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California Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-CA · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

Board registration for supervised professional clinical counseling; first and subsequent registration numbers are pathways of this identity.

Licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

Renewal of an expired associate registration within its six year life span
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Continuing education
Complete at least three hours of California law and ethics CE during every renewal period, even after passing the exam.
Exam condition
Attempt Law and Ethics each annual renewal period until passed; after passing it need not be taken again.
Prior registration
Expired registration that is still within the six-year maximum life span.
Renewal
Submit renewal, pay fee, disclose convictions or regulatory discipline and certify continuing education.
Time limit
No renewal or reinstatement beyond six years from the last day of the issuance month.
Initial APCC registration (in state degree)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral degree under § 4999.32 or § 4999.33; complete the applicable required degree coursework.
Examination timing
Take Law and Ethics within the first registration year; the examination is not an initial-registration admission test. Registration is required to accrue California experience, subject to the 90-day rule.
Fitness
Meet statutory denial-of-registration restrictions and state/federal fingerprint requirements under §§ 4999.51 and 4999.92.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Practice
Practice is unlicensed and supervised; registration expires annually and ordinarily lasts six years.
Initial APCC registration (out of state or out of country degree)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Meet §§ 4999.40, 4999.61 and 4999.62 degree equivalence and remediation conditions; required California law and ethics coursework must be completed before registration, and foreign credentials must meet the statutory evaluation conditions.
Examination timing
Take Law and Ethics within the first registration year; the examination is not an initial-registration admission test. Registration is required to accrue California experience, subject to the 90-day rule.
Fitness
Meet statutory denial-of-registration restrictions and state/federal fingerprint requirements under §§ 4999.51 and 4999.92.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Practice
Practice is unlicensed and supervised; registration expires annually and ordinarily lasts six years.
Annual renewal of an associate registration
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Continuing education
Complete at least three hours of California law and ethics CE during every renewal period, even after passing the exam.
Exam condition
Attempt Law and Ethics each annual renewal period until passed; after passing it need not be taken again.
Prior registration
Current registration within its six-year life span.
Renewal
Submit renewal, pay fee, disclose convictions or regulatory discipline and certify continuing education.
Time limit
No renewal or reinstatement beyond six years from the last day of the issuance month.
Subsequent associate registration number
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Meet the registration education requirements in effect at the subsequent application.
Examination
A Law and Ethics passing score is required before issuance; an existing passing score meets this condition.
Practice limit
Subsequent registrants cannot be employed or volunteer in private practice or a professional corporation.
Prior registration
The first or subsequent registration has exhausted its six-year life span (maximum five renewals).

150-Day Temporary License or Registration

Temporary form of the otherwise eligible associate registration under Family Code section 17520.

Licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

150 day family support temporary APCC — Renewal of an expired associate registration within its six year life span
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Continuing education
Complete at least three hours of California law and ethics CE during every renewal period, even after passing the exam.
Exam condition
Attempt Law and Ethics each annual renewal period until passed; after passing it need not be taken again.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Prior registration
Expired registration that is still within the six-year maximum life span.
Renewal
Submit renewal, pay fee, disclose convictions or regulatory discipline and certify continuing education.
Time limit
No renewal or reinstatement beyond six years from the last day of the issuance month.
150 day family support temporary APCC — Initial APCC registration (in state degree)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral degree under § 4999.32 or § 4999.33; complete the applicable required degree coursework.
Examination timing
Take Law and Ethics within the first registration year; the examination is not an initial-registration admission test. Registration is required to accrue California experience, subject to the 90-day rule.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Fitness
Meet statutory denial-of-registration restrictions and state/federal fingerprint requirements under §§ 4999.51 and 4999.92.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Practice
Practice is unlicensed and supervised; registration expires annually and ordinarily lasts six years.
150 day family support temporary APCC — Initial APCC registration (out of state or out of country degree)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Meet §§ 4999.40, 4999.61 and 4999.62 degree equivalence and remediation conditions; required California law and ethics coursework must be completed before registration, and foreign credentials must meet the statutory evaluation conditions.
Examination timing
Take Law and Ethics within the first registration year; the examination is not an initial-registration admission test. Registration is required to accrue California experience, subject to the 90-day rule.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Fitness
Meet statutory denial-of-registration restrictions and state/federal fingerprint requirements under §§ 4999.51 and 4999.92.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age.
Practice
Practice is unlicensed and supervised; registration expires annually and ordinarily lasts six years.
150 day family support temporary APCC — Annual renewal of an associate registration
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Continuing education
Complete at least three hours of California law and ethics CE during every renewal period, even after passing the exam.
Exam condition
Attempt Law and Ethics each annual renewal period until passed; after passing it need not be taken again.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Prior registration
Current registration within its six-year life span.
Renewal
Submit renewal, pay fee, disclose convictions or regulatory discipline and certify continuing education.
Time limit
No renewal or reinstatement beyond six years from the last day of the issuance month.
150 day family support temporary APCC — Subsequent associate registration number
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Education
Meet the registration education requirements in effect at the subsequent application.
Examination
A Law and Ethics passing score is required before issuance; an existing passing score meets this condition.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Practice limit
Subsequent registrants cannot be employed or volunteer in private practice or a professional corporation.
Prior registration
The first or subsequent registration has exhausted its six-year life span (maximum five renewals).

150-day Temporary License

Temporary form of the otherwise eligible professional clinical counselor license under Family Code section 17520.

