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Indiana Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Counseling Compact Privilege to Practice in Indiana

Indiana remote-state legal authorization equivalent to a license under the Counseling Compact, covering in-person and telehealth practice by eligible independent counselors.

Licensing authority: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board · Application information

Regaining an Indiana compact privilege after home license encumbrance
Application
Notify the Commission, submit the privilege application and pay applicable Commission and Indiana fees; maintain home-state continuing competence.
Discipline
No relevant encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years; meet all restoration requirements and report specified nonmember-state adverse action within 30 days.
Education
The compact generally requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of counseling graduate education covering its enumerated areas and qualifying supervised postgraduate experience.
Home license
Hold a current independent professional counselor home-state license satisfying compact eligibility; LMHCA does not meet the independent assessment, diagnosis and treatment definition.
Identity
Have a valid United States Social Security number or NPI.
Jurisprudence
IC 25-42.5-4-1(8) and the pinned Board compact section require any jurisprudence requirement established for the remote state. Those provisions do not identify a particular Indiana compact examination. That conditional, unidentified slot is a condition under the survey contract, not an imported MFT examination leaf or an evidence gap.
Legacy exception
Rule 5.1 deems counselors licensed for independent clinical practice before their home state joined eligible if its specified background-check and privilege requirements are met; the applicable prior-licensure eligibility and waiver remain applicant conditions.
National examination
The Commission's adopted rule allows any one or more of NCE, NCMHCE or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Previously passing a currently offered exam still involves that exam; exam alternatives are not separate routes.
Restoration
The home-state license must no longer be encumbered, and the two-year no-encumbrance requirements and all privilege eligibility criteria must be satisfied.
Indiana compact privilege to practice
Application
Notify the Commission, submit the privilege application and pay applicable Commission and Indiana fees; maintain home-state continuing competence.
Discipline
No relevant encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years; meet all restoration requirements and report specified nonmember-state adverse action within 30 days.
Education
The compact generally requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of counseling graduate education covering its enumerated areas and qualifying supervised postgraduate experience.
Home license
Hold a current independent professional counselor home-state license satisfying compact eligibility; LMHCA does not meet the independent assessment, diagnosis and treatment definition.
Identity
Have a valid United States Social Security number or NPI.
Jurisprudence
IC 25-42.5-4-1(8) and the pinned Board compact section require any jurisprudence requirement established for the remote state. Those provisions do not identify a particular Indiana compact examination. That conditional, unidentified slot is a condition under the survey contract, not an imported MFT examination leaf or an evidence gap.
Legacy exception
Rule 5.1 deems counselors licensed for independent clinical practice before their home state joined eligible if its specified background-check and privilege requirements are met; the applicable prior-licensure eligibility and waiver remain applicant conditions.
National examination
The Commission's adopted rule allows any one or more of NCE, NCMHCE or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Previously passing a currently offered exam still involves that exam; exam alternatives are not separate routes.
Maintenance or renewal of an Indiana compact privilege
Application
Notify the Commission, submit the privilege application and pay applicable Commission and Indiana fees; maintain home-state continuing competence.
Discipline
No relevant encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years; meet all restoration requirements and report specified nonmember-state adverse action within 30 days.
Education
The compact generally requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of counseling graduate education covering its enumerated areas and qualifying supervised postgraduate experience.
Home license
Hold a current independent professional counselor home-state license satisfying compact eligibility; LMHCA does not meet the independent assessment, diagnosis and treatment definition.
Identity
Have a valid United States Social Security number or NPI.
Jurisprudence
IC 25-42.5-4-1(8) and the pinned Board compact section require any jurisprudence requirement established for the remote state. Those provisions do not identify a particular Indiana compact examination. That conditional, unidentified slot is a condition under the survey contract, not an imported MFT examination leaf or an evidence gap.
Legacy exception
Rule 5.1 deems counselors licensed for independent clinical practice before their home state joined eligible if its specified background-check and privilege requirements are met; the applicable prior-licensure eligibility and waiver remain applicant conditions.
National examination
The Commission's adopted rule allows any one or more of NCE, NCMHCE or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Previously passing a currently offered exam still involves that exam; exam alternatives are not separate routes.
Term
The privilege remains valid until the home-state license expires; maintain the requirements of IC 25-42.5-4-1.
Regaining an Indiana compact privilege after its removal
Application
Notify the Commission, submit the privilege application and pay applicable Commission and Indiana fees; maintain home-state continuing competence.
Discipline
No relevant encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years; meet all restoration requirements and report specified nonmember-state adverse action within 30 days.
Education
The compact generally requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of counseling graduate education covering its enumerated areas and qualifying supervised postgraduate experience.
Home license
Hold a current independent professional counselor home-state license satisfying compact eligibility; LMHCA does not meet the independent assessment, diagnosis and treatment definition.
Identity
Have a valid United States Social Security number or NPI.
Jurisprudence
IC 25-42.5-4-1(8) and the pinned Board compact section require any jurisprudence requirement established for the remote state. Those provisions do not identify a particular Indiana compact examination. That conditional, unidentified slot is a condition under the survey contract, not an imported MFT examination leaf or an evidence gap.
Legacy exception
Rule 5.1 deems counselors licensed for independent clinical practice before their home state joined eligible if its specified background-check and privilege requirements are met; the applicable prior-licensure eligibility and waiver remain applicant conditions.
National examination
The Commission's adopted rule allows any one or more of NCE, NCMHCE or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Previously passing a currently offered exam still involves that exam; exam alternatives are not separate routes.
Restoration
The specified removal period must have ended, all fines must be paid, there must be no encumbrance/restriction in the previous two years, and the individual must again satisfy the privilege eligibility criteria.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Independent mental health counseling license under IC 25-23.6-8.5; ordinary examination, doctoral, reciprocity, exemption, compact relocation, military, renewal and restoration pathways are distinguished below.

