What are the Steps to Becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor?

For aspiring counselors, obtaining a license marks the final step in an educational journey that begins with a specialized degree.

The exact licensing process varies by state but generally involves:

• Completing a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field
• Earning a graduate degree
• Building practical experience through supervised training
• Passing a standardized national licensing examination

If you are wondering about becoming an LPC or a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC), this career guide can help you understand the requirements. Use our research to help plan your path toward licensure and a rewarding counseling career.

Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Licensure titles and their requirements vary by state. As a first step, you should review the various titles, professional tiers, and associated requirements for the state where you plan to work.

You must understand the differences between the titles issued by your state's licensing body. Refer to your state's licensing authority for specific information on becoming a counselor in your chosen jurisdiction.

1. Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in a Related Field

To obtain a counseling license, you will need to earn a master's degree. Admission standards for master's programs uniformly include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Graduate counseling programs do not necessarily require an undergraduate degree in a directly related field. Common undergraduate degrees for counselors include psychology, social work, and sociology.

2. Earn Your Master's Degree in Counseling

Graduate degrees typically comprise about 60 semester credits. Degree plans usually cover the equivalent of about six semesters or three academic years.

Courses begin with foundational counseling theories and concepts before exploring their specific applications. You will also learn about counseling techniques, assessment strategies, cultural sensitivity considerations, and research methods.

Master's programs also include extensive practicum and internship components. These requirements sharpen your skills by allowing you to apply them to real-world situations.

Admission requirements typically include a personal essay or statement of purpose. These documents can have a major impact on your application's outcome. If you hold an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field, use your essay to:

• Explain why you want to become a counselor
• Demonstrate how your background and academic qualifications support your learning goals and career plans

Finally, prioritize programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some states only grant licenses to graduates of CACREP-accredited master's programs. Even if no such requirements apply in your state, CACREP accreditation still signals elevated program quality.

3. Complete Postgraduate Supervised Experience

According to the American Counseling Association (ACA), counseling licensure candidates typically require 2,000-3,000 hours of supervised field experience. Requirements vary by state, but jurisdictions with multiple licensing tiers usually require more hours to qualify for upper-level licensure.

Potential settings for supervised experiences include:

• Educational institutions
• Inpatient care facilities
• Private counseling practices

During your supervised experiences, you can apply your academic knowledge to practical situations. This practice helps you develop more nuanced skills while training you on professional standards and procedures.

Total hourly requirements also include specific minimum levels of supervised face-to-face counseling experiences. You will need to complete these and all other experiential components under the supervision of a licensed counselor in good professional standing.

4. Pass the National Counseling Examination

State-level counseling examination requirements may involve the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). Some states require the NCE, while others require the NCMHCE. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) issues both exams.

Some states additionally require jurisprudence exams, which test your knowledge of legal and ethical standards. You may also need to provide supplementary documentation or materials, such as a criminal background check or a professional disclosure statement.

Career and Salary Outlook for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18% employment growth for licensed mental health counselors from 2022-2032. According to the BLS, multiple factors impact this very rapid growth rate, including:

• Increased cultural awareness of mental health and addiction issues
• Rising rates of addiction, behavioral, and mental health disorders
• The need to replace counselors transitioning into other careers or retirement

Typical work settings for licensed counselors include:

• Inpatient and outpatient care facilities
• Community-based organizations
• Private practices

Payscale data from June 2024 cites an average annual base salary of about $57,020 per year for LPCs. According to Payscale, the profession's earning range is relatively tight. Earners in the 10th percentile make about $43,000 per year, while those in the 90th percentile make approximately $77,000 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Page last reviewed on April 8, 2024