Licensing authority: Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

150 day family support temporary LPCC — New license after more than three years without renewal
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
New application
Apply for a new license, pay required fees, meet fitness and fingerprint requirements, and pass the current licensing examinations.
Prior license status
License was not renewed within three years after expiration.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — Renewal within three years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
License status
LPCC license expired no more than three years.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Renewal
Submit renewal application, renewal and delinquency fees, certify CE and disclose convictions or disciplinary action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — Initial licensure by examination (in state application)
Associate registration
California experience generally requires active APCC registration; the 90-day rule in § 4999.46(b) is an applicant condition.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral degree under § 4999.32 (study begun before August 1, 2012 and graduated by December 31, 2018) or § 4999.33; an out-of-state degree holder with California experience may use the in-state application.
Experience
At least 3,000 postdegree supervised hours over 104 weeks, including at least 1,750 direct clinical hours and no more than 1,250 nonclinical hours; experience must be within six years of application under § 4999.46.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Reexamination
Under § 4999.64, a failed clinical exam can be retaken within one year of failure with payment; later retakes require a new application meeting current requirements.
Score currency
A clinical passing score is accepted for seven years; if the clinical exam is not passed within seven years after the initial attempt, pass the current Law and Ethics examination again under § 4999.52(i)-(j).
Sequence
Complete education and supervised experience and pass Law and Ethics before taking the NCMHCE.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — Biennial renewal while inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Inactive status
Pay half the active biennial renewal fee; no CE is required and professional clinical counseling practice is prohibited.
License status
Existing inactive LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — Placement of an existing license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Inactive status
Pay half the active biennial renewal fee; no CE is required and professional clinical counseling practice is prohibited.
License status
An existing licensed professional clinical counselor requests inactive status.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — Out of state licensure by credential (Path A)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
California cultures
Complete one semester unit or 15 hours covering California cultures and socioeconomic implications.
California law course
Complete 12 hours of California law and professional ethics at graduate level or through an acceptable CE provider; the course is separate from the examination.
Child abuse training
Complete seven contact hours of child-abuse assessment and reporting training.
Clinical waiver
BPC § 4999.60(a)(7) waives the clinical examination for applicants qualifying under this section.
Degree
The degree qualifying for that license must be an accredited or approved master’s or doctoral degree.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
License held
Hold the highest independent clinical PCC license in another United States jurisdiction, current, active and unrestricted for the two years immediately before application; disclose past restrictions or discipline for Board review.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — Out of state or out of country licensure by education and experience (Path B)
Additional coursework
Complete missing human-sexuality (10 hours), spousal/partner-abuse (15 hours), child-abuse (7 hours), aging/long-term-care (10 hours), mental-health-recovery (3 semester units or 45 hours), and California-cultures (1 semester unit or 15 hours) coursework; complete California law and ethics coursework as § 4999.62 requires.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Core content
Complete the required 13 core content areas, required practicum where not waived, and 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework under § 4999.62.
Education
Meet substantial equivalence under §§ 4999.61-4999.62; qualifying master’s or doctoral degree with 48 or 60 semester units (72 or 90 quarter units) according to the statutory study/graduation dates; only permitted deficiencies can be remediated.
Experience
Meet California-equivalent supervised experience; if fewer than 3,000 qualifying hours, highest-level active licensure in good standing in another state or country may count at 100 hours per month up to 1,200 hours.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Prior license
Does not qualify under § 4999.60; may be unlicensed or lack an active and unencumbered outside license or registration.
Prior score
A previously passed NCMHCE score is accepted for seven years when no qualifying active outside license or registration is held.
Sequence
Law and Ethics must be passed and the licensure application approved before a new NCMHCE attempt; request official verification from NBCC when relying on a prior pass.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — Path B with a qualifying outside license or registration and prior clinical pass
Additional coursework
Complete missing human-sexuality (10 hours), spousal/partner-abuse (15 hours), child-abuse (7 hours), aging/long-term-care (10 hours), mental-health-recovery (3 semester units or 45 hours), and California-cultures (1 semester unit or 15 hours) coursework; complete California law and ethics coursework as § 4999.62 requires.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Core content
Complete the required 13 core content areas, required practicum where not waived, and 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework under § 4999.62.
Education
Meet substantial equivalence under §§ 4999.61-4999.62; qualifying master’s or doctoral degree with 48 or 60 semester units (72 or 90 quarter units) according to the statutory study/graduation dates; only permitted deficiencies can be remediated.
Experience
Meet California-equivalent supervised experience; if fewer than 3,000 qualifying hours, highest-level active licensure in good standing in another state or country may count at 100 hours per month up to 1,200 hours.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Prior license
Hold an active license or registration in good standing in another state or country, not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered.
Prior score
An official NCMHCE passing score of any age is accepted under § 4999.61(d) and the Board guide; the currently offered NCMHCE remains a requirement leaf, and the applicant need not retake it when the score is accepted.
Sequence
Law and Ethics must be passed and the licensure application approved before a new NCMHCE attempt; request official verification from NBCC when relying on a prior pass.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
BPC § 4999.112(b)(4) specifies 18 hours in the preceding two years if expiration is less than one year from the request, and 36 hours if expiration is more than one year; it does not state the exactly-one-year case.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
License status
Existing inactive LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Reactivation
Request reactivation, certify no acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial, and pay the remaining half of the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — Renewal of an unexpired active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
License status
Unexpired active LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Renewal
Apply before expiration, pay the two-year renewal fee, certify continuing education and disclose convictions or disciplinary action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — New license after retired status for three or more years
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
New application
Apply for a new license, pay required fees, meet fitness and fingerprint requirements, and pass the current licensing examinations.
Prior license status
Retired license was issued three or more years before application.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
150 day family support temporary LPCC — One time restoration of a retired license issued less than three years ago
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
18 hours if retired less than one year; 36 hours if retired one or more years, all within the preceding two years and including six hours of California law and ethics.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
License status
A retired license issued less than three years before receipt of the application; restoration may occur once only.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Restoration
Submit the required application and attestations, satisfy fitness requirements, pay the renewal fee, submit fingerprints and complete CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

150 day family support temporary LPCC — Renewal of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Family support status
Name appears on the certified child-support noncompliance list; otherwise meet the underlying pathway’s eligibility requirements. Family Code § 17520(e)(2)(A) provides a 150-day temporary authorization; obtain the child-support agency release for a full-term license or registration. Only one temporary authorization per regular license term; it begins with the first 150 days and is not extended for this professional license.
License status
A suspended license remains subject to expiration and renewal under Article 6.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Practice limit
Renewal does not authorize practice while suspension continues.
Renewal
Meet the otherwise applicable renewal requirements; suspension terms remain conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

California licensure for professional clinical counselors.

