process which includes:
    • Application Process
    • IC & RC Comprehensive Exam
    • One Year MCB Certification

Is the IC & RC Comprehensive Written/Oral Exam for both Certification and the LADC testing? Yes. You are basically getting “two for the price of one”.

How do I start the Counselor Application process? Obtain a copy of the BCC/ADCR-MN manual from MCB. The cost is $35 for hard copy or $20 for email version. Check, Money Order, credit or debit card, third party payer, information mailed to: MCB 4817 Viking Blvd. N.E.,Suite 101 Wyoming, MN. 55092 or you may call (763) 434-9787 with your credit or debit card information and the manual will be sent to you.

I took the IC & RC written counselor certification test in another state. Can I use the results in Minnesota? Yes. The standardized test is used nationwide and is valid in all member countries, states, and other certifying bodies of the IC & RC. Clarification may be needed to determine if this is the new Comprehensive Exam or the former IC & RC written exam. If is the former IC & RC written exam, additional testing may be necessary to complete the oral exam requirement.

I failed the IC & RC exam. What can I do to prepare better next time? Review areas where you scored lowest, seek more training, and consider waiting six months to retake the test to gain more experience.

If I cancel/reschedule taking the IC & RC exam, do I have to pay the testing fee again? If changes are made after the testing cutoff date, there may be additional fees. Contact office for details.

I have a human services bachelor’s degree from a non MCB accredited provider. What will this count for? How many of my college courses will count towards certification requirements? If I send my transcript to MCB, can someone tell me which courses will count? Appropriate coursework may be counted toward the classroom education requirement. It is up to the applicant to look at a syllabus or course description for all courses taken and look at the MCB’s required competency areas list to determine which competencies were covered in your coursework. The MCB staff can not tell from course titles listed on the transcript which certification education requirements have been met by college courses. Each course will need to be documented separately on a MCB education and training resume sheet and submitted when you apply for certification. When you document courses taken, indicate for each course which competencies are covered. If you have completed an AODA counseling internship, these hours may count for experience and should be listed on the Professional Experience Resume form.

Can I count a course that is not endorsed by the board toward certification requirements? Although a seminar or course may not specifically be endorsed by MCB, that does not mean it will not count toward certification requirements. Endorsed seminars are guaranteed to count for a specific number of hours and to cover specific competency areas. Completed education and training resume sheets documenting the hours and content earned for each seminar/course are typically distributed to attendees at completion. Unendorsed seminars must be documented on education and training resume sheets by the attendee; The attendee must refer to the certification handbook to determine which competency areas were covered by the course/seminar attended. Both endorsed and unendorsed training sheets may be used towards meeting certification requirements as a BCC or BCCR. Each seminar/course attended will need to be documented separately on one of our education and training resume sheets and submitted when you apply for certification (credential holders and applicants must submit a copy of their certificate of attendance, grade transcript or other written proof of attendance in order to count the hours for re-certification or original certification).

I received my training and supervision in another state. How do I apply for certification in Minnesota? If it is a reciprocity level state, your supervision will count if done by a reciprocity level certified Clinical Supervisor or Reciprocity Certified Counselor. Otherwise, you will need to have a Minnesota certified counselor or clinical supervisor (CSS) provide core function training. Experience and education must be documented on Minnesota’s form and meet Minnesota’s requirement.

After I take my courses, how do I get my practicum placement? Most schools assist counselors in practicum placement, but it is the counselor’s responsibility for seeking position in the AODA field.
If I fail the IC & RC Written/Oral exam, what does it cost me to retest? To re-test, all you need to do is submit the request in writing and pay the fee of $195.

Field of AODA Counseling I am interested is getting into the field of AODA counseling. Where should I start? Do a self assessment-what your experience has been, what your classroom education and training has been, what your life situation is. What would suit you best as far as gaining your education and training? Can it be done on a full-time or part-time basis? Do you already have a Bachelors degree? Related experience? Explore the options for getting training (see question below). Interview people at each type of training program to further assess your needs and their offerings, then pursue your course of action.

Where can I get training? There are three forms of training available to the AODA field designed specifically to meet the AODA requirements for certification. The three forms are:

  1. Academic degree programs
  2. Vocational programs
  3. Community based programs

Other programs in Human Services, a variety of Masters degree programs, and various workshops/conferences meet a portion of the certification requirements. It is up to the applicant to look at a syllabus and course description for all courses taken and look at MCB’s required competency areas list to determine which competencies were covered in your coursework. Each course will need to be documented separately on MCB education and training resume sheets and submitted when you apply for certification. When you document courses taken, indicate for each course the competencies covered.

How do I find a job before I’m experienced or certified? Many people find jobs through their practicum placement. The job market is dictated by a variety of forces. As in all markets, the new graduate must work hard at finding that first job. It is helpful if people can relocate, and are willing to take entry level positions. The AODA field is in a great deal of change and as the job market had gotten tighter and tighter, employers have begun to require more and more education. In a tight job market, the people who find jobs are the ones who have good training, proven competency, and aggressively market themselves to potential employers.

I‘ve let my certification lapse, what can I do to get it back? The CEU’s would need to be submitted, just as if there had been no lapse. There is a reinstatement fee of $250 if the lapse occurred less than 2 years ago and $350 if the lapse occurred 2 or more years ago plus the current years certification fee.

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