Licensing authority: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board · Application information

New Indiana home state license by relocation under the Counseling Compact
Application
Notify the Commission, submit the privilege application and pay applicable Commission and Indiana fees; maintain home-state continuing competence.
Discipline
No relevant encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years; meet all restoration requirements and report specified nonmember-state adverse action within 30 days.
Education
The compact generally requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of counseling graduate education covering its enumerated areas and qualifying supervised postgraduate experience.
Fallback
If compact eligibility cannot be met, ordinary single-state requirements apply; that is the separately retained ordinary licensure pathway.
Home license
Hold a current independent professional counselor home-state license satisfying compact eligibility; LMHCA does not meet the independent assessment, diagnosis and treatment definition.
Identity
Have a valid United States Social Security number or NPI.
Jurisprudence
IC 25-42.5-4-1(8) and the pinned Board compact section require any jurisprudence requirement established for the remote state. Those provisions do not identify a particular Indiana compact examination. That conditional, unidentified slot is a condition under the survey contract, not an imported MFT examination leaf or an evidence gap.
Legacy exception
Rule 5.1 deems counselors licensed for independent clinical practice before their home state joined eligible if its specified background-check and privilege requirements are met; the applicable prior-licensure eligibility and waiver remain applicant conditions.
Military
Active-duty military personnel or spouses may retain their designated home state under IC 25-42.5-6-1; changing that designation uses the same relocation process.
National examination
The Commission's adopted rule allows any one or more of NCE, NCMHCE or the CRCC Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Previously passing a currently offered exam still involves that exam; exam alternatives are not separate routes.
Residence
Change primary residence to Indiana from another compact member state and apply for the new home-state license based on a privilege to practice; only one home-state license may be held at a time.
Verification
Indiana verifies the chapter 4 criteria through the compact data system, subject to the statutory criminal-history checks, requisite jurisprudence requirements and fees.
Ordinary renewal after curing conditional license noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Proof
Supply the proof of CE compliance required by IC 25-1-4-5(e), with the applicable renewal/reinstatement requirements; the Board renews in place of the conditional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by examination after doctoral program experience without an associate license
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Apply to the Board, pay the $50 application fee, submit the criminal background check, official transcripts and required verification forms; provide positive-response and name-change documentation when applicable.
Associate or external license
A master's-degree holder who enters a doctoral program may elect not to obtain LMHCA licensure, accumulate the clinical experience required by section 4, and apply for LMHC at the conclusion of the doctoral program under IC 25-23.6-8.5-1.7(2).
Board virtual supervision statement
The pinned Board FAQ states: "Up to 50% of your post- degree supervision may be conducted virtually." The governing statute permits up to 100%; the lower-ranked Board statement is retained for the applicant.
Coursework
Graduate counseling coursework must cover the twelve content areas in IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(1)(A)-(L).
Degree
A qualifying master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a Board-accepted related area; the institution must meet IC 25-23.6-8.5-2.
Exam timing
Board exam approval is valid for one calendar year; after three failed attempts the applicant must personally appear before the Board before a further attempt.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conviction directly bearing on competent practice and no specified public-endangerment discipline by another licensing agency.
Graduate credits
839 IAC 1-5-1(d) requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of graduate credit in mental health counseling or a related field; the master's degree curriculum must include at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours, or the doctoral curriculum 96 semester or 144 quarter hours.
Older rule language
839 IAC 1-5-1(i)-(l) still describes an advanced internship, 1,000 clinical hours and 100 face-to-face supervision hours. These lower-ranked rule statements are retained as applicant-facing conditions; the current statute supplies the 700/66-hour requirements.
Postgraduate experience
At least 3,000 post-graduate clinical hours over a two-year period and 100 supervision hours; 839 IAC 1-5-1.5(a) describes 21-48 months. A doctoral internship may count. Under IC 25-23.6-8.5-4(g), up to 100% of the supervised hours may be through compliant synchronous virtual supervision.
Practicum
The controlling IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(2) requires 700 clock hours: a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship with at least 66 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Scores
A previously passed currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf; obtain its official score report rather than retaking it merely because the application is new.
Licensure by examination after qualifying education and supervised experience
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Apply to the Board, pay the $50 application fee, submit the criminal background check, official transcripts and required verification forms; provide positive-response and name-change documentation when applicable.
Associate or external license
Hold an Indiana LMHCA in good standing or an otherwise qualifying mental health counselor license or certificate elsewhere. Indiana hours ordinarily require LMHCA licensure, subject to the doctoral and associate-temporary-permit provisions.
Board virtual supervision statement
The pinned Board FAQ states: "Up to 50% of your post- degree supervision may be conducted virtually." The governing statute permits up to 100%; the lower-ranked Board statement is retained for the applicant.
Coursework
Graduate counseling coursework must cover the twelve content areas in IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(1)(A)-(L).
Degree
A qualifying master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a Board-accepted related area; the institution must meet IC 25-23.6-8.5-2.
Exam timing
Board exam approval is valid for one calendar year; after three failed attempts the applicant must personally appear before the Board before a further attempt.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conviction directly bearing on competent practice and no specified public-endangerment discipline by another licensing agency.
Graduate credits
839 IAC 1-5-1(d) requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of graduate credit in mental health counseling or a related field; the master's degree curriculum must include at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours, or the doctoral curriculum 96 semester or 144 quarter hours.