Licensing authority: Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

New license after more than three years without renewal
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
New application
Apply for a new license, pay required fees, meet fitness and fingerprint requirements, and pass the current licensing examinations.
Prior license status
License was not renewed within three years after expiration.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
Renewal within three years of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License status
LPCC license expired no more than three years.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Renewal
Submit renewal application, renewal and delinquency fees, certify CE and disclose convictions or disciplinary action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination (in state application)
Associate registration
California experience generally requires active APCC registration; the 90-day rule in § 4999.46(b) is an applicant condition.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Education
Qualifying master’s or doctoral degree under § 4999.32 (study begun before August 1, 2012 and graduated by December 31, 2018) or § 4999.33; an out-of-state degree holder with California experience may use the in-state application.
Experience
At least 3,000 postdegree supervised hours over 104 weeks, including at least 1,750 direct clinical hours and no more than 1,250 nonclinical hours; experience must be within six years of application under § 4999.46.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Reexamination
Under § 4999.64, a failed clinical exam can be retaken within one year of failure with payment; later retakes require a new application meeting current requirements.
Score currency
A clinical passing score is accepted for seven years; if the clinical exam is not passed within seven years after the initial attempt, pass the current Law and Ethics examination again under § 4999.52(i)-(j).
Sequence
Complete education and supervised experience and pass Law and Ethics before taking the NCMHCE.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
Biennial renewal while inactive
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Pay half the active biennial renewal fee; no CE is required and professional clinical counseling practice is prohibited.
License status
Existing inactive LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of an existing license on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Pay half the active biennial renewal fee; no CE is required and professional clinical counseling practice is prohibited.
License status
An existing licensed professional clinical counselor requests inactive status.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out of state licensure by credential (Path A)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
California cultures
Complete one semester unit or 15 hours covering California cultures and socioeconomic implications.
California law course
Complete 12 hours of California law and professional ethics at graduate level or through an acceptable CE provider; the course is separate from the examination.
Child abuse training
Complete seven contact hours of child-abuse assessment and reporting training.
Clinical waiver
BPC § 4999.60(a)(7) waives the clinical examination for applicants qualifying under this section.
Degree
The degree qualifying for that license must be an accredited or approved master’s or doctoral degree.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
License held
Hold the highest independent clinical PCC license in another United States jurisdiction, current, active and unrestricted for the two years immediately before application; disclose past restrictions or discipline for Board review.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
Out of state or out of country licensure by education and experience (Path B)
Additional coursework
Complete missing human-sexuality (10 hours), spousal/partner-abuse (15 hours), child-abuse (7 hours), aging/long-term-care (10 hours), mental-health-recovery (3 semester units or 45 hours), and California-cultures (1 semester unit or 15 hours) coursework; complete California law and ethics coursework as § 4999.62 requires.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Core content
Complete the required 13 core content areas, required practicum where not waived, and 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework under § 4999.62.
Education
Meet substantial equivalence under §§ 4999.61-4999.62; qualifying master’s or doctoral degree with 48 or 60 semester units (72 or 90 quarter units) according to the statutory study/graduation dates; only permitted deficiencies can be remediated.
Experience
Meet California-equivalent supervised experience; if fewer than 3,000 qualifying hours, highest-level active licensure in good standing in another state or country may count at 100 hours per month up to 1,200 hours.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Prior license
Does not qualify under § 4999.60; may be unlicensed or lack an active and unencumbered outside license or registration.
Prior score
A previously passed NCMHCE score is accepted for seven years when no qualifying active outside license or registration is held.
Sequence
Law and Ethics must be passed and the licensure application approved before a new NCMHCE attempt; request official verification from NBCC when relying on a prior pass.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
Path B with a qualifying outside license or registration and prior clinical pass
Additional coursework
Complete missing human-sexuality (10 hours), spousal/partner-abuse (15 hours), child-abuse (7 hours), aging/long-term-care (10 hours), mental-health-recovery (3 semester units or 45 hours), and California-cultures (1 semester unit or 15 hours) coursework; complete California law and ethics coursework as § 4999.62 requires.
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Core content
Complete the required 13 core content areas, required practicum where not waived, and 15 semester units or 22.5 quarter units of advanced coursework under § 4999.62.
Education
Meet substantial equivalence under §§ 4999.61-4999.62; qualifying master’s or doctoral degree with 48 or 60 semester units (72 or 90 quarter units) according to the statutory study/graduation dates; only permitted deficiencies can be remediated.
Experience
Meet California-equivalent supervised experience; if fewer than 3,000 qualifying hours, highest-level active licensure in good standing in another state or country may count at 100 hours per month up to 1,200 hours.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
Prior license
Hold an active license or registration in good standing in another state or country, not revoked, suspended, surrendered, denied, restricted or encumbered.
Prior score
An official NCMHCE passing score of any age is accepted under § 4999.61(d) and the Board guide; the currently offered NCMHCE remains a requirement leaf, and the applicant need not retake it when the score is accepted.
Sequence
Law and Ethics must be passed and the licensure application approved before a new NCMHCE attempt; request official verification from NBCC when relying on a prior pass.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
Reactivation from inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
BPC § 4999.112(b)(4) specifies 18 hours in the preceding two years if expiration is less than one year from the request, and 36 hours if expiration is more than one year; it does not state the exactly-one-year case.
License status
Existing inactive LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Reactivation
Request reactivation, certify no acts or crimes constituting grounds for denial, and pay the remaining half of the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of an unexpired active license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License status
Unexpired active LPCC license.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Renewal
Apply before expiration, pay the two-year renewal fee, certify continuing education and disclose convictions or disciplinary action.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license after retired status for three or more years
Background check
Meet BPC § 4999.51 qualifications and submit fingerprints for state and federal criminal-history checks under § 4999.92.
Initial license request
Request initial license issuance and pay the fee within one year of successful completion; otherwise the application is abandoned under 16 CCR § 1806.
New application
Apply for a new license, pay required fees, meet fitness and fingerprint requirements, and pass the current licensing examinations.
Prior license status
Retired license was issued three or more years before application.
Suicide training
Show six hours of coursework or supervised applied experience in suicide risk assessment and intervention under BPC § 4999.66.
Telehealth training
Show three hours of training or coursework in mental health services via telehealth, including law and ethics, under BPC § 4999.67.
One time restoration of a retired license issued less than three years ago
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
18 hours if retired less than one year; 36 hours if retired one or more years, all within the preceding two years and including six hours of California law and ethics.
License status
A retired license issued less than three years before receipt of the application; restoration may occur once only.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Restoration
Submit the required application and attestations, satisfy fitness requirements, pay the renewal fee, submit fingerprints and complete CE.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
License status
A suspended license remains subject to expiration and renewal under Article 6.
One time training
Under §§ 4999.66-4999.67, complete six hours of suicide-risk training before the first renewal after January 1, 2021 and three hours of telehealth training before the first renewal after July 1, 2023; reactivation and reinstatement applicants must also satisfy these one-time requirements if not already completed.
Practice limit
Renewal does not authorize practice while suspension continues.
Renewal
Meet the otherwise applicable renewal requirements; suspension terms remain conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Professional Clinical Counselor Registration to Practice

