(a) An individual licensed or certified in another state as a chemical dependency counselor may apply for licensure as an LCDC through reciprocity by submitting:(1) a copy of the reciprocal license or certification, with verified information from the issuing authority as to any disciplinary history;(2) the department's current reciprocity application, which has been completed, signed, dated, and notarized;(3) two sets of fingerprints completed according to department instructions;(4) a recent full-face wallet-sized photograph of the applicant;(5) two letters of recommendation; and(6) the application fee and the background investigation fee;(7) proof of successful completion of a licensing examination approved by the department; and(8) an official transcript showing that the individual holds an associate degree or more advanced degree.(b) The applicant shall meet the criminal history standards described in §140.431 of this title (relating to Criminal History Standards).(c) The department will not issue a license based on reciprocity unless it finds that the licensing or certification standards of the state of origin are at least substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure of the Act and this subchapter. A state that does not require successful completion of a licensing examination approved by the department or a degree, as set forth in subsection (a) of this section, does not have standards that are substantially equivalent to the requirements for licensure under the Act and this subchapter. Any applicant for reciprocity that has not successfully completed a licensure examination approved by the department or a degree that satisfies subsection (a) of this section shall be required to do so as a prerequisite to eligibility for a license based upon reciprocity.(d) An applicant who does not qualify for reciprocity may apply for licensure based upon the standards set forth in §140.408 of this title.