How to Apply for Licensure

LPC Application Information

Historical Note
The Licensed Professional Counselor Act of 1993 replaced the Registered Professional Counselor Act passed by the General Assembly of North Carolina in 1983.  Both of these bills were sponsored and supported by the North Carolina Counseling Association (NCCA) and its forerunners (the NC Personnel and Guidance Association and the NC Association for Counseling and Development).  The North Carolina Counseling Association consists of professional counselors who practice in mental health agencies, schools, colleges, family counseling clinics, private practice, and other settings.  NCCA is a chartered state branch of the American Counseling Association, which has promoted the licensure of professional counselors in the United States.
  
Since implementation of the licensing act in 1994, the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (NCBLPC) has the responsibility of administering and enforcing the provisions of the bill.  In that capacity, the Board uses national standards of counselor preparation and ethical codes of the counseling profession for guidance.  National standards for the preparation of professional counselors are found in two resources used by the Board.  One is the National Board of Certified Counselors, which sets standards for the preparation and certification of counselors and has also developed the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The NCE is used by many states (including North Carolina) to assess the eligibility of licensure applicants.  The second resource for standards of counselor preparation is the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a corporate affiliate of the American Counseling Association.

The code of ethics and standards of practice published by the American Counseling Association (2005) have been adopted by the NCBLPC (September, 1995).  The Board uses these resources to develop standards of preparation and to ensure that licensed counselors in the state practice according to ethical standards, but it neither endorses nor promotes the American Counseling Association, the North Carolina Counseling Association, the Licensed Professional Counselor Association of North Carolina, the National Board of Certified Counselors, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, or any other professional association of counselors.

General Information
What is the NCBLPC?
The North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors (NCBLPC or the “Board”) was established under provisions of the Licensed Professional Counselor Act (LPC Act), which was ratified on July 24, 1993 as Article 24, Chapter 90, General Statutes of the State of North Carolina, to become effective July 1, 1994.  The LPC Act regulates the activities of persons who render counseling services to the public. The Board, which is appointed by the Governor, is empowered by the LPC Act to carry out the provisions of the Act, which include, among other things, examining and passing on the qualifications of applicants, issuing licenses and license renewals, adopting ethical standards and examination materials, establishing standards for continuing professional counselor education, and conducting investigations and hearings as necessary to enforce the LPC Act.

What qualifications are required for licensure?
A qualified applicant for licensure has met all the following criteria:
•Has earned a masters degree in Counseling from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, which includes a minimum of 48 semester hours, or a graduate degree in a related field supplemented with courses that the Board determines to be substantially equivalent, or holds a masters degree in counseling in which the applicant was enrolled in the graduate program prior to July 1, 1994.  The master’s degree is the only requirement that must be complete at application.  All applicants have two years to complete all other requirements for licensure.
•Has no less than two years of post-masters counseling experience in a professional setting, including a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised professional practice as defined by the Board.  Up to 750 supervised professional practice may be submitted from practicum & internships.  The supervised experience also must include at least 100 hours of face-to-face  individual supervision or group supervision.  At least three quarters of the clinical individual supervision must be individual, with only one quarter counted for group supervision.  Applicants must work a minimum of eight hours per week.
•All supervisors must be approved by the Board. Supervisors must be licensed, mental health professionals with at least a Masters Degree and five (5) years of counseling experience with a minimum of two years licensed experience.  Prospective supervisors must complete the “Verification of Arrangements for Clinical Supervision” form located on the Forms page. 
•Passes an examination as adopted by the Board. 
•Submits an acceptable Professional Disclosure Statement.
• Submits a complete application to the Board for review.

What examination is required?
The Board has contracted with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to administer the National Counselor Examination (NCE) as the examination required for licensure in North Carolina.  The Board does not endorse any examination study course or preparation material.  Any questions regarding study courses or preparation material should be addressed to NBCC, 3-D Terrace Way, Greensboro, NC  27403, (336) 547-0607 or www.nbcc.org. If you are a current National Certified Counselor, you may use the Request for Verification of National Counselor Examination Score form to request that NBCC send your score to NCBLPC. If you have not previously taken the NCE, and the Board determines that you are eligible to take the exam, you will be provided with a North Carolina Licensure Examination Registration form. Currently the NCMHC and CRC examinations are also accepted by the Board in lieu of the NCE.  Arrangements for taking these examinations must be made with the originating agency and cannot be arranged through this Board.