Older rule language
839 IAC 1-5-1(i)-(l) still describes an advanced internship, 1,000 clinical hours and 100 face-to-face supervision hours. These lower-ranked rule statements are retained as applicant-facing conditions; the current statute supplies the 700/66-hour requirements.
Postgraduate experience
At least 3,000 post-graduate clinical hours over a two-year period and 100 supervision hours; 839 IAC 1-5-1.5(a) describes 21-48 months. A doctoral internship may count. Under IC 25-23.6-8.5-4(g), up to 100% of the supervised hours may be through compliant synchronous virtual supervision.
Practicum
The controlling IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(2) requires 700 clock hours: a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship with at least 66 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Scores
A previously passed currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf; obtain its official score report rather than retaking it merely because the application is new.
Reinstatement after more than three years of expiration
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Submit the renewal/reinstatement application, applicable fees, explanation of the lapse and proof of CE for a renewal cycle within the previous 24 months.
Discretion
The Board may require a personal appearance, appropriate remediation or additional training, and the national LMHC examination. NCMHCE is retained as a leaf even though the Board decides whether this applicant must take it.
Lapse
The LMHC license has expired for longer than three years.
Licensure for a military service applicant holding an equivalent external license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
External license
Hold a current credential elsewhere with substantially equivalent or higher requirements and have held it at least one year.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal with an active duty extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty
Qualifying out-of-state active duty, an eligible license on entry to service, expiration during that service without pre-service notice, and discharge or movement-order proof. The statutory extension is 180 days after discharge or release, with illness/injury/disability extensions no later than 365 days and waiver of late fees.
Continuing education
Normally 20 CE hours in each licensure year, 40 per two-year cycle, at least 50% Category I and one Category I ethics hour each year. The initial renewal has the proportional or no-CE exceptions specified in 839 IAC 1-6-3(h).
Cycle
Licenses expire April 1 in even-numbered years.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for a military spouse or dependent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods; the statute does not identify an examination.
External license
Hold a current equivalent or higher credential elsewhere, in good standing and without discipline, for at least one year.
Family status
Be a military spouse or a dependent within IC 25-1-17-1.5.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through equivalent military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Equivalency
Relevant military experience must be credited and the Board considers the American Council on Education evaluation guide under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Military training
Complete a military training program, receive and perform in a military occupational specialty at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding this Board's academic or experience requirements.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through qualifying unregulated occupation experience for a military applicant or family member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Experience
At least three years in a lawful occupation unlicensed in the originating jurisdiction, with a scope the Board determines similar to the regulated Indiana occupation. This is an individual eligibility determination, not a conclusion about another jurisdiction's licensure system.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
Good standing without discipline, no disqualifying acts and no pending occupational complaint/investigation.
Military status
Be a military member, spouse or statutory dependent.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by reciprocity under IC 25 23.6 8.5 9.5
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Submit the application, $50 fee, criminal background check, license verification and official exam score report; the statute directs issuance within 30 days of a filed and complete application.
Discipline
No pending disciplinary proceeding in another state.
External license
Hold a valid mental health counselor license or certificate from another jurisdiction; the current Board instructions require an active license at an equivalent level.
Prior exam
Have passed an examination substantially equivalent to the requested license level. The Board identifies NCMHCE and reviews other examinations for clinical equivalence; another jurisdiction's own examination is an applicant condition, not an Indiana examination leaf. NCE is expressly not equivalent.
Separate exemption pathway
The 2015 endorsement packet concerns the distinct IC 25-23.6-8.5-12 examination-exemption pathway. Its jurisprudence demand is not transcribed into the later section 9.5 reciprocity requirements, which are defined by that statute and the Board's reciprocity packet.
Ordinary license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Normally 20 CE hours in each licensure year, 40 per two-year cycle, at least 50% Category I and one Category I ethics hour each year. The initial renewal has the proportional or no-CE exceptions specified in 839 IAC 1-6-3(h).
Cycle
Licenses expire April 1 in even-numbered years.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a short lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, current renewal fee and reinstatement fee.
Education
Provide a sworn statement of fulfilled CE or remedy noncompliance under IC 25-1-4-5 and -6.
Lapse
three years or less
Restriction
This lapse route does not cover suspended or revoked licenses; an associate license expired longer than one year cannot be reinstated under section 9(c) and requires a new application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a voluntarily surrendered license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
The Board must approve surrender and may impose conditions appropriate to reinstatement. These are individual applicant conditions; the statute identifies no profession examination for this pathway.
Disciplinary conditions
Any imposed reporting, practice limitations, professional education or other individualized acts under IC 25-1-9-9 remain conditions. An examination is not inferred from the Board's general power to prescribe acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following disciplinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
After a hearing the Board must be satisfied the applicant can practice with reasonable skill and public safety; it may impose the corrective measures authorized by chapter 9.
Disciplinary conditions
Any imposed reporting, practice limitations, professional education or other individualized acts under IC 25-1-9-9 remain conditions. An examination is not inferred from the Board's general power to prescribe acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Mental Health Counselor Temporary Permit

