Licensure Information Overview

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) – restricted license

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) – supervision credential

• Three tiered licensure format
• Application fee – $100 per application

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

• Must complete all requirements before licensure can be issued.
  • Application
  • Education
  • Exam
  • Professional Disclosure Statement, including disclosure of supervision arrangements
• Must begin the process for licensure at this level unless an active application was on file at the Board’s office PRIOR to October 1, 2009.
• This is an independent licensure with restrictions
• CAN NOT work unless a supervision contract is on file with the Board’s Office and has been approved.
• License number ends in A – Example: 9801A

Licensed Professional Counselor

• Must complete all requirements before licensure can be issued.
• Application
• Education
• Exams
• Professional Disclosure Statement
• Verification of Supervised Professional Practice
• This is an independent licensure
• Same license number with no letter at end – Example: 9801

Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

• Must complete all requirements before credential can be issued.
• Application
• Active & unrestricted LPC license from NCBLPC
• Education
• additional graduate education specific to clinical supervision
• Professional Disclosure Statement for Supervision
• Verification of Professional Counseling Experience
• This is a credential added to LPC
• License number with S at end – Example: 9801S

Application Review Process

This information is being provided to answer frequently asked questions about what happens to the application once it reaches the Board office.  Please review the following before calling the Board office.

• The first step in the application process is the initial application.  All areas of the application that pertain to the license you are applying for must be completed.  This completed application is to be sent to the Board office with payment for $100, a professional disclosure statement, and a self-addressed, stamped, business envelope.
• Official transcript(s) must be sent to the Board office directly from the graduate institution(s).

  Applications not meeting this standard of completion will be returned to the applicant.
  Hints: 1. Arrange to have your transcripts sent to the Board office prior to completing the application.
              2. Make sure any aliases are listed on the application.  (married name, nickname, etc.)
   

• When the completed application packet (application, transcripts, professional disclosure statement) is received in the Board office, it undergoes an initial review.  If the applicant has met the educational requirements set by the Board, the applicant will receive a letter and registration forms to register for the NCE/NCMHCE or CRC.  If the applicant has passed the NCE/NCMHCE or CRC and official exam scores are on file, the application will move to the next step automatically.
   
• Official Verification of Active License in another state must be sent directly to the Board office from the licensing agency.
   
• Official copies of NCE/NCMHCE scores or CRC scores must be sent directly to the Board office from the examining organization.
   
• If the applicant answers Yes to any item listed in Section III of the application, the application and accompanying explanation will be reviewed by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.  Until this section is approved the application will not move forward in the process.  If the applicant answers Yes to #3 or #7 of this section a Criminal Background Check is required to accompany the explanation of events.
   
• If the applicant does not meet the educational requirements as set by the Board, the application and any provided supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Board’s Educational Reviewer.  Once the reviewer reaches a decision regarding the applicant’s education they will be notified in writing.
   
• After the initial review, a letter will be sent to the applicant confirming receipt of the application and describing any remaining requirements needed to qualify for the licensure for which the applicant is applying.  This can take from 4-6 weeks.  This letter will also contain a user name and login that the applicant can use to check on their application’s status at any given time.
• From this point forward, the Board office compiles and verifies all information received for applicants.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to insure that all materials have reached the Board office by deadlines established by the Board.
   
• All Board decisions are sent via US Postal Service only.  Do not call the Board office to request the status of applications.
   
• When the applicant has provided the Board with all materials required, the Board will complete one final review at its next scheduled meeting and, if the candidate has met all requirements, the Board will license the candidate as appropriate.
   
• Once licensed, applicants will need to update their professional disclosure statement and submit an updated version to the Board office either by fax or email.
   
• Applicants may not use the term “LPCA”, “LPC”, “LPCS” or any variation of the term until they have received notice from the Board stating that they may do so.

Licensure Requirement Sheet

LPCA Applies to all Applications received October 1, 2009 or later.