How long do I have to complete the application process?
From the date your completed application is received by the Board, you will have a maximum period of two years to meet any remaining requirements determined by the Board to be necessary to complete the requirements for licensure.  Depending on the number and nature of any remaining requirements, you may be given less than two years to meet them, as determined by the Board. If you do not meet the Board’s requirements within the time given, not to exceed two years, you will be required to reapply in full for licensure.

How long is the license valid?
The license is valid from its date of issuance until the second June 30 following that date.  It must be renewed at that time and every two years thereafter. You must earn 40 documented contact hours of continuing professional education during each two-year (biennial) renewal period.  If your initial license is issued for a period less that 2 full years, you must earn 30 documented contact hours of continuing professionals education during your initial licensure period. It is extremely important that you inform the Board of any change of address or name change as soon as that change occurs.  If the Board office is not able to contact you, your license may lapse and you will not be able to legally practice Counseling in the state of North Carolina.

What are the costs of licensure?
Application packet fee $5 Application processing fee, nonrefundable, submitted with application $100* Fee for having application notarized (paid to notary public) Determined by Notary Examination fee, nonrefundable, paid to NBCC     Determined by NBCC NBCC fee to verify score from NCE, if exam previously passed Determined by NBCC Biennial Renewal Fee $100 Late Renewal Fee $125
*Application processing fee is $100. If $5 application packet fee was paid, return the $5 receipt along with the completed application and $95.

What if I am licensed in another state?
•The NCBLPC has no reciprocal agreement with any other state counselor licensing boards.  If you hold an active license in another state and wish to become licensed in North Carolina, you must submit an application packet in full, and pay the application fee.  If the requirements for the state in which you are licensed meet or exceed those of North Carolina, verification of your active counseling license with no disciplinary action can be used to document your supervised counseling experience, counselor education, and exam score.  Additional information is provided in the instructions for preparing the application. Counselors who are licensed in another state in which the requirements meet or exceed those of North Carolina must still submit at least 3 Professional References and a Professional Disclosure Statement. 
Instructions for preparing the Application

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
IMPROPERLY PREPARED APPLICATIONS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE APPLICANT.

1.  Read the entire packet thoroughly before beginning to fill out the application.
2. All information on the application must be typed or clearly printed in black ink.
3. Type your name on the application the way you want it to appear on your license. 
4.  All sections of the application must be completed, even if you are licensed in another state or working in an exempt setting. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  The application must be submitted only on forms obtained directly from the Board Office or the Board’s website www.ncblpc.org.
5.  Distribute Professional Reference and Verification of Supervision forms to the references and supervisors (including your practicum & internship supervisors) that you listed in section V and VI of the application and any other people who may have supervised you at any time during your masters program and after your masters program.  Do not submit forms for supervision prior to your masters-level work.  Relatives may NOT serve as references and they may NOT serve to verify supervised experience. Ask the persons completing these forms to return the forms to you in a sealed envelope that has been signed across the sealed flap by the person completing the form.  These sealed envelopes should be included with your application packet and should only be opened by the Board Office. These forms may also be submitted by the supervisor/reference directly to the Board’s office. These forms will be held until your application is received.  At least three of these forms must be turned in with the application.  More than three forms may be needed in some cases to document fully the required supervised counseling experience. You will have two years from the date the Board Office receives your application to complete the requirements for licensure. The Board will notify you of any remaining requirements within 8 weeks of receipt of your application.  Up to 750 hours of supervised practice received during your masters program may be counted if your supervisors meet the Boards requirements or are Counselor Educators employed by the University you attended. 
6.  Post-masters supervision must be by a Licensed Professional Counselor or other licensed, board-approved mental health professional with at least 5 years counseling experience including two years licensed experience.  Your supervisors must be approved by the Board using the Verification of Arrangements for Supervision Form. Applicants who are licensed in another state and whose licensure requirements meet or exceed those of North Carolina must submit verification of licensure directly from the state in which they are licensed.  
7. Have official transcript(s) sent directly to the NCBLPC from your graduate degree-granting institution(s).  This is the only accepted means of receipt of transcripts in the Board Office. 
8. If you currently hold certification as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), complete the Request for Verification of National Counselor Examination Score form and send directly to NBCC at the address provided along with the required fee.  Your scores will be sent directly from NBCC to the NCBLPC Office. Allow at least 12 weeks for these scores to arrive at the NCBLPC Office.
9. If you are not currently a National Certified Counselor (NCC), you will be notified if you meet the educational requirements to take the NCE.  If the Board determines that you are eligible, you will be mailed an Exam Registration Form with instructions on registering for the exam.
10. Prepare a Professional Disclosure Statement as directed and include a signed copy of this statement in the application materials.
11. Have the completed application notarized: The seal of the notary must be partially on the attached photograph of the applicant.
12. Review the “Application Checklist” to assure that all items are included in the packet.  Incomplete applications will be returned.
13.  Mail the application and supporting documents to:
    NCBLPC – New Application
     P.O. Box 1369      
    Garner, NC 27529
    The Board Office only accepts mail at the address listed above.  To mail your completed application overnight or to receive confirmation that the application has been received by the Board office contact your local Post Office as to the service options available through the US Postal Service.  The Board office does not accept visitors to ensure confidentiality of all information.
    