Temporary permit under IC 25-23.6-8.5-10; distinct statutory applicant categories and examination-related renewal are retained.

Licensing authority: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board · Application information

Temporary permit while awaiting the approved LMHC examination
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Pay the temporary-permit fee and apply for the underlying LMHC license.
Board duration statement
The current Board page describes one nonrenewable permit valid for one year even after examination failure. For the section 10 permit, the statute and rule instead govern expiration and permit renewal upon good cause for missing the scheduled examination.
Board restriction
The current Board Temporary Permits section states: "Applicants applying by reciprocity or have already taken and passed their national exam do not qualify for a Temporary Permit." The statute authorizes out-of-state and national-certification categories as well; the lower-ranked restriction is retained as a condition.
Eligibility
Have Board approval to take the LMHC examination, qualifying graduation and completed experience; a completed primary license application precedes the temporary-permit application.
Statutory end
The section 10 permit expires when the license is issued or the Board disapproves the application; 839 IAC 1-5-3 treats examination failure or application denial as disapproval.
Temporary permit based on Board approved national certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the temporary-permit fee and apply for the underlying LMHC license.
Board duration statement
The current Board page describes one nonrenewable permit valid for one year even after examination failure. For the section 10 permit, the statute and rule instead govern expiration and permit renewal upon good cause for missing the scheduled examination.
Board restriction
The current Board Temporary Permits section states: "Applicants applying by reciprocity or have already taken and passed their national exam do not qualify for a Temporary Permit." The statute authorizes out-of-state and national-certification categories as well; the lower-ranked restriction is retained as a condition.
Eligibility
Practice in a jurisdiction that does not license or certify mental health counselors, hold certification by a Board-approved national association, and have applied for the Indiana license. The statute identifies no certification examination.
Statutory end
The section 10 permit expires when the license is issued or the Board disapproves the application; 839 IAC 1-5-3 treats examination failure or application denial as disapproval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary permit while applying with a valid license elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Pay the temporary-permit fee and apply for the underlying LMHC license.
Board duration statement
The current Board page describes one nonrenewable permit valid for one year even after examination failure. For the section 10 permit, the statute and rule instead govern expiration and permit renewal upon good cause for missing the scheduled examination.
Board restriction
The current Board Temporary Permits section states: "Applicants applying by reciprocity or have already taken and passed their national exam do not qualify for a Temporary Permit." The statute authorizes out-of-state and national-certification categories as well; the lower-ranked restriction is retained as a condition.
Eligibility
Have a valid license or certificate to practice mental health counseling in another state and have applied to the Indiana Board.
Statutory end
The section 10 permit expires when the license is issued or the Board disapproves the application; 839 IAC 1-5-3 treats examination failure or application denial as disapproval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of a temporary permit after missing the scheduled examination
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Pay the temporary-permit fee and apply for the underlying LMHC license.
Board duration statement
The current Board page describes one nonrenewable permit valid for one year even after examination failure. For the section 10 permit, the statute and rule instead govern expiration and permit renewal upon good cause for missing the scheduled examination.
Board restriction
The current Board Temporary Permits section states: "Applicants applying by reciprocity or have already taken and passed their national exam do not qualify for a Temporary Permit." The statute authorizes out-of-state and national-certification categories as well; the lower-ranked restriction is retained as a condition.
Good cause
Have been scheduled for the next examination, not taken it, and shown Board-approved good cause with written notice within 30 days of the scheduled date. The renewed permit ends upon receipt of the next examination results; examination failure does not authorize a second temporary permit.
Statutory end
The section 10 permit expires when the license is issued or the Board disapproves the application; 839 IAC 1-5-3 treats examination failure or application denial as disapproval.

