Getting a Counseling License
Licensure for counselors is granted by a relevant regulatory body, giving professionals legal permission to practice in the counseling field. In most counseling careers, it is a requirement. Licensure is vital to regulating the quality of care and establishing minimum standards for qualified professionals with the goal of protecting the public against malpractice. Every state has licensing requirements, though they may vary on some aspects of administration.
How Do I Become Certified and Licensed as a Counselor?
There are several licensing options to become a counselor. A list of common counseling licensure acronyms can be helpful to reference when looking into licensure and certification options. While each state has variations on what is required to become a counselor, they typically follow these guidelines:
- A master's degree in counseling – ideally in the subject area where you intend to practice
- Stated minimum number of internship and other supervised training hours (typically two years of practice hours)
- Candidates must pass the licensing exam once they have completed the above steps. The most common exams are the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE), the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), and the Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC)
- Completed licensing application – another exam may be required, depending on the state
What Counseling Specialty Certifications Might Be Required?
While you will be eligible for most counseling jobs with the standard path of education, this is not always the case. Some niches require extra certification to practice in that area.
For example, if you want to specialize in mental health, you will need the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) certification. If school counseling is your interest, you’ll need the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) certification.
Some others:
Guide to Counseling Exams
Each counseling exam varies slightly, but they're all designed to test your knowledge, skills, and aptitude to ensure you are ready to practice as a counselor. Some of the most common counseling examinations are outlined below.
The National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The National Counselor Exam (NCE) is a 200-question multiple-choice examination covering a range of relevant subjects:
- Professional practice and ethics
- Intake, assessment, and diagnosis
- Areas of clinical focus
- Treatment planning
- Counseling skills and interventions
- Core counseling attributes
160 questions are scored while the remaining 40 are collated for statistics. The pass rate in most states is 75%. The exam is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant to the modern counseling environment.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
There are two ways to register for the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). You may apply for either national or state licensure. The process is the same, but there are subtle administrative differences. The NCMHCE has undergone some changes in recent years, now consisting of 143 questions and 11 case studies. 100 answers are scored while the other 43 are field testing (quality control).
Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC)
The Clinical Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC) is comprised of a range of questions over twelve relevant subjects concerning rehabilitation. The exam takes three and a half hours and consists of 175 questions divided into two areas: Counseling, and Rehabilitation and Disability. The two parts are separate, meaning that while sitting for the second part of the exam, you may not go back to part one.
Continuing Education and Recertification
Not only do all counselors require licensure to legally practice, but renewals are also required every few years – typically every two, though they may last longer in some instances. Some states may require automatic renewal on January 1st, while some will be due for renewal on the date you initially registered.
Often, these renewals are contingent on continuing education with a minimum number of credits or semester hours. For example, Arizona requires either 180 clock hours of professional development or 12 semester hours, or a combination thereof. Each state varies, so always check with your state’s regulating body.
State-by-State Counseling Licensure
Listed below are the state-by-state requirements for becoming a professional licensed counselor for the newly qualified. Links to the specific state authorizing bodies are included.
Alabama Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate with a regionally accredited counseling master's program; include transcripts
- Application fees and forms
- State whether you're applying for LPC or ALC status
- Send your social security number and proof of citizenship or right to remain in the US
- Licensure by credentials permissible
Link: Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling
Alaska Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a master's degree in a relevant area of counseling, and all mandated supervised practice hours
- Application fee along with all forms
- Submit to criminal background checks and send SSN and citizenship/right to remain status
- Licensure by credential is permissible so long as the transferring state has identical or higher requirements
Link: Alaska Division of Corporation, Business, and Professional Licensing
Arizona Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Accredited master's degree required in counseling in the area of intended practice
- The complete application documents (online or paper) plus fees
- SSN and proof of your legal right of residence in Arizona and the US
- Licensure by credential is permissible so long as the license from the other state is in good standing, and the relevant exam passed is current and up to date
Link: Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners
Arkansas Counselor Licensing Requirements
- An accredited relevant master's degree in the counseling area where you intend to practice
- The completed application form(s) and any required fees
- Provide social security number details and proof of residence and right of residence in the state
- Submit to required legal security checks
Link: Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling
California Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Register as an APCC prior to supervised experience
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Pass the California Law & Ethics Exam
- Apply for licensure
- Take and pass the clinical exam (NCMHCE)
- Pay the application fee at the time of filling out the form
Link: California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Colorado Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a relevant master's degree in counseling
- Two types in the state: LPCC is a temporary permit held during the supervised experience; LPC is by endorsement or by exam
- Background checks for safety and criminal records
- Proof of right to live in Colorado
- Licensure by endorsement and by examination are both permissible in Colorado
Link: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