State registration under BPC section 115.10; valid for the duration of the qualifying military orders.

Licensing authority: Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

Military license portability registration — Servicemember
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Servicemember relocating to California because of military orders for service within California.
Documentation
Submit military orders, California address, required affidavit and, for spouse/partner applicants, relationship evidence.
Duration
Registration lasts for the duration of the qualifying military orders; treated as a licensee for practice standards, discipline and CE.
Fee
No registration fee under § 115.10(g).
Outside license
Professional license in good standing with a similar scope; maintain all same-discipline licenses in good standing and provide verification for each and the original jurisdiction.
Prior practice
BPC § 115.10(b)(3) states at least one licensed-scope activity during the two years immediately before relocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military license portability registration — Spouse, domestic partner or other legal union partner
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Spouse, domestic partner or other legal-union partner relocating to California because of military orders for service within California.
Documentation
Submit military orders, California address, required affidavit and, for spouse/partner applicants, relationship evidence.
Duration
Registration lasts for the duration of the qualifying military orders; treated as a licensee for practice standards, discipline and CE.
Fee
No registration fee under § 115.10(g).
Outside license
Professional license in good standing with a similar scope; maintain all same-discipline licenses in good standing and provide verification for each and the original jurisdiction.
Prior practice
BPC § 115.10(b)(3) states at least one licensed-scope activity during the two years immediately before relocation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Associate Professional Clinical Counselor Registration

Temporary 12-month, nonrenewable license or registration for qualifying individuals; contact the Board for application forms and guidance.

Licensing authority: Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

Military spouse or partner temporary associate registration
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Application
Contact BBS.Military@dca.ca.gov for the Board’s temporary license or registration forms and applicant-specific guidance.
Duration
Nonrenewable; expires 12 months after issue or earlier upon issue/denial of a standard, endorsement or expedited license.
Fee
No application or issuance fee under § 115.6(k).
Fitness
No disqualifying conduct, past disciplinary action or unresolved complaint/review/disciplinary proceeding; submit fingerprints if requested.
Law and ethics
BPC § 115.6(d) requires the California law and ethics examination when otherwise required by the Board for this profession.
Military relationship
Married to, in a domestic partnership or other legal union with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to California by official orders.
Outside license
Hold a current, active, unrestricted license authorizing the same scope in another United States state, district or territory; provide good-standing verification and required affidavit.

Temporary Professional Clinical Counselor License

Nonrenewable temporary license under BPC section 115.6 for qualifying military spouses or partners.

Licensing authority: California Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

Military spouse or partner temporary independent license
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination
Application
Contact BBS.Military@dca.ca.gov for the Board’s temporary license or registration forms and applicant-specific guidance.
Duration
Nonrenewable; expires 12 months after issue or earlier upon issue/denial of a standard, endorsement or expedited license.
Fee
No application or issuance fee under § 115.6(k).
Fitness
No disqualifying conduct, past disciplinary action or unresolved complaint/review/disciplinary proceeding; submit fingerprints if requested.
Law and ethics
BPC § 115.6(d) requires the California law and ethics examination when otherwise required by the Board for this profession.
Military relationship
Married to, in a domestic partnership or other legal union with an active-duty United States Armed Forces member assigned to California by official orders.
Outside license
Hold a current, active, unrestricted license authorizing the same scope in another United States state, district or territory; provide good-standing verification and required affidavit.