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA)

Associate license for supervised experience; initial issuance uses NCE. Renewal and limited lapse reinstatement remain separate from initial examination.

Licensing authority: Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board · Application information

Ordinary renewal after curing conditional license noncompliance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Proof
Supply the proof of CE compliance required by IC 25-1-4-5(e), with the applicable renewal/reinstatement requirements; the Board renews in place of the conditional license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Associate licensure by examination
National Counselor Examination
Application
Apply to the Board, pay the $50 application fee, submit the criminal background check, official transcripts and required verification forms; provide positive-response and name-change documentation when applicable.
Coursework
Graduate counseling coursework must cover the twelve content areas in IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(1)(A)-(L).
Degree
A qualifying master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling or a Board-accepted related area; the institution must meet IC 25-23.6-8.5-2.
Exam timing
Board exam approval is valid for one calendar year; after three failed attempts the applicant must personally appear before the Board before a further attempt.
Experience stage
No completed post-degree experience is needed for initial associate licensure; this license supports subsequent supervised experience.
Fitness
Provide satisfactory evidence of no conviction directly bearing on competent practice and no specified public-endangerment discipline by another licensing agency.
Graduate credits
839 IAC 1-5-1(d) requires 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of graduate credit in mental health counseling or a related field; the master's degree curriculum must include at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours, or the doctoral curriculum 96 semester or 144 quarter hours.
Last term
A student in the last term of a qualifying degree program may be approved for the examination with the statutory letter of good standing; completing the degree and other qualifications remains a condition of license issuance.
Older rule language
839 IAC 1-5-1(i)-(l) still describes an advanced internship, 1,000 clinical hours and 100 face-to-face supervision hours. These lower-ranked rule statements are retained as applicant-facing conditions; the current statute supplies the 700/66-hour requirements.
Practicum
The controlling IC 25-23.6-8.5-3(2) requires 700 clock hours: a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship with at least 66 hours of face-to-face supervision.
Scores
A previously passed currently offered examination remains a requirement leaf; obtain its official score report rather than retaking it merely because the application is new.
Licensure for a military service applicant holding an equivalent external license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
External license
Hold a current credential elsewhere with substantially equivalent or higher requirements and have held it at least one year.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

License renewal with an active duty extension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active duty
Qualifying out-of-state active duty, an eligible license on entry to service, expiration during that service without pre-service notice, and discharge or movement-order proof. The statutory extension is 180 days after discharge or release, with illness/injury/disability extensions no later than 365 days and waiver of late fees.
Continuing education
Normally 20 CE hours in each licensure year, 40 per two-year cycle, at least 50% Category I and one Category I ethics hour each year. The initial renewal has the proportional or no-CE exceptions specified in 839 IAC 1-6-3(h).
Cycle
Licenses expire April 1 in even-numbered years.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee before expiration.
Renewal limit
Two renewals are allowed; the Board may grant further renewals based on circumstances it determines.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure for a military spouse or dependent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competence
Demonstrate competency through Board-determined methods; the statute does not identify an examination.
External license
Hold a current equivalent or higher credential elsewhere, in good standing and without discipline, for at least one year.
Family status
Be a military spouse or a dependent within IC 25-1-17-1.5.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through equivalent military training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Equivalency
Relevant military experience must be credited and the Board considers the American Council on Education evaluation guide under IC 25-1-17-6.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
No disqualifying act or pending unprofessional-conduct or crime complaint/investigation.
Military training
Complete a military training program, receive and perform in a military occupational specialty at a level substantially equivalent to or exceeding this Board's academic or experience requirements.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure through qualifying unregulated occupation experience for a military applicant or family member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Experience
At least three years in a lawful occupation unlicensed in the originating jurisdiction, with a scope the Board determines similar to the regulated Indiana occupation. This is an individual eligibility determination, not a conclusion about another jurisdiction's licensure system.
Fee
Pay the Board fees.
Fitness
Good standing without discipline, no disqualifying acts and no pending occupational complaint/investigation.
Military status
Be a military member, spouse or statutory dependent.
Statutory basis
IC 25-1-17 expressly directs issuance notwithstanding other law once its conditions are met; licenses held elsewhere and competency determinations are applicant conditions, not imported examination leaves.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Ordinary license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Normally 20 CE hours in each licensure year, 40 per two-year cycle, at least 50% Category I and one Category I ethics hour each year. The initial renewal has the proportional or no-CE exceptions specified in 839 IAC 1-6-3(h).
Cycle
Licenses expire April 1 in even-numbered years.
Fee
Pay the current renewal fee before expiration.
Renewal limit
Two renewals are allowed; the Board may grant further renewals based on circumstances it determines.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a short lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, current renewal fee and reinstatement fee.
Education
Provide a sworn statement of fulfilled CE or remedy noncompliance under IC 25-1-4-5 and -6.
Lapse
one year or less
Restriction
This lapse route does not cover suspended or revoked licenses; an associate license expired longer than one year cannot be reinstated under section 9(c) and requires a new application.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a voluntarily surrendered license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
The Board must approve surrender and may impose conditions appropriate to reinstatement. These are individual applicant conditions; the statute identifies no profession examination for this pathway.
Disciplinary conditions
Any imposed reporting, practice limitations, professional education or other individualized acts under IC 25-1-9-9 remain conditions. An examination is not inferred from the Board's general power to prescribe acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement following disciplinary suspension
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board determination
After a hearing the Board must be satisfied the applicant can practice with reasonable skill and public safety; it may impose the corrective measures authorized by chapter 9.
Disciplinary conditions
Any imposed reporting, practice limitations, professional education or other individualized acts under IC 25-1-9-9 remain conditions. An examination is not inferred from the Board's general power to prescribe acts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

