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Kansas Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Community-Based Professional Counselor License

Licensing authority: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board · Application information

Initial interim licensure while awaiting NCE
National Counselor Examination
Approval
Board review and approval of the application and required fee.
Duration
Absent Board-approved extenuating circumstances, expire upon Board issuance or denial of a full license or 24 months after issuance. No renewal or repeat issuance at the same license level.
Eligibility
Meet all LPC requirements except passage of the NCE; the Board must have the official transcript with the degree posted. The examination is pending and is not a prerequisite to issuance of this interim credential.
Employment
Practice only within employment at a statutorily defined community mental health center, federally qualified health center, psychiatric residential treatment facility, or private treatment facility; submit the community-based license form.
Mutual exclusion
A prior temporary or community-based professional-counselor license disqualifies the applicant from receiving either again.
Supervision
Practice only under supervision of a Board licensee at the independent level.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Licensing authority: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board · Application information

New Kansas home state license based on an existing compact privilege
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
File the new-home-state application, pay applicable fees and notify the Commission and relevant licensing authorities. Kansas verifies section 4 criteria through the compact data system.
National exam condition
The qualifying existing home-state license must meet the compact's nationally recognized commission-approved examination criterion in section 3; that provision identifies no specific examination for the relocation process. The existing license is an applicant condition, not a substitute invented exam leaf.
Operation
Issuance depends on the Commission rules and the availability of the compact data-system process. The statute is the route authority; this record does not assert that a privilege or application portal has been activated for an individual.
Prior credential
Move primary residence between compact member jurisdictions; already hold the qualifying independent clinical home-state license and privilege to practice; meet compact section 4 criteria.
Verification
Fingerprint-based FBI check if not already performed or updated as required, other Kansas criminal checks and any Kansas jurisprudence requirements. The Board FAQ expressly says no jurisprudence examination is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical licensure by examination
Application
Complete the LCPC application, $50 fee and postgraduate supervisor attestations; applicants not already Kansas LPCs also provide transcripts, three references, prior-license clearance, practicum review, academic background and applicable exam scores.
Clinical experience
Complete at least 3,000 postgraduate supervised hours over at least two years, including 1,500 direct client hours and 100 clinical supervision hours, at least 50 individual. The Board may waive half for an approved doctorate completed over at least one year and may waive face-to-face supervision for extenuating circumstances.
Education
In addition to the LPC education, complete 15 clinical graduate credits supporting diagnosis and treatment and a graduate supervised clinical practicum with at least 280 direct-client-contact hours, or additional postgraduate experience determined by the Board. Statutory pre-July 1, 2003 degree and prior temporary-permit exceptions remain available on their own terms.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Professional license
Already hold a Kansas LPC license or meet all LPC requirements. The Board LCPC packet names both NCE and NCMHCE, including examinations already passed.
Training plan
Obtain approval of the clinical training plan before counting Kansas practice hours; Board-approved supervisor required. Changes must be submitted within 45 days.
Reinstatement after expiration for longer than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application and continuing-education documentation. The Board packet says reinstatement cannot be circumvented by applying for a new license with an examination waiver.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee; the statute limits the additional late charge to expiration of one year or less.
Prior license
Kansas LCPC license expired through nonrenewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for one year or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application and continuing-education documentation. The Board packet says reinstatement cannot be circumvented by applying for a new license with an examination waiver.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee plus an additional fee equal to the renewal fee.
Prior license
Kansas LCPC license expired through nonrenewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition of a similar scope current credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Credential
Hold a current United States jurisdiction credential with a Board-determined similar scope; at least one year worked in that occupation.
Probation
Issued on a probationary basis for at most six months, then becomes nonprobationary; false application information permits revocation.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Recent practice
Applicant has actively practiced the occupation within the two years preceding application, so subsection (d) inactive-practice testing does not apply.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition based on private certification and experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Evidence
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H). No private certification examination is identified or treated as a registered profession examination.
Private credential
Current valid private certification held in good standing; worked at least two years in a United States jurisdiction without occupational licensing or government certification for the occupation.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition based on work in an unregulated occupation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Evidence
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H). This records the statutory pathway without asserting that any particular other jurisdiction currently meets its unregulated-occupation condition.
Experience
Work in a United States jurisdiction that does not regulate the occupation by occupational license, registration, certification or private certification; at least three years worked in the four years immediately preceding application.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity: 12 months with similar scope
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Complete the reciprocity application and Board fee; provide required verification, degree and clinical competency documentation directly from their issuing sources.
Clinical competence
In addition, demonstrate at least two of: (1) prescribed clinical graduate coursework OR passage of a Board-approved national clinical examination; (2) three years of clinical diagnostic/treatment practice; (3) attestation by an authorized independent clinician or physician. Examination passage is an offered alternative, not mandatory for every applicant; the registered NCMHCE remains a leaf under the survey contract.
Current credential
Hold a current registration, certification or license to practice professional counseling in another jurisdiction; send the Board verification directly from each licensing agency.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Older guidance
The pinned September 1, 2026 Board FAQ states five continuous years and practice for its second reciprocity pathway. The controlling K.S.A. 65-5807(a)(2) and the Board reciprocity packet instead state 12 months with similar scope; the statutory standard governs.
Reciprocity basis
At least 12 months immediately preceding application of licensure, registration or certification with a similar scope of practice; no serious disciplinary action; at least a counseling or related-field master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Reciprocity: substantially equivalent standards
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Complete the reciprocity application and Board fee; provide required verification, degree and clinical competency documentation directly from their issuing sources.
Clinical competence
In addition, demonstrate at least two of: (1) prescribed clinical graduate coursework OR passage of a Board-approved national clinical examination; (2) three years of clinical diagnostic/treatment practice; (3) attestation by an authorized independent clinician or physician. Examination passage is an offered alternative, not mandatory for every applicant; the registered NCMHCE remains a leaf under the survey contract.
Current credential
Hold a current registration, certification or license to practice professional counseling in another jurisdiction; send the Board verification directly from each licensing agency.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Older guidance
The pinned September 1, 2026 Board FAQ states five continuous years and practice for its second reciprocity pathway. The controlling K.S