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Idaho Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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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.

Conditional licensure — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

One-year conditional counselor licensure in lieu of denial based on a prior criminal conviction; success converts it to unrestricted licensure and failure results in revocation.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

One year conditional licensure following a criminal conviction review
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Criminal history
Submit a fingerprint-based criminal history check under Idaho Code 67-9411A (54-3405A(4)).
Existing license
Hold a valid professional counselor license in good standing (54-3405A(1)); that prerequisite license is an applicant condition.
Experience
Complete 2,000 direct-client-contact hours under supervision over at least two years. At least 1,000 hours must be supervised by an LCPC; one clinical supervision hour is required per 30 direct-contact hours, with at least half of supervision individual (54-3405A(2); Rule 100.02.a).
Probation
Instead of denying on the basis of a prior conviction, the Board may issue one-year conditional licensure. Successful completion requires unrestricted licensure; failure requires revocation and denial of full licensure (67-9411(3)).
Score documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCMHCE remains an examination requirement.

Conditional licensure — Licensed Professional Counselor

One-year conditional counselor licensure in lieu of denial based on a prior criminal conviction; success converts it to unrestricted licensure and failure results in revocation.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

One year conditional licensure following a criminal conviction review
National Counselor Examination
Board coursework
The pinned Board FAQ asks for 60 semester or 90 quarter credits, a year of advanced counseling practicum with at least 280 direct-client-contact hours, and the eight listed CACREP curricular areas. These application statements are retained alongside the controlling statute and current Rule 100.01.a.
Criminal history
Submit a fingerprint-based criminal history check; convictions are evaluated for relevance under Idaho Code 67-9411, rather than a generic moral-character bar (54-3405(1)(a)-(b)).
Disciplinary history
A revoked or suspended related license prevents issuance until the sanction period is completed and the Board finds an acceptable degree of rehabilitation after competency review (54-3405(2)).
Education
Hold a Board-approved master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field, including supervised clinical practicum. The program must be CACREP-accredited or substantially similar and approved by the Board (Idaho Code 54-3405(1)(c)(i); Rule 100.01.a).
Experience
Complete 1,000 supervised counseling hours, including 400 direct-client-contact hours, with at least one individual supervision hour per 20 direct-contact hours. Graduate practicum or internship may count under Rule 100.01.c.
Non cacrep documents
The Board FAQ requires course syllabi and the coursework addendum for non-CACREP graduate degrees.
Probation
Instead of denying on the basis of a prior conviction, the Board may issue one-year conditional licensure. Successful completion requires unrestricted licensure; failure requires revocation and denial of full licensure (67-9411(3)).
Score documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCE remains an examination requirement.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Idaho clinical professional counselor license; ordinary qualification requires a valid professional counselor license in good standing.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Licensure after an applicable apprenticeship
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Applicable program
This statutory pathway applies only after completing a paid on-the-job program adopted by an Idaho licensing authority, the United States Department of Labor, or its recognized standards entity; no particular counselor apprenticeship is asserted to be adopted.
Other requirements
Pay applicable fees and meet the ordinary criteria unrelated to training and education, including the applicable standard examination (67-9412(2)).
Conversion following successful conditional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Probation
Successfully complete the probational conditions of the one-year conditional license; the statute requires issuance of full unrestricted licensure. Failure requires revocation and denial.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of a revoked or suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board order
Restoration is discretionary and subject to the individual terms the Board imposes under 54-3407. This provision names no independent examination; an applicant must comply with their specific restoration order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application form edition
The Board-hosted July 2021 endorsement application refers to Rule 300 and the examination applications route applicants licensed elsewhere more than five years to it. The current July 2024 chapter has no Rule 300. Its Rule 100 examination provisions govern this survey; the older form’s routing statement is recorded as an applicant-facing instruction, not a new five-year statutory eligibility requirement.
Board discretion
The Board may grant endorsement. Rule 100 identifies the current examination for this counselor license; applicant eligibility or a Board waiver is a condition, not deletion of the examination reference.
Existing license
At application, hold corresponding counselor licensure or certification from another state, territory, or foreign country; meet the qualifications established by Board rule (54-3406).
Foreign education
For a graduate degree from outside the United States, the Board may require a NACES-member evaluation certifying equivalence to an approved United States degree; all submitted information must have an English translation (Rule 100.05).
Verification