CRC Examination

Provider
Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC); delivered by Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination administered three times a year in testing windows, in two locked sections (Rehabilitation and Disability; Counseling) with conjunctive scoring
Exam questions
175 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored items and 25 field test questions
Time limit
210 minutes to complete the examination questions (3½ hours allotted; set aside 4 hours)
Passing score
Passing score required on both the Counseling part and the Rehabilitation and Disability part in a single administration
Exam fee
$420 certification fee; $275 reexamination fee
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice (10.7% of questions) (10.7%)
    • A. Uphold professional ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors and manage risk. [C] — a) Conceptualize and articulate the counseling relationship; b) Adhere to and ensure confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy; c) Understand how to promote and participate in advocacy and ensure accessibility; d) Maintain professional roles to ensure appropriate service provision; e) Maintain appropriate relationships with other professionals; f) Understand the differing professional relationships in forensic and indirect services; g) Understand the ethical requirements of evaluation, assessment, and interpretation; h) Understand the ethical requirements in the roles of teaching, supervising, and training; i) Understand the ethical implications of research and publication; j) Understand the limits and ethical implications of the use of technology and distance counseling; k) Understand and ensure appropriate business practices; l) Understand and apply ethical decision-making models and processes.
    • B. Understand and apply laws and public policy affecting individuals with disabilities. [R] — a) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.; b) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Sections 501-504.; c) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended.; d) Understand the impact of SSI/SSDI on employment, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.; e) Understand the impact of veteran benefits (e.g., service-connected disability compensation and non-service-connected pension) on employment, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.; f) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Fair Labor Standards Act.; g) Understand the definition of a disability in ADA, the uses of the definition, and how the definition relates to the rights guaranteed by the ADA.; h) Understand the rights guaranteed by the ADA in an employment setting.; i) Understand the definition of a reasonable accommodation as defined by the ADA.; j) Understand the rights guaranteed by the ADA on public transportation.; k) Understand the changes to the definition of disability in the ADAAA, the changes to the interactive process, and the implications for employees and employers.; l) Understand the role of the EEOC in relation to discrimination.; m) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of IDEA.; n) Summarize and synthesize the historical impacts of WIA.; o) Understand the rights and limits guaranteed by FMLA.; p) Understand the confidentiality and technology requirements of HIPAA.; q) Understand the impact of TWWIIA (Ticket to Work) on employment, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.; r) Understand the impact and implications of WIOA on employment outcomes, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
    • C. Advocate for diversity, understand, and apply appropriate services that address multicultural counseling issues. [C]
    • D. Understand and apply appropriate rehabilitation terminology and concepts. [R]
    • E. Understand and identify the differing professional roles, functions, and effective relationships with other providers and professionals. [C]
    • F. Understand the credentialing issues related to the rehabilitation counseling profession and advocate for appropriate solutions. [C]
    • G. Understand the differing organizational structures of rehabilitation counseling practice settings (e.g., public, private-for-profit, and not-for-profit service delivery systems). [R]
    • H. Understand, synthesize, and apply knowledge of historical and philosophical foundations of rehabilitation counseling. [R]
  • 2. Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practice (11.3% of questions) (11.3%)
    • A. Apply clinical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. [C]
    • B. Understand rehabilitation techniques for individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • C. Understand individual counseling theories. [C] — a) Integrated/Eclectic; b) Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy; c) Reality Therapy; d) Person-Centered; e) Psychoanalytic; f) Gestalt; g) Trait-factor/Person Environment Fit; h) Behavioral; i) Cognitive/Behavioral; j) Adlerian; k) Solution-Focused; l) Narrative; m) Feminist; n) Existential
    • D. Utilize individual counseling practices, interventions, and techniques. [C] — a) Systematic Desensitization; b) Behavior Analysis and Therapy; c) Social Skills; d) Time Management; e) Stress Management; f) Restructuring; g) Anger Management; h) Problem Solving Therapy; i) Person-centered practices; j) Mindfulness-based practices
    • E. Understand substance use and treatment. [C]
    • F. Establish and maintain effective working alliances with clients. [C]
    • G. Understand dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. [C]
    • H. Understand counseling/training to help clients develop workplace socialization skills. [R]
    • I. Demonstrate motivational interviewing use and skills. [C]
    • J. Facilitate treatment planning for clinical conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD). [C]
    • K. Understand human growth and development. [C]