    Professional Disclosure Statement
    
    Section 90-343 of the LPC Act requires that “Any individual, or employer of an individual, who is licensed under this Article may
    not charge a client or receive remuneration for Professional Counseling services unless, prior to the performance of those services, the client is furnished a copy of a Professional Disclosure Statement that includes the licensee’s professional credentials, the services offered, the fee schedule, and any other provisions required by the Board.” Rule .0204 of Chapter 53, Title 21 of the North Carolina Administrative Code states “A professional disclosure statement is a printed document that includes the following information:
    •Name of licensee
    •The licensee’s highest relevant degree, discipline of the degree, year degree received, and name of institution granting the degree.
    •Names and numbers of all relevant credentials (licenses, certificates, registrations).
    • A license applicant should include a statement indicating that he/she is pursuing licensure as a Professional Counselor in North Carolina.
    • Number of years of Counseling experience.
    • Description of clientele (populations) served.
    • Description of services offered (include a brief description of theoretical orientation and types of techniques used).
    • Length of sessions and specific fee charged for that session.  If a sliding scale is used, it must be included in full with a blank for the agreed upon fee.  If no fee is charged, this must be stated.
    •Methods of payment accepted (cash, checks, credit card types) and information about billing and insurance reimbursement. A brief statement regarding the use of diagnosis and the fact that this becomes part of the clients’ records.
    •An explanation of confidentiality, including responsibilities and exception (harm to self and others, indication of child or elder abuse, court order).
    • A statement of procedure for registering complaints, including the full name and address of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.
    • Signature and date spaces for both the client and the licensee. A current copy of this statement must be filed with and approved by the Board and a copy must be provided to each client prior to the performance of counseling services.  Any changes in the disclosure statement must be submitted to and approved by the Board.  The Counselor must retain a file copy of the disclosure statement signed by each client. The contents of your disclosure statement must be compatible with the Standards of Practice section of your application packet and with your education, training, and scope of experience, and will be reviewed by the Board prior to approval of your application.  Please note that you must submit a disclosure statement whether or not you charge a fee and even if you work in a setting (such as school counseling) which does not require that you be licensed or that you present a disclosure statement to each client.
    MAKE SURE ALL OF THE ABOVE ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR STATEMENT; OTHERWISE IT WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU
    
    Graduate Preparation Requirements
    
    As stated in the General Information Section, the LPC Act requires that an applicant for licensure has as minimum preparation a masters degree of at least 48 semester hours in Counseling from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or a graduate degree in a related field of study that is supplemented with coursework the Board determines to be substantially equivalent. Applicants who hold a masters degree in counseling are exempt from the 48 semester hour requirement if enrolled in their program of study prior to July 1, 1994.
    Many graduate programs offer masters degrees in counseling and these degrees are known by different names.  Examples of degrees that the Board typically finds to be counseling preparation programs include but are not limited to:
    • Masters of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
    • Masters of Education in Counselor Education
    • Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance
    • Masters of Science in Counseling
    • Masters of Arts in Counseling
    
    At the same time, there are many graduate programs of study that the Board typically views as being “related fields” of study. Examples of graduate degrees that may be considered related fields to counseling include but are not limited to:
    • Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology
    • Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology
    • Masters of Social Work (Clinical)
    • Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy
    • Masters in Human Services
    • Masters in Student Development in Higher Education
    
    The Board evaluates each application individually and applies the standards of preparation on a case-by-case basis.  Applicants should assess their graduate degrees and coursework carefully to ascertain if their preparation meets the standards applied by the Board.  Some graduate programs include a minimum amount of training in counseling, but because their major area of study is not counseling, these degrees typically are not reviewed by the Board as related fields of study.  Examples of graduate programs that may not be considered a related field of study include but are not limited to:
    • Masters of Divinity
    • Masters of Theology
    • Masters of Education (in Administration, Teaching, Special Education, or other non-counseling areas)
    • Masters of Science in Psychology (General or Experimental)
    • Masters of Science in Sociology
    • Masters of Social Work (Administrative)
    
    The Board uses the following descriptions to assess, in part, the preparation of applicants who do not hold a masters or other graduate degree in Counseling.  These descriptions, when combined, provide a general summary of the preparation expected of professional counselors who are licensed in North Carolina.  These descriptions have been adapted from standards and guidelines published by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).  They are intended as a guide for LPC applicants to assess their graduate preparation in Counseling.
     
