Substance abuse counselor certification is a statewide program of counselor development and quality assurance operated by the Minnesota Certification Board, Inc. (MCB).  An individual achieving the title of BCC or BCCR is identified as an individual having demonstrated established competency standards for a substance abuse treatment professional in the State of Minnesota.

Alcohol and Other Drug Addictions (AODA) counseling is a specialty field.  Ethical codes require special knowledge and skills to attain status as a professional.  Alcohol and other drug abuse counselors have an ethical obligation to demonstrate knowledge, skill, and continue personal growth and development as part of attaining and maintaining professional status.

Counselor certification not only requires the time and effort of applicants, but also the time and effort of several organizations.  Below is a brief description of the role of some of the organizations involved in certification.