    • L. Apply evidence-based psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation interventions in rehabilitation counseling practice. [R]
    • M. Apply evidence-based vocational interventions in rehabilitation counseling practice. [R]
    • N. Apply or facilitate evidence-based counseling/therapy for clients with clinical diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD). [C]
    • O. Apply or facilitate evidence-based counseling/therapy for clients with substance use disorders. [C]
    • P. Understand theories and techniques of clinical supervision. [C]
    • Q. Recognize and utilize evidence and research-based practices. [C]
  • 3. Group and Family Counseling (4.7% of questions) (4.7%)
    • A. Understand family counseling theories. [C]
    • B. Incorporate family counseling practices and interventions. [C]
    • C. Understand group counseling theories. [C]
    • D. Incorporate group counseling practices and interventions. [C]
  • 4. Crisis and Trauma Counseling and Interventions (6.0% of questions) (6%)
    • A. Conduct assessment of client risk and development of a safety plan. [C]
    • B. Provide effective rehabilitation counseling services for individuals with polytrauma injuries. [C]
    • C. Understand the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on people with disabilities. [C]
    • D. Use principles of crisis intervention for people with disabilities during crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events. [C]
    • E. Understand the emergency management system within rehabilitation agencies and in the community. [C]
  • 5. Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (9.3% of questions) (9.3%)
    • A. Evaluate the psychosocial and cultural impact of disability. [R] — a) Individual adjustment to disability; b) Human sexuality and disability issues; c) Family or support system adjustment to disability
    • B. Understand medical terminology. [R]
    • C. Apply knowledge of the medical aspects and implications of various disabilities. [R] — a) Mental Functions; b) Sensory Functions and Pain; c) Voice and Speech Functions and Structures; d) Cardiovascular, Hematological, Immunological, and Respiratory Functions and Structures; e) Digestive, Metabolic, and Endocrine Systems and Structures; f) Genitourinary and Reproductive Functions and Structures; g) Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement Related Functions and Structures; h) Skin and Related Functions and Structures; i) Nervous System Structures; j) Eye, Ear, and Related Structures; k) Learning and Applying Knowledge; l) Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships; m) General Tasks and Demands; n) Communication; o) Mobility; p) Self-Care; q) Domestic-Life; r) Major Life Areas; s) Community, Social, and Civic Life
    • D. Review the implications of medications as they apply to individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • E. Address environmental and attitudinal barriers for individuals with disabilities. [R]
  • 6. Assessment/Evaluation, Occupational Analysis, and Service Implementation (10.7% of questions) (10.7%)
    • A. Understand the vocational implications of functional limitations associated with disabilities. [R] — a) Mental Functions; b) Sensory Functions and Pain; c) Voice and Speech Functions and Structures; d) Cardiovascular, Hematological, Immunological, and Respiratory Functions and Structures; e) Digestive, Metabolic, and Endocrine Systems and Structures; f) Genitourinary and Reproductive Functions and Structures; g) Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement Related Functions and Structures; h) Skin and Related Functions and Structures; i) Nervous System Structures; j) Eye, Ear, and Related Structures; k) Learning and Applying Knowledge; l) Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships; m) General Tasks and Demands; n) Communication; o) Mobility; p) Self-Care; q) Domestic-Life; r) Major Life Areas; s) Community, Social, and Civic Life
    • B. Access and review resources for the assessment process. [C] — a) Review of case materials for pertinent information; b) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); c) International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
    • C. Refer or conduct informal assessments. [C] — a) Interviews and initial assessments; b) Situational assessment/job shadowing/community-based work assessment
    • D. Refer or conduct formal assessments. [C] — a) Achievement Tests; b) Aptitude Tests; c) Intelligence Tests; d) Interest Inventories; e) Career, Work Values, and Maturity Tests; f) Personality Tests; g) Psychological/Neuropsychological Tests; h) Adaptive Behavior/Behavioral Observations; i) Mental Health Screeners; j) Learning Styles Tests; k) Ecological/Functional Capacity Evaluations; l) Dexterity Tests; m) Work Samples; n) Non-Cognitive Tests
    • E. Refer or perform Transferable Skills Analysis (e.g., VDARE). [C]
    • F. Interpret assessment results for rehabilitation planning purposes. [C]
    • G. Perform job analysis. [R]
    • H. Assess ergonomic, job accommodation, and assistive technology needs. [R]
    • I. Advise on job modification and restructuring techniques. [R]
    • J. Perform labor market analysis. [R] — a) Occupational and labor market information (e.g., DOT, ORS, O*NET, OOH, other national, regional, or local government labor market sources, private salary surveys); b) Methods and techniques used to conduct labor market surveys
    • K. Use computer-based job matching systems. [C]
  • 7. Career Development and Job Placement (9.3% of questions) (9.3%)
    • A. Understand, identify, and apply career development and job placement strategies. [R]
    • B. Understand, identify, and apply job readiness, seeking, and retention skills. [C]
    • C. Understand the unique needs of specialized populations in relation to job development and placement. [R]
    • D. Understand techniques to develop and retain relationships with employers to assist with job development and placement. [R]