Provide certifications from all jurisdictions where currently or previously licensed; the Board form permits a printout where the issuing authority guarantees primary-source verification.
Licensure by examination
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Criminal history
Submit a fingerprint-based criminal history check under Idaho Code 67-9411A (54-3405A(4)).
Existing license
Hold a valid professional counselor license in good standing (54-3405A(1)); that prerequisite license is an applicant condition.
Experience
Complete 2,000 direct-client-contact hours under supervision over at least two years. At least 1,000 hours must be supervised by an LCPC; one clinical supervision hour is required per 30 direct-contact hours, with at least half of supervision individual (54-3405A(2); Rule 100.02.a).
Foreign education
For a graduate degree from outside the United States, the Board may require a NACES-member evaluation certifying equivalence to an approved United States degree; all submitted information must have an English translation (Rule 100.05).
Score documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCMHCE remains an examination requirement.
Waiver or variance
Idaho Code 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance subject to the statutory criteria and Board decision; subsection (6) does not permit waiver of statutory initial-license qualifications.
Military, veteran or spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
The condensed application may not require an examination or application fee (67-9406(4)).
Discipline disclosure
Disclose current, pending and subsequent licensing disciplinary proceedings; the Board may withhold, revoke or condition endorsement.
Eligibility
Be an eligible military member, honorably discharged former member, veteran or spouse with current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another United States state, district, territory, military branch or National Guard. Validate both statuses.
Scope
This full-license route applies when the Board accepts the prior licensed scope. A narrower scope may result in limited licensure and separately determined additional qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after failure to renew within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cancellation
License canceled for failure to renew for no more than five years.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Renewal compliance
Document all timely-renewal requirements; pay the reinstatement fee if required and satisfy other division reinstatement conditions (67-2614(9)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license after cancellation exceeding five years
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Amounts due
Pay outstanding amounts or comply with a payment arrangement (67-2614(10)(b)).
Competency
The division determines requirements demonstrating competency to resume practice, which may include education, supervised practice and examination; practice in another jurisdiction may be considered (67-2614(10)(c)).
Examination documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCMHCE remains an examination requirement.
New application
Apply as a new license applicant with all required forms and information and the current new-license fee (67-2614(10)(a)).
Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Military exemption
Active military CE waivers are provided under 67-9416(5). Section 67-2606 permits fee exemption and preserves good standing without renewal during covered military service and six months following discharge.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, required renewal fee and confirmation of compliance with renewal requirements, including continuing education and amounts due or a payment arrangement (67-2614(6)).
Residence exemption
An out-of-state resident with an equivalent home-state license and verified mandatory home-state CE may use the exemption in 67-9416(3), subject to pre-July 2024 Idaho-specific CE requirements under subsection (4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Approval of clinical counselor supervisor privileges
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Discipline
No discipline within the preceding five years, except the Board may approve supervision despite discipline for failing to complete CE.
Existing license
Hold an active LCPC license. Rule 200.02.b permits LPC supervisors only until July 1, 2026, before this evaluation date.
Training
Document at least 15 contact hours of relevant supervisor education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensure
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Background check
Submit supporting application materials and the same background checks required of standard applicants (67-9409(3)).
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods; the Board may require all or part of the examination used in its standard application. No jurisprudence examination may be established for this purpose (67-9409(4)).
Existing license
Hold current, valid and unrestricted licensure in another United States state, district or territory (67-9409(1)).
Scope comparison
If the prior licensed scope is narrower, the Board may instead issue a restricted limited license under 67-9409(6).
Full licensure following universal limited licensure
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Additional qualifications
Satisfy the education, training and other requirements the Board deems necessary under 67-9409(6).
Competency examination
Under 67-9409(4), all or part of the examination used in the standard application may be required; applicant-specific waivers and competency findings remain conditions.
Universal work recognition
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Competency
The applicable standard examination has the same passing score; submit an application, supporting materials and the ordinary background checks so the Board can determine other qualifications (67-9414(2),(5)).
Work experience
At least four years of work in the same profession with similar scope in another United States state, district, territory or military jurisdiction where a license was not required (67-9414(1)).