Retired Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Retired license; holder may not engage in activity requiring an active professional clinical counselor license.

Licensing authority: Board of Behavioral Sciences · Application information

Retired license from current active or inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application and fee with identification and truthful attestations.
Eligibility
Hold a current active or inactive LPCC license that is not suspended, revoked, punitively restricted or subject to disciplinary action.
Practice prohibited
May not engage in activity requiring an active LPCC license; use the unabbreviated word retired with the professional title.
Renewal
A retired license is not required to be renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retired license from license expired within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the prescribed completed application and fee with identification and truthful attestations.
Eligibility
License expired within three years of receipt of the application and was not suspended, revoked, punitively restricted or subject to disciplinary action before or after expiration.
Practice prohibited
May not engage in activity requiring an active LPCC license; use the unabbreviated word retired with the professional title.
Renewal
A retired license is not required to be renewed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Law and Ethics Examination

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Written examination
Exam questions
50 scored questions and 25 pretest questions
Time limit
90 minutes
Examination outline
  • 1. Law (44%) — 1.1. Consent, Confidentiality, and Privilege (16%)
    • T1. Disclose professional information required under law to facilitate clients’ ability to make treatment decisions.
    • T2. Comply with laws regarding informed consent to authorize treatment.
    • T3. Comply with laws related to treating minors to provide services to children, adolescents, and teens.
    • T4. Maintain confidentiality to protect the client’s right to privacy in the counseling relationship.
    • T5. Identify the holder of privilege to determine requirements regarding client-counselor communications.
    • T6. Respond to requests for records according to legal requirements to protect clients’ rights and safety.
    • T7. Comply with laws regarding the disclosure of privileged information in judicial and legal matters.
    • T8. Comply with laws regarding telehealth to deliver services using information and communication technologies.
    • T9. Comply with the provisions of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to protect sensitive client information.
    • K1. Knowledge of laws regarding counseling-related disclosures that must be provided to clients.
    • K2. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosure of licensure or registration status.
    • K3. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosure of fees and good faith estimates.
    • K4. Knowledge of laws regarding informed consent.
    • K5. Knowledge of laws regarding treating minor clients.
    • K6. Knowledge of laws regarding consent to treat and refuse treatment of a minor.
    • K7. Knowledge of laws regarding voluntary and involuntary treatment of minors.
    • K8. Knowledge of laws regarding access to information related to minor treatment.
    • K9. Knowledge of laws regarding payment of services for treatment of minors.
    • K10. Knowledge of laws regarding interactions with third-party payors or other parties in the treatment of minors.
    • K11. Knowledge of laws regarding counselor-client communications.
    • K12. Knowledge of laws regarding confidentiality with different units of treatment.
    • K13. Knowledge of laws regarding the release of confidential counseling information.
    • K14. Knowledge of laws regarding holder of privilege.
    • K15. Knowledge of laws regarding privileged communications.
    • K16. Knowledge of laws regarding the client’s rights to access treatment records.
    • K17. Knowledge of laws regarding the release of records to other individuals, professionals, or third parties.
    • K18. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege and privileged communications in judicial and legal matters.
    • K19. Knowledge of legal requirements for responding to subpoenas and court orders.
    • T20. Knowledge of laws regarding disclosures and consent specific to telehealth.
    • T21. Knowledge of laws regarding resources and emergency practices required under telehealth.
    • T22. Knowledge of laws regarding assessments and verifications that must be performed under telehealth.
    • T23. Knowledge of laws regarding geographic limitations for providing telehealth.
    • T24. Knowledge of laws regarding the standards of practice and delivery of telehealth.
    • K25. Knowledge of requirements of the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • 1. Law (44%) — 1.2. Limits to Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting (16%)
    • T10. Report known or suspected child abuse or neglect to protect the health and safety of minors.
    • T11. Report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults to protect vulnerable populations.
    • T12. Report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of older adults to protect vulnerable populations.
    • T13. Comply with laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients who indicate a potential danger to self or others.
    • T14. Comply with laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients who demonstrate grave disability.
    • T15. Comply with laws regarding privilege exceptions to address situations involving client litigation.
    • T16. Comply with laws regarding privilege exceptions in court-appointed or defendant-requested evaluation or treatment.
    • K26. Knowledge of the signs of child or adolescent abuse and neglect.
    • K27. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of child abuse or neglect.
    • K28. Knowledge of procedures for filing a mandated report with protective authorities.
    • K29. Knowledge of the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults.
    • K30. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of dependent adults.
    • K31. Knowledge of the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
    • K32. Knowledge of laws regarding mandated reporting of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.
    • K33. Knowledge of signs of imminent harm to self or others.
    • K34. Knowledge of criteria for initiating involuntary hospitalization.
    • K35. Knowledge of laws regarding client rights in situations requiring involuntary hospitalization.
    • K36. Knowledge of laws regarding breaking confidentiality to protect clients or others.
    • K37. Knowledge of signs of impairment that require a higher level of intervention or hospitalization.
    • K38. Knowledge of laws regarding breaking confidentiality to address psychiatric crises.
    • K39. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege in litigation involving client’s mental or emotional condition.
    • K40. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in breach of duty allegations.
    • K41. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in court-appointed evaluation or treatment.
    • K42. Knowledge of laws regarding privilege exceptions in defendant-requested evaluation or treatment.
  • 1. Law (44%) — 1.3. Legal Standards for Professional Practice (12%)
    • T17. Comply with laws regarding scope of practice to maintain professional boundaries.
    • T18. Comply with laws regarding professional conduct to maintain professional integrity.
    • T19. Comply with laws regarding sexual contact, sexual suggestion, and sexual behaviors toward clients.
    • T20. Maintain client records according to legal requirements for documentation, storage, and disposal.