    REQUIRED COURSEWORK
    The following coursework is required of all applicants:
    •  Counseling Theories and Techniques includes the study of basic counseling theories that include a range of approaches to professional helping.  These include psychodynamic, existential, behavioral, person-centered, cognitive, and other accepted theories and models.  This coursework provides a general knowledge of theories, their principles, and techniques for application in counseling relationships. In addition, this coursework provides a broad understanding of philosophic bases of counseling processes, basic and advanced helping skills, consultation theories and their application in various professional settings. Finally, this coursework helps the counselor facilitate the client’s self-understanding and decisions for change.
    • Practicum and Internship experiences provide supervised field placement(s) in an appropriate counseling setting for at least one semester duration and for academic credit in a regionally accredited program of study. This supervised counseling experience must be at least eight hours per week during the semester of study.  
    • Professional Orientation and Identity to the Counseling Profession provides an understanding of all aspects of functioning as a professional counselor, including a history of the counseling profession, various roles contemporary counselors have in our society, membership in professional counseling associations, ethical conduct, standards of preparation, and credentialing processes. This coursework provides a knowledge of the evolution of the counseling profession and the role it has played in setting standards, advocating for a professional identity, and promoting licensure and accreditation for the profession.
    • Human Growth and Development includes studies that provide a broad understanding of human development through the lifespan. Study would include courses that contribute to the knowledge of normal and abnormal human behavior, and personality development, within cultural contexts.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Adult Learning and Development
• Counseling in the Lifespan
• Child Development and Family Relations
• Developmental Psychology
• Human Development
• Medical Aspects of Disability

• Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling provides an understanding of social and cultural issues and trends that influence counseling relationships.  This coursework includes study of societal changes, subgroup, multicultural and pluralistic trends, differing lifestyles as well as major societal concerns such as stress, substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and discrimination.  Knowledge of these issues should be integrated into the context of professional counseling through coursework that shows methods of alleviation of these concerns.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Drug Education and Prevention
• Gender Issues in Counseling
• Multicultural Counseling
• Psychology of Sexuality
• Psycho-Social Aspects of Disability
• Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling
• Substance Abuse Counseling

• Group Work includes studies that provide a broad understanding of group development, dynamics, and counseling theories. This coursework helps students understand group leadership styles, basic and advanced group skills, and other aspects of group counseling and group consultation.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Family Counseling
• Group Counseling and Consultation
• Group Dynamics
• Group Procedures
• Group Psychotherapy

• Career and Vocational Development and Information includes studies that provide a broad understanding of career development theories, occupational and vocational information, vocational assessment procedures and instruments, and career counseling methods and approaches.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Career Counseling and Development
• Career Development and Vocational Choice
• Career Information Systems and Services
• Occupational Analysis
• Vocational Assessment and Evaluation

• Appraisal includes studies that provide a broad understanding of group and individual assessment and evaluation methods, techniques, and instruments.  This coursework develops a knowledge of psychometric theories, statistics, and approaches to appraisal; understanding of validity and reliability; working knowledge of standardized testing to assess clients’ attributes, abilities, interests, and other characteristics; and knowledge of non-standardized approaches to gather data and information helpful in assisting clients.  In addition, courses help with understanding of clinical principles and methods and procedures for forming diagnoses and developing treatment plans in mental health settings.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Analysis of the Individual
• Clinical Appraisal and Diagnosis
• Psychometric Evaluation
• Tests and Measurements in Counseling

• Research includes studies that provide a broad understanding of different types of research.  Included in this coursework would be study of basic statistics, research design and report development, program evaluation, needs assessment, research implementation, and knowledge of how to read and interpret published research, particularly in the field of counseling.  Examples of courses that might help to fulfill this requirement include but are not limited to:

• Educational Research
• Research Design and Implementation
• Research in Counseling

Make sure all items are completed.  Incomplete packets are returned to applicants.