    • E. Understand and identify evidence-based employment models and services tailored to individuals with significant disabilities and/or barriers to competitive employment. [R] — i) Supported Employment (SE); ii) Customized Employment (CE); iii) Individual Placement and Support (IPS); iv) Self-Employment
    • F. Understand the unique needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis in the workplace and apply appropriate strategies. [R]
    • G. Understand and apply theories of career development and work adjustment. [C] — a) Trait-Factor/Person Environment Fit theories.; b) Personality theories; c) Developmental/Self-Concept theories; d) Sociological/Self-Concept theories; e) Behavioral theories
    • H. Understand, identify, and facilitate the appropriate use of work conditioning or work hardening resources and strategies. [R]
    • I. Understand the effective use of and risks of social media as a networking tool. [C]
  • 8. Business Engagement (7.6% of questions) (7.6%)
    • A. Assist employers with job accommodations for their employees with disabilities (e.g., assistive technology, workspace modifications). [R]
    • B. Provide consultation services and training to employers / businesses concerning disability concepts, best practices, and applicable laws (e.g., hiring, return to work, reasonable accommodations, and retention). [R]
    • C. Partner with employers/businesses to address needs and concerns related to hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • D. Understand, communicate, and apply business-focused strategies, techniques, and terminology to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • E. Work with employers to develop pipelines for employing individuals with disabilities using work-based learning and training methods. [R] — a) Apprenticeships; b) Internships; c) On-the-job training (OJT)
    • F. Understand the dual customer role (e.g., employer and person with a disability). [R]
  • 9. Community Resources and Partnerships (8.0% of questions) (8%)
    • A. Understand the programs and services available for specific and underserved populations. [R]
    • B. Understand Social Security programs, benefits, work incentives, and disincentives. [R]
    • C. Possess knowledge of funding sources and community resources for rehabilitation services. [R]
    • D. Provide or facilitate skills development and independent living services. [R]
    • E. Provide or facilitate financial literacy training. [R]
    • F. Understand and refer to services available through client advocacy programs (e.g., Client Assistance Program [CAP], legal aid). [R]
    • G. Refer to and partner with one-stop career centers and other community stakeholders. [R]
    • H. Understand and facilitate life care planning and life care planning services. [R]
    • I. Advocate with community partners for full community inclusion for people with disabilities. [R]
    • J. Provide or facilitate counseling on the impact of employment on community services and benefits. [R]
  • 10. Case Management (10.0% of questions) (10%)
    • A. Understand and apply the case management process. [C] — a) Case finding; b) Planning; c) Service coordination; d) Referral to and utilization of other disciplines; e) Advocacy
    • B. Complete case recording and documentation. [C]
    • C. Understand and apply negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution strategies. [C]
    • D. Understand and apply the principles of caseload management. [C]
    • E. Understand and address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients. [C]
    • F. Apply techniques for working with individuals with limited English proficiency or varied communication methods. [C]
    • G. Understand and apply principles, models, and documentation formats for biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning. [C]
  • 11. Health Care and Disability Management (7.3% of questions) (7.3%)
    • A. Understand and provide appropriate medical intervention resources. [R]
    • B. Understand the diversity of healthcare benefits, delivery systems, and the impact of services on individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • C. Understand and collaborate with health promotion and wellness providers regarding strategies for people with chronic illness and disability. [R]
    • D. Understand different insurance programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, group and individual, short-and long-term disability, personal injury no-fault liability). [R]
    • E. Understand and apply disability prevention and management strategies. [R]
    • F. Understand the variability of workers’ compensation laws and practices. [R]
  • 12. Research, Methodology, and Performance Management (5.3% of questions) (5.3%)
    • A. Understand statistics and psychometric concepts related to measurement. [C] — a) Validity; b) Reliability/ Standard Error of Measurement; c) Norms; d) Scaled and Standard Scores; e) Percentiles; f) Distributions/Bell Curve; g) Norm- and Criterion-Referenced Measurement
    • B. Understand research methods (e.g., surveys, case studies) and data analysis. [C]
    • C. Assess research literature related to evidence – based practice. [C] — a) Research databases (e.g., EBSCO, PsycINFO, MEDLINE); b) Ability to select between various levels of evidence-based research (e.g., subject matter experts to the systematic reviews and meta-analyses gold standard)
    • D. Comprehend concepts and principles of organizational development and stakeholder management. [C] — a) Effective management of services and programs, including areas such as administration, finance, benefit systems, and accountability; b) Strategic planning techniques and budget planning
    • E. Understand program evaluation procedures for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation services and outcomes. [R]
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

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