    • T21. Advertise services using accurate information to prevent false, misleading, or exploitive messaging.
    • T22. Comply with laws regarding fees, billing, and payment policies that protect clients from financial harm or exploitation.
    • T23. Comply with laws regarding the payment or acceptance of money or other consideration for referrals.
    • T24. Comply with laws regarding interactions with third-party payors to assist clients in receiving services.
    • K43. Knowledge of legal requirements regarding associate and LPCC scope of practice.
    • K44. Knowledge of laws regarding professional conduct.
    • K45. Knowledge of laws regarding sexual contact, sexual suggestion, and sexual behaviors with clients.
    • K46. Knowledge of laws regarding providing clients with the booklet Therapy Never Includes Sexual Behavior.
    • K47. Knowledge of laws regarding documentation of counseling services.
    • K48. Knowledge of laws regarding the storage and disposal of records.
    • K49. Knowledge of laws regarding advertising as an associate and LPCC.
    • K50. Knowledge of laws regarding advertising claims, statements, and practices.
    • K51. Knowledge of laws prohibiting collusion.
    • K52. Knowledge of laws regarding notification of fee changes.
    • K53. Knowledge of laws regarding the collection of fees and surcharges.
    • K54. Knowledge of legal requirements regarding the collection of unpaid balances.
    • K55. Knowledge of laws regarding payment or acceptance of money or other consideration for referrals.
    • K56. Knowledge of laws regarding third-party billing and reimbursement practices.
    • K57. Knowledge of laws regarding parity in mental health services.
  • 2. Ethics (56%) — 2.1. Professional Competence and Integrity (16%)
    • T25. Practice within scope of competence to provide treatment consistent with level of training and experience.
    • T26. Maintain competence in providing services that are culturally sensitive and diversity informed.
    • T27. Manage conflict of interest situations to prevent client exploitation and impairment to professional judgment.
    • T28. Maintain professional boundaries in a manner congruent with counselor role.
    • T29. Adhere to ethical standards regarding nonprofessional interactions and sexual activity, contact, or intimacy with clients and others.
    • T30. Maintain awareness of personal values, beliefs, and reactions to manage the potential impact on treatment.
    • T31. Manage personal mental, emotional, and physical issues to prevent impairment to professional performance or judgment.
    • T32. Adhere to ethical standards regarding practicing while impaired to prevent harm to the client or counseling relationship.
    • K58. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the use of techniques or approaches within level of competence.
    • K59. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding remaining current on professional developments.
    • K60. Knowledge of methods for managing treatment situations outside scope of competence.
    • K61. Knowledge of methods for developing or expanding competence in areas of practice.
    • K62. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding cultural competence and working with diverse clients.
    • K63. Knowledge of methods for demonstrating cultural humility and cultural awareness.
    • K64. Knowledge of methods for expanding competence in working with diverse clients.
    • K65. Knowledge of ethical standards prohibiting discrimination in professional services and conduct.
    • K66. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding conflict-of-interest situations.
    • K67. Knowledge of methods for managing conflict of interest situations.
    • K68. Knowledge of methods for managing conflicting counselor roles.
    • K69. Knowledge of types of relationships that may result in client exploitation or impaired professional judgment.
    • K70. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding maintaining boundaries consistent with counselor role.
    • K71. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding physical contact with clients.
    • K72. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding dual or multiple relationships with clients, former clients, or others.
    • K73. Knowledge of methods for preventing boundary confusion in the counseling relationship.
    • K74. Knowledge of methods for managing avoidable and unavoidable dual or multiple relationships.
    • T75. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding nonprofessional interactions with clients and others.
    • T76. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding sexual contact, intimacy, or explicit communications with clients and others.
    • T77. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding sexual harassment and use of derogatory language with or about clients and others.
    • T78. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding counseling relationships with former sexual or intimate partners.
    • T79. Knowledge of types of situations that indicate a need for professional assistance or consultation.
    • T80. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding personal values, beliefs, reactions, and professional objectivity.
    • T81. Knowledge of methods for managing the impact of personal values, beliefs, and reactions on treatment.
    • T82. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding personal issues and professional performance.
    • T83. Knowledge of methods for managing the impact of personal issues on professional performance or judgment.
    • T84. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding practicing when physically or psychologically impaired.
    • T85. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding practicing under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
  • 2. Ethics (56%) — 2.2. Responsibility to Clients and Counseling Relationships (24%)
    • T33. Obtain consent for treatment to respect clients’ right to make meaningful treatment decisions.
    • T34. Evaluate nature of clients’ relationship with other treatment providers to prevent confusion or duplication of services.
    • T35. Administer clinical assessment instruments necessary for the provision of counseling services.
    • T36. Provide services congruent with clients’ medically or psychologically necessary care.
    • T37. Promote well-being of clients to protect their inherent dignity and welfare.
    • T38. Respect clients’ right to autonomy to promote their ability to make own choices and decisions.
    • T39. Manage issues related to confidentiality to protect clients’ privacy and the counseling relationship.
    • T40. Manage safety concerns and crisis situations that arise during counseling to protect clients and others.
    • T41. Manage the impact of legal and ethical obligations that arise during counseling.
    • T42. Advocate with and on behalf of clients to assist in obtaining resources that meet clients’ mental health needs.
    • T43. Collaborate with other professionals as part of multidisciplinary teams to meet clients’ needs.
    • T44. Refer clients to qualified professionals to address situations that require adjunctive or alternate expertise.
    • T45. Manage situations in which services must be interrupted or discontinued to minimize disruption to clients’ care.
    • T46. Terminate services when counseling is no longer needed or is no longer beneficial to the client’s well-being.
    • K86. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing clients with information about treatment and alternatives.
    • K87. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding obtaining informed consent from clients and legal representatives.
    • K88. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ right to withdraw consent.
    • K89. Knowledge of methods for ensuring clients understand informed consent information and their rights.