Connecticut Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Successful completion of an accredited master's degree
- Application fee and form
- Take and pass National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Official academic transcripts
- Transfers from other states may do so easily with three years of clinical experience
Link: Connecticut State Department of Public Health
Delaware Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from a regionally accredited master's program; include transcripts
- Online form along with application fee
- Criminal record check
- Proof of state residence
- Application by reciprocity from another state is permissible; copies of those licenses are required
Link: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
Florida Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Master's degree in a relevant counseling subject. Send copies of transcripts
- Submit to criminal background checks
- Pass the NCMHCE examination
- Take mandatory courses in Florida Laws and Rules, HIV/AIDS, and Domestic Violence from the board-approved list
Link: Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Georgia Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from a regionally endorsed counseling program; send copies of transcripts
- Submit all required information to criminal background checks
- License by exam, exam waiver, and endorsement are all permitted in Georgia
- Affidavit of Citizenship, details of court sanctions including explanation letter
- Pass the relevant national licensure examination
Link: Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists
Hawaii Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a master's degree relevant to counseling; include transcripts
- Application form along with the application fee
- Social security number is mandatory
- A coursework form detailing your academic history
- A report on your practicum experience
- Pass the NCE. If you have already passed, you will not be required to retake it
- Criminal history check
Link: Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Professional & Vocational Licensing
Idaho Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a regionally accredited master's degree
- Send completed application forms and necessary fee
- Submit to criminal records checking
- Pass the NBCC exam for state licensure
- Send your social security number as proof of citizenship/right to remain in the US
- For renewals, continuing education evidence must be provided at the time of renewal
Link: Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses
Illinois Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a master's degree as accredited by the state's regional body
- Send the application fee at the same time as the form
- Fill out the details for a criminal history check
- Social security number along with proof of citizenship or permanent resident
- For renewals, continuing education evidence must be provided at the time of renewal
- Illinois has two types of counselors: LPC (licensed professional counselor) and LCPC (licensed clinical professional counselor)
Link: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Indiana Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a regionally approved bachelor's or master's degree – bachelor's graduates are limited in the areas they can work
- Which exam you need to take in the state depends on which area of counseling you intend to work
- Application form and fees
- Copies of ID and social security number
Link: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency Behavioral Health and Human Services
Iowa Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Successfully graduate from a regionally accredited counseling program
- Pass any of the following: NCE, NCMHCE, or CRCE
- Submit to criminal background checks
- Any required copies of ID and proof of citizenship/right of residence
- The completed application form and fees stated on the website
Link: Iowa Board of Behavioral Science
Kansas Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A fully accredited master's degree in counseling related to the area where you intend to practice
- Application form plus fee
- Social Security Number plus proof of right to live in Kansas
- Fill out and sign the declaration for criminal background checking
- Pass the NCE exam and later the NCMHCE
- You first need an LPC license, then you must accumulate supervised experience before working toward the LPCC license
Link: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board
Kentucky Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a relevant graduate degree in counseling. Must be accredited by CACREP
- Pass a background check by state police and criminal background check by the FBI
- Pass the NBCC exam prior to licensure application
- Pay the fee at the time of filling out the application form
- Provide SSN and other proof of state residence and right to live in Kentucky
Link: Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
Louisiana Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A graduate program in a relevant counseling area – which license you need depends on your intended area of practice
- Pass the state exam – check for different exams for different areas of practice
- Pass a criminal background check
- Completed application form along with the required fee
- Provide your social security number and proof of right to live in the state/US
Link: Louisiana Board of Licensed Professional Counselors
Maine Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's degree in a relevant counseling area
- Check for the type of license you need to ensure you get the right one for your intended area of practice
- Application form and various fees at the time of application
- Criminal background checks
- Reciprocal licensure is permitted in Maine
Link: Maine Board of Counseling Professionals
Maryland Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's or doctorate in counseling, in an area relevant to your career
- Pass the NCE, and the State Law Test
- Fill out the application form and pay the relevant fee at the time of application
- Submit to any required criminal and safety background checks
- Social security number and proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
Link: Maryland Department of Health
Massachusetts Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's in any relevant area of counseling. Note: the licensing body is different depending on your area of expertise
- Take and pass the NCMHCE
- Complete the application and send the fees at the same time
- Social security number and proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
- Reciprocity permitted subject to certain conditions
Link: Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure
Michigan Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from a relevant accredited counseling master's degree
- Provide your social security number and other proof of right to reside in the US
- Pass either of the two mandatory exams: National Counselor Examination (NCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Examination
- Application form and fee
- Criminal background checks
Link: Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Minnesota Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete an accredited master's or doctorate in counseling. Submit transcripts.