Limited license — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Discretionary limited counselor license for an applicant whose prior licensed scope is narrower than Idaho practice; restricted pending satisfaction of additional qualifications.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Restoration of a suspended or revoked limited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board terms
Restoration depends on the Board’s individual terms under 54-3407 and preserves the authorized limited scope and period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military limited licensure for a narrower prior licensed scope
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application exam exemption
The condensed initial application may not require an examination under 67-9406(4). An additional narrowly tailored examination for full licensure is a separate unresolved conversion pathway.
Military eligibility
Meet the military endorsement status and unrestricted prior licensure requirements in 67-9406(1)-(3).
Restricted scope
The Board may issue limited licensure when Idaho authorizes broader practice. Practice remains restricted to the prior licensed scope for the period allowed to meet full qualifications (67-9406(5)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within five years and the authorized limited license period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limited period
The limited practice scope and Board-set period remain controlling; reinstatement is not conversion to an unrestricted license.
Renewal compliance
Document the timely-renewal requirements and other division reinstatement conditions and pay any required reinstatement fee (67-2614(9)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within the authorized limited license period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Limited period
Renewal does not enlarge the authorized scope or extend the Board-set limited period for meeting full-license requirements.
Military exemption
Active military CE waivers are provided under 67-9416(5). Section 67-2606 permits fee exemption and preserves good standing without renewal during covered military service and six months following discharge.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, required renewal fee and confirmation of compliance with renewal requirements, including continuing education and amounts due or a payment arrangement (67-2614(6)).
Residence exemption
An out-of-state resident with an equivalent home-state license and verified mandatory home-state CE may use the exemption in 67-9416(3), subject to pre-July 2024 Idaho-specific CE requirements under subsection (4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal limited licensure for a narrower prior licensed scope
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Examination discretion
Under 67-9409(4), all or part of the examination used in the standard application may be required to demonstrate competence; the examination’s applicability or waiver for the applicant remains a condition.
Prior license
Current valid unrestricted corresponding licensure in another United States state, district or territory.
Scope restriction
The Board may issue a limited license instead of denying for a scope difference. Idaho practice stays within the prior licensed scope during the allowed period for additional qualifications (67-9409(6)).

Limited license — Licensed Professional Counselor

Discretionary limited counselor license for an applicant whose prior licensed scope is narrower than Idaho practice; restricted pending satisfaction of additional qualifications.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Restoration of a suspended or revoked limited license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board terms
Restoration depends on the Board’s individual terms under 54-3407 and preserves the authorized limited scope and period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military limited licensure for a narrower prior licensed scope
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application exam exemption
The condensed initial application may not require an examination under 67-9406(4). An additional narrowly tailored examination for full licensure is a separate unresolved conversion pathway.
Military eligibility
Meet the military endorsement status and unrestricted prior licensure requirements in 67-9406(1)-(3).
Restricted scope
The Board may issue limited licensure when Idaho authorizes broader practice. Practice remains restricted to the prior licensed scope for the period allowed to meet full qualifications (67-9406(5)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within five years and the authorized limited license period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Limited period
The limited practice scope and Board-set period remain controlling; reinstatement is not conversion to an unrestricted license.
Renewal compliance
Document the timely-renewal requirements and other division reinstatement conditions and pay any required reinstatement fee (67-2614(9)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal within the authorized limited license period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Limited period
Renewal does not enlarge the authorized scope or extend the Board-set limited period for meeting full-license requirements.
Military exemption
Active military CE waivers are provided under 67-9416(5). Section 67-2606 permits fee exemption and preserves good standing without renewal during covered military service and six months following discharge.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, required renewal fee and confirmation of compliance with renewal requirements, including continuing education and amounts due or a payment arrangement (67-2614(6)).
Residence exemption
An out-of-state resident with an equivalent home-state license and verified mandatory home-state CE may use the exemption in 67-9416(3), subject to pre-July 2024 Idaho-specific CE requirements under subsection (4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal limited licensure for a narrower prior licensed scope
National Counselor Examination
Examination discretion
Under 67-9409(4), all or part of the examination used in the standard application may be required to demonstrate competence; the examination’s applicability or waiver for the applicant remains a condition.
Prior license
Current valid unrestricted corresponding licensure in another United States state, district or territory.
Scope restriction
The Board may issue a limited license instead of denying for a scope difference. Idaho practice stays within the prior licensed scope during the allowed period for additional qualifications (67-9409(6)).

Licensed Professional Counselor

Idaho professional counselor license. The Board states that temporary licenses are not issued.