    • K90. Knowledge of methods for protecting the interest of clients who are unable to provide independent or voluntary consent.
    • K91. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting clients who are receiving services from other providers.
    • K92. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client transfers.
    • K93. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding selecting, administering, reporting, and storing results of clinical assessments.
    • K94. Knowledge of methods for preventing the misuse of results from assessment measures.
    • K95. Knowledge of referral resources to address testing needs outside scope of practice.
    • K96. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing services in the best interest of clients.
    • K97. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting incentives for withholding or limiting client care.
    • K98. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding acting in the best interest of clients.
    • K99. Knowledge of methods for enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, and groups.
    • K100. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ right to make treatment decisions.
    • K101. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding confidentiality in counseling processes.
    • K102. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding confidentiality with couples, families, and groups.
    • K103. Knowledge of methods for minimizing harm to clients or others when disclosures are requested or required.
    • K104. Knowledge of methods for managing breaches of confidentiality.
    • K105. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality during consultations with other professionals.
    • K106. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality with third-party payors.
    • K107. Knowledge of ethical obligations regarding the management of safety needs.
    • K108. Knowledge of methods for addressing client safety needs.
    • K109. Knowledge of methods for protecting the best interest of clients in situations where legal and ethical obligations arise.
    • K110. Knowledge of methods for protecting the best interest of clients in situations where workplace and ethical obligations conflict.
    • K111. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding advocating for resources that meet clients’ mental health needs.
    • K112. Knowledge of ethical standards for participating as a member of interdisciplinary teams.
    • K113. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client rights during consultations and collaborations with other professionals.
    • K114. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding referrals for services that meet client needs.
    • K115. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding transferring clients to other professionals.
    • K116. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding continuity of care.
    • K117. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing clients with notification and options when services are interrupted or discontinued.
    • K118. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding discontinuing services.
    • K119. Knowledge of methods for preventing client abandonment.
    • K120. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the termination of services to pursue social, financial, or personal interests.
  • 2. Ethics (56%) — 2.3. Practice Policies and Professional Responsibilities (16%)
    • T47. Maintain ethical policies regarding the use of technology to deliver services and communicate with clients and others.
    • T48. Maintain financial policies that conform to professional practices and are commensurate with services provided.
    • T49. Adhere to ethical standards regarding accepting gifts and tokens of appreciation from clients or others.
    • T50. Advertise services using accurate representations and acceptable means to promote or expand practice or services provided.
    • T51. Manage client records consistent with ethical standards to document services and minimize potential for harm.
    • T52. Maintain professionalism when acting in different roles or capacities to avoid confusion or inaccurate representation.
    • T53. Adhere to ethical guidelines for conducting evaluations and research to protect the rights of clients and others.
    • T54. Address unethical or incompetent conduct of colleagues to protect the well-being and best interest of clients.
    • T55. Adhere to ethical guidelines for engaging in the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship.
    • K121. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding the use of electronic media to communicate and disseminate information.
    • K122. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding delivering services through technology.
    • K123. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding upholding the client’s well-being in service delivery using technology.
    • K124. Knowledge of methods for managing confidentiality with the use of technology in service delivery.
    • K125. Knowledge of methods for assessing competence with using technology for service delivery.
    • K126. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding managing emergency situations that arise during telehealth.
    • K127. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding managing technological disruptions.
    • K128. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding gathering, managing, and storing information electronically.
    • K129. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding setting fees and collecting payments.
    • K130. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding collecting unpaid balances.
    • K131. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding financial business practices and forms of payment.
    • K132. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding financial interactions with third-party payors.
    • K133. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding accepting goods or services as payment for professional services.
    • K134. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding of accepting gifts and tokens of appreciation.
    • K135. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding advertising.
    • K136. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding soliciting and using testimonials or endorsements.
    • K137. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding recruiting clients through employment and professional associations.
    • K138. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding documenting services consistent with clinical best practices.
    • K139. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding protecting client records.
    • K140. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding clients’ access to treatment records.
    • K141. Knowledge of methods for managing client records requests.
    • K142. Knowledge of methods for assisting clients in understanding information in treatment records.
    • K143. Knowledge of ethical standards about clarifying roles when acting in capacity other than LPCC.
    • K144. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding conflicting or dual roles.
    • K145. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding providing professional testimony, opinions, and evaluations.
    • K146. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding client rights in evaluations and research.
    • K147. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding consent and consent withdrawal during evaluations and research.
    • K148. Knowledge of types of unethical colleague behaviors that require intervention or action.
    • K149. Knowledge of ethical standards regarding addressing unethical or incompetent conduct of colleagues.
    • K150. Knowledge of ethical standards pertaining to the supervisor/prelicensure practitioner relationship and responsibilities.
Examination sources