- Take and pass either the NCE or NCMHCE
- Send the required fees at the time of the application
- Submit to criminal and other background checks to ensure a good record
- Social security number and citizenship or permanent residence status
- Reciprocity from another state is permissible for Minnesota
Link: Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Mississippi Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a master's degree in counseling including supervised work experience
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) and the Mississippi Jurisprudence Examination
- Background checks are mandatory
- Send proof of citizenship or legal residence in the US
- Complete the application form and pay the application fee
- Provide three relevant references
Link: Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
Missouri Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's degree is mandatory, including supervised work from a qualified counselor
- Application form and fee
- Criminal and background checks which include fingerprints
- Take and pass the NCE and the state jurisprudence exam
- Proof of US citizenship or right to permanent residence
Link: Missouri Division of Professional Registration
Montana Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's degree in a relevant counseling subject
- Application form plus the application fee at the same time
- Take and pass both the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)
- Background checks to include fingerprints
- Renewals are only processed from November 1 – December 31. Late renewals are permitted, but extra fees are incurred
Link: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Nebraska Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Earn a master's degree in counseling – the program must include either a practicum or internship
- Apply for a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) during your program
- Pass either the NCE exam or the NCMHCE exam
- Send the application form and fee at the same time
- Submit to background checks and criminal records checks
Link: Nebraska Mental Health and Human Services
Nevada Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Have obtained a relevant CACREP-accredited graduate program in counseling
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
- Submit the application form along with the application fee
- Background checks to include fingerprints, and criminal records check
- Social security number and citizenship or proof of permanent residence
New Hampshire Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a regionally accredited program in counseling, including supervised experience
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE)
- Application form and fee submitted at the same time
- Background and criminal checks are mandatory
- Social security number and proof of the right of residence
Link: New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice
New Jersey Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from an accredited master's degree approved in New Jersey
- Pass the NCE
- Submit the relevant fees along with your application form – different fees for each type of license
- Submit details for background and criminal checks
- Valid social security number and proof of citizenship or right to remain in the US
Link: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
New Mexico Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A relevant and accredited master's degree in counseling
- The application form and fees
- Take and pass two exams: the NCE and NCMHCE
- Criminal and other background checks in line with safety requirements
- License by reciprocity permitted in New Mexico
- Continuing education required for renewals
Link: New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
New York Counselor Licensing Requirements
- You need a minimum of a master's degree in counseling to practice in the state – accredited by CACREP
- Pass the NCMHCE exam; NCE is not permitted in New York
- Submit to required background checks which include criminal records and fingerprints
- Reciprocity is permissible – you must request proof from the authorizing jurisdiction
- Application form and fees
Link: New York State Education Department – Office of Professions
North Carolina Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete an authorized regionally accredited counseling master's degree – include transcripts and proof of supervised experience
- Second the application form and fees
- Submit details for a background check, including criminal records
- Professional disclosure statement
- NCE or NCMHCE exams are acceptable, but all applicants must take the state jurisprudence exam
Link: North Carolina Board of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
North Dakota Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Successfully graduate from an accredited counseling master's degree program
- A Social Security Number and proof of either citizenship or permanent resident status
- Application form and fees along with a statement of intent and signed affidavit
- Proof of supervised hours completed
Link: North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners
Ohio Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from a state-accredited master's degree program
- Two types of licensures in Ohio: the LPC (licensed professional counselor) and LPCC (licensed professional clinical counselor)
- Supply social security number and official government ID as proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
- Pass the National Counselor Exam
- Application form and fee
- Pass a criminal records check
Link: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board
Oklahoma Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate from a relevant counseling master's degree (accredited)
- Application form along with each relevant fee at each stage
- Pass both the LPC exam and the Oklahoma Legal and Ethical Responsibility Exam (OLERE)
- Submit your details for a criminal records check
- Social security number and proof of citizenship or permanent resident status
Link: Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health
Oregon Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a CACREP or CORE-approved master's degree; marriage counseling programs must be accredited by COAMFTE
- Application form and fee at each required stage of the process
- Pass the LPC or LMFT competency exam
- Signed a professional disclosure statement
- Submit details for a background check and criminal records check
Link: Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists
Pennsylvania Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A master's degree or doctorate in counseling
- Pass the NCE exam (National Counselor Examination)
- Completed application form along with the fee