Licensing authority: Idaho State Licensing Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists · Application information

Licensure after an applicable apprenticeship
National Counselor Examination
Applicable program
This statutory pathway applies only after completing a paid on-the-job program adopted by an Idaho licensing authority, the United States Department of Labor, or its recognized standards entity; no particular counselor apprenticeship is asserted to be adopted.
Other requirements
Pay applicable fees and meet the ordinary criteria unrelated to training and education, including the applicable standard examination (67-9412(2)).
Conversion following successful conditional licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Probation
Successfully complete the probational conditions of the one-year conditional license; the statute requires issuance of full unrestricted licensure. Failure requires revocation and denial.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of a revoked or suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board order
Restoration is discretionary and subject to the individual terms the Board imposes under 54-3407. This provision names no independent examination; an applicant must comply with their specific restoration order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement
National Counselor Examination
Application form edition
The Board-hosted July 2021 endorsement application refers to Rule 300 and the examination applications route applicants licensed elsewhere more than five years to it. The current July 2024 chapter has no Rule 300. Its Rule 100 examination provisions govern this survey; the older form’s routing statement is recorded as an applicant-facing instruction, not a new five-year statutory eligibility requirement.
Board discretion
The Board may grant endorsement. Rule 100 identifies the current examination for this counselor license; applicant eligibility or a Board waiver is a condition, not deletion of the examination reference.
Existing license
At application, hold corresponding counselor licensure or certification from another state, territory, or foreign country; meet the qualifications established by Board rule (54-3406).
Foreign education
For a graduate degree from outside the United States, the Board may require a NACES-member evaluation certifying equivalence to an approved United States degree; all submitted information must have an English translation (Rule 100.05).
Verification
Provide certifications from all jurisdictions where currently or previously licensed; the Board form permits a printout where the issuing authority guarantees primary-source verification.
Licensure by examination
National Counselor Examination
Board coursework
The pinned Board FAQ asks for 60 semester or 90 quarter credits, a year of advanced counseling practicum with at least 280 direct-client-contact hours, and the eight listed CACREP curricular areas. These application statements are retained alongside the controlling statute and current Rule 100.01.a.
Criminal history
Submit a fingerprint-based criminal history check; convictions are evaluated for relevance under Idaho Code 67-9411, rather than a generic moral-character bar (54-3405(1)(a)-(b)).
Disciplinary history
A revoked or suspended related license prevents issuance until the sanction period is completed and the Board finds an acceptable degree of rehabilitation after competency review (54-3405(2)).
Education
Hold a Board-approved master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field, including supervised clinical practicum. The program must be CACREP-accredited or substantially similar and approved by the Board (Idaho Code 54-3405(1)(c)(i); Rule 100.01.a).
Experience
Complete 1,000 supervised counseling hours, including 400 direct-client-contact hours, with at least one individual supervision hour per 20 direct-contact hours. Graduate practicum or internship may count under Rule 100.01.c.
Foreign education
For a graduate degree from outside the United States, the Board may require a NACES-member evaluation certifying equivalence to an approved United States degree; all submitted information must have an English translation (Rule 100.05).
Non cacrep documents
The Board FAQ requires course syllabi and the coursework addendum for non-CACREP graduate degrees.
Score documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCE remains an examination requirement.
Waiver or variance
Idaho Code 67-9415 permits petitions for waiver or variance subject to the statutory criteria and Board decision; subsection (6) does not permit waiver of statutory initial-license qualifications.
Military, veteran or spouse endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
The condensed application may not require an examination or application fee (67-9406(4)).
Discipline disclosure
Disclose current, pending and subsequent licensing disciplinary proceedings; the Board may withhold, revoke or condition endorsement.
Eligibility
Be an eligible military member, honorably discharged former member, veteran or spouse with current, valid, unrestricted licensure in another United States state, district, territory, military branch or National Guard. Validate both statuses.
Scope
This full-license route applies when the Board accepts the prior licensed scope. A narrower scope may result in limited licensure and separately determined additional qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after failure to renew within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Cancellation
License canceled for failure to renew for no more than five years.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Renewal compliance
Document all timely-renewal requirements; pay the reinstatement fee if required and satisfy other division reinstatement conditions (67-2614(9)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New license after cancellation exceeding five years
National Counselor Examination
Amounts due
Pay outstanding amounts or comply with a payment arrangement (67-2614(10)(b)).
Competency
The division determines requirements demonstrating competency to resume practice, which may include education, supervised practice and examination; practice in another jurisdiction may be considered (67-2614(10)(c)).
Examination documentation
The official passing national examination score must be sent directly by NBCC. A previously passed currently offered NCE remains an examination requirement.
New application
Apply as a new license applicant with all required forms and information and the current new-license fee (67-2614(10)(a)).
Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
In the preceding 24 months complete six ethics hours, three boundaries hours and three suicide-assessment or intervention hours; comply with the competence and continuing-education provisions of the applicable code of ethics (Rule 100.07).
Military exemption
Active military CE waivers are provided under 67-9416(5). Section 67-2606 permits fee exemption and preserves good standing without renewal during covered military service and six months following discharge.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application, required renewal fee and confirmation of compliance with renewal requirements, including continuing education and amounts due or a payment arrangement (67-2614(6)).
Residence exemption
An out-of-state resident with an equivalent home-state license and verified mandatory home-state CE may use the exemption in 67-9416(3), subject to pre-July 2024 Idaho-specific CE requirements under subsection (4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Universal licensure
National Counselor Examination
Background check
Submit supporting application materials and the same background checks required of standard applicants (67-9409(3)).
Competency
Demonstrate competency by Board-determined methods; the Board may require all or part of the examination used in its standard application. No jurisprudence examination may be established for this purpose (67-9409(4)).
Existing license
Hold current, valid and unrestricted licensure in another United States state, district or territory (67-9409(1)).
Scope comparison
If the prior licensed scope is narrower, the Board may instead issue a restricted limited license under 67-9409(6).
Full licensure following universal limited licensure
National Counselor Examination
Additional qualifications
Satisfy the education, training and other requirements the Board deems necessary under 67-9409(6).
Competency examination
Under 67-9409(4), all or part of the examination used in the standard application may be required; applicant-specific waivers and competency findings remain conditions.
Universal work recognition
National Counselor Examination
Competency
The applicable standard examination has the same passing score; submit an application, supporting materials and the ordinary background checks so the Board can determine other qualifications (67-9414(2),(5)).
Work experience
At least four years of work in the same profession with similar scope in another United States state, district, territory or military jurisdiction where a license was not required (67-9414(1)).