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Provider
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); administered through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online through OnVUE
Format
11 clinical case studies, each with one narrative in three sections (initial intake summary and two counseling sessions) followed by 9–15 four-option, single-answer multiple-choice questions; one case study is unscored
Exam questions
130–150 multiple-choice items, of which 100 are scored
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after the fifth case study)
Passing score
Cut score set through standard setting and applied to other forms through statistical equating; the total score is the number of correctly answered scored items
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Assess your (the counselor) competency to work with a specific client
    • B. Understand statistical concepts and methods in research
    • C. Practice legal and ethical counseling
    • D. Clarify counselor/client roles
    • E. Discuss client’s rights and responsibilities
    • F. Discuss limits of confidentiality
    • G. Explain counselor/agency policies
    • H. Review payment, fees, and insurance benefits
    • I. Explain counseling processes, procedures, risks, and benefits
    • J. Explain uses and limits of social media
    • K. Inform clients about the legal aspects of counseling
    • L. Obtain informed consent
    • M. Discuss confidentiality as it applies to electronic communication
    • N. Establish group rules, expectations, and termination criteria
    • O. Assess competency to provide informed consent
    • P. Monitor the therapeutic relationship and build trust as needed
    • Q. Review client records
    • R. Provide adequate accommodations for clients with disabilities
    • S. Provide information to third parties
    • T. Provide referral sources if counseling services are inadequate/inappropriate
    • U. Advocate for professional and client issues
    • V. Supervision
    • W. Create and maintain documentation appropriate for each aspect of the counseling process
    • X. Awareness and practice of self-care
  • 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct client intake, assessment, and diagnosis. (25% of scored items) (25%)
    • A. Conduct a biopsychosocial interview
    • B. Conduct a diagnostic interview
    • C. Conduct cultural formulation interview
    • D. Conduct an initial interview
    • E. Determine diagnosis
    • F. Perform a Mental Status Exam (MSE)
    • G. Consider co-occurring diagnoses
    • H. Determine level of care needed
    • I. Determine the appropriate modality of treatment
    • J. Assess the presenting problem and level of distress
    • K. Evaluate an individual’s level of mental health functioning
    • L. Screen clients for appropriate services
    • M. Select, use, and interpret appropriate assessment instruments
    • N. Use formal and informal observations
    • O. Assess for trauma
    • P. Assess substance use
    • Q. Obtain client self-reports
    • R. Evaluate interactional dynamics
    • S. Conduct ongoing assessment for at-risk behaviors (i.e., suicide, homicide, self/other-injury, and relationship violence)
    • T. Use pre-test and post-test measures to assess outcomes
    • U. Evaluate counseling effectiveness
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with client’s diagnosis
    • C. Identify barriers affecting client goal attainment
    • D. Identify strengths that improve the likelihood of goal attainment
    • E. Refer to different levels of treatment (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, residential)
    • F. Refer to others for concurrent treatment
    • G. Guide treatment planning
    • H. Discuss termination process and issues
    • I. Discuss transitions in group membership
    • J. Follow up after discharge
    • K. Use assessment instrument results to facilitate client decision-making
    • L. Review and revise the treatment plan
    • M. Engage clients in review of progress toward treatment goals
    • N. Collaborate with other providers and client support systems (documentation and report writing)
    • O. Discuss with clients the integration and maintenance of therapeutic progress
    • P. Educate client to the value of treatment plan compliance
  • 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct effective counseling. (30% of scored items) (30%)
    • A. Align intervention with client’s developmental level
    • B. Align intervention with counseling modality (individual, couple, family, or group)
    • C. Align intervention with client population (e.g., veterans, minorities, disenfranchised, disabled)
    • D. Implement individual counseling in relation to a plan of treatment
    • E. Establish therapeutic alliance
    • F. Apply theory-based counseling intervention(s)
    • G. Address addiction issues
    • H. Address cultural considerations
    • I. Address family composition and cultural considerations
    • J. Evaluate and explain systemic patterns of interaction
    • K. Explore family member interaction
    • L. Explore religious and spiritual values
    • M. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
    • N. Help clients develop support systems
    • O. Help facilitate clients’ motivation to make the changes they desire
    • P. Improve interactional patterns
    • Q. Provide crisis intervention
    • R. Educate client about transference and defense mechanisms
    • S. Facilitate trust and safety
    • T. Build communication skills
    • U. Develop conflict resolution strategies
    • V. Develop safety plans
    • W. Facilitate systemic change
    • X. Provide distance counseling or telemental health
    • Y. Provide education resources (e.g., stress management, assertiveness training, divorce adjustment)
    • Z. Provide psychoeducation for client
    • AA. Summarize
    • AB. Reframe/redirect
    • AC. Facilitate empathic responses
    • AD. Use self-disclosure
    • AE. Use constructive confrontation
    • AF. Facilitate awareness of here-and-now interactions
    • AG. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
    • AH. Use linking and blocking in a group context
    • AI. Management of leader–member dynamics
    • AJ. Model giving and receiving of feedback
    • AK. Address impact of extended families
    • AL. Contain and manage intense feelings
    • AM. Explore the influence of family of origin patterns and themes
    • AN. Address the impact of social support network
    • AO. Use “structured” activities
    • AP. Promote and encourage interactions among group members
    • AQ. Promote and encourage interactions with the group leader
    • AR. Use psychoeducation as a part of the group process
    • AS. Explain phases in the group process
    • AT. Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
    • AU. Create intervention based on the stage of group development
    • AV. Challenge harmful group member behaviors
    • AW. Address the potential interaction of members outside of the group
  • 6. Core Counseling Attributes — This section encompasses behaviors, traits, and dispositions of effective counselors. (15% of scored items) (15%)
    • A. Awareness of self and impact on clients
    • B. Genuineness
    • C. Congruence
    • D. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to gender orientation and gender issues
    • E. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural issues
    • F. Demonstrate conflict tolerance and resolution
    • G. Empathic attunement
    • H. Empathic responding
    • I. Foster the emergence of group therapeutic factors
    • J. Non-judgmental stance
    • K. Positive regard
    • L. Respect and acceptance for diversity
    • M. Use foundational listening, attending, and reflecting skills
Examination sources