- Fill out the criminal records and check the document
- SSN and proof of the right of residence
Link: Pennsylvania Department of State
Rhode Island Counselor Licensing Requirements
- A relevant, accredited master's degree or a doctorate in counseling
- Two routes to becoming a counselor in Rhode Island: marriage and family therapy, and mental health
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam
- Complete the application form and send the relevant fee
- SSN and proof of the right of residence in Rhode Island
Link: State of Rhode Island Department of State
South Carolina Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Graduate with an accredited counseling master's degree. Copies of transcripts are required
- Send the application fee along with the form
- Social security number and proof of residence
- Licensure by credentials permissible in South Carolina
- Pass the NCE or MCHMC exam for counseling and mental health counseling, or the LMFT for marriage and family therapy
Link: South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation
South Dakota Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a CACREP-approved graduate program or dedicated master's degree
- Send the application form and the fee
- Criminal and other background checks
- Pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification
- Ongoing education is required for renewals
- Proof of citizenship or permanent resident status – SSN usually requested
Link: South Dakota Department of Social Services
Tennessee Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete an accredited master's program in counseling or a related subject
- Submit the fee at the time of the application form
- Proof you are a citizen or permanent resident in the US
- Pass the NCE exam and the Tennessee Jurisprudence Exam
- Background and criminal records checking
- Mandatory practitioner profile questionnaire and two letters of recommendation
Link: Tennessee Department of Health
Texas Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Most counseling licensing in Texas requires a master's degree. The only exception is chemical dependency counseling which requires an associate's degree only
- Application form and fee
- Submit details for both a criminal and a general background check
- Pass both the NCMHCE and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam prior to applying for the license
- No reciprocity in Texas
Link: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
Utah Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Earn a CHEA or CACREP-accredited master's or doctorate in counseling
- Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination
- Send the application form and fees
- Submit relevant details for criminal and general background checks to the state
- Utah does not offer reciprocity for applicants from other states
Link: Utah Department of Professional Licensing
Vermont Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Complete a relevant master's degree in counseling
- Complete the application form and send the fee
- Pass the NCE, NCMHCE and state jurisprudence exam
- Pass a background and criminal records check
- Send proof of your citizenship or evidence of permanent resident status
- Reciprocal licensing permitted in Vermont
Link: Vermont Secretary of State
Virginia Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Substance abuse counseling requires a high school diploma. All others require a master's degree in Virginia
- Apply for the provisional counseling license and take the NCE test
- Once passed, apply for the full license, and pass the NCMHCE
- Send proof of US citizenship or right to remain in the US
- Fill out the documents enabling criminal and background checks
- No formal reciprocity is in place in Virginia, endorsement is possible from other states
Link: Virginia Department of Health Professions
Washington Counselor Licensing Requirements
- In Washington state, substance abuse counseling requires an associate's degree. Other counseling careers require a master's degree
- Pass either the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) or National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- Application form and fees
- Send proof of US citizenship or permanent resident status
- Submit to criminal background checks
- There is no direct reciprocity option, but you can use credential verification from other states
Link: Washington State Department of Health
Washington, DC Counselor Licensing Requirements
- DC requires most counselors to have a master's degree. The only exception is substance abuse counseling which requires an associate's or bachelor's degree
- Your SSN and other personal details proving your right to live in the US
- Send the application forms and fees
- Pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- Criminal background checks
- Reciprocity is not possible in DC, but licensure by endorsement is
Link: DC Department of Health
West Virginia Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Substance abuse counselors can operate with a high school diploma though for the advanced credential you need a master's degree. All other forms of counseling require a master's
- Apply for the LPC and request to take the NCE
- Send proof of citizenship or right to live in the US – social security number preferred
- Application form and fee
- Submit details for background and criminal checking
- Reciprocity accepted on a case-by-case basis
Link: West Virginia Board of Examiners in Counseling
Wisconsin Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Substance abuse counselors in Wisconsin can work with a high school diploma or associate's degree. All other areas of counseling require a master's degree
- Register as a professional counselor trainee while still studying
- Once you have your LPC, pass either the NCE (National Counselor Exam), NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam), or CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor)
- Proof of citizenship or right to permanent residence
- Fill out the background check and criminal records check forms
- Reciprocity is possible on an individual case basis
Link: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Wyoming Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Substance abuse counselors in Wisconsin require a bachelor's degree while all other areas require a master's degree
- Pass either pass the National Counselors Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE)
- Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence. Social Security Number is usually the preferred method
- Fill out the background check and criminal records check forms – fingerprints required
- There are no official reciprocity agreements for LPCs in Wyoming. However, you can apply and be evaluated on an individual case basis
Link: Wyoming Mental Health Professions Licensing Board