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

National Counselor 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
200-question, multiple-choice, non-sectioned examination; scored and unscored items appear in jumbled order; a different form is compiled for each administration
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice questions: 160 scored and 40 unscored field-test items
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after question #100)
Passing score
Criterion passing score set by a modified Angoff method and adjusted for each form by statistical equating; passing scores may vary slightly for each version
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • 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. Seek supervision/consultation
    • 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. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • 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
  • 3. Areas of Clinical Focus — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge and skills related to areas of clients’ concern(s). (29% of items; 47 scored items) (29%)
    • A. Adjustment related to physical loss/injury/medical condition
    • B. Aging/geriatric concerns
    • C. Behavioral problems
    • D. Bullying
    • E. Caregiving concerns
    • F. Cultural adjustments
    • G. End-of-life issues
    • H. Fear and panic
    • I. Financial issues
    • J. Gender identity development
    • K. Grief/loss
    • L. Hopelessness/depression
    • M. Loneliness/attachment
    • N. Hyper/hypo mental focus
    • O. Intellectual functioning issues
    • P. Insomnia/sleep issues
    • Q. Maladaptive eating behaviors
    • R. Remarriage/recommitment
    • S. Developmental processes/tasks/issues
    • T. Obsessive thoughts/behaviors
    • U. Occupation and career development
    • V. Physical issues related to anxiety
    • W. Physical issues related to depression
    • X. Physical/emotional issues related to trauma
    • Y. Process addictions (pornography, gambling)
    • Z. Racism/discrimination/oppression
    • AA. Religious values conflict
    • AB. Retirement concerns
    • AC. Ruminating and/or intrusive thoughts
    • AD. Separation from primary care givers
    • AE. Sexual functioning concerns
    • AF. Sleeping habits
    • AG. Spiritual/existential concerns
    • AH. Stress management
    • AI. Substance use/addiction issues
    • AJ. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
    • AK. Terminal illness issues
    • AL. Visual/auditory hallucinations
    • AM. Worry and anxiety
    • AN. Adoption issues
    • AO. Blended family issues
    • AP. Child abuse-related concerns
    • AQ. Child development issues
    • AR. Dating/relationship problems
    • AS. Divorce
    • AT. Family abuse/violence (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional)
    • AU. Interpersonal partner violence concerns
    • AV. Marital/partner communication problems
    • AW. Parenting/co-parenting conflicts
    • AX. Emotional dysregulation
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (9% of items; 14 scored items) (9%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with clients’ diagnoses
    • 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, etc.)
    • 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 items; 48 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. (8% of items; 13 scored items) (8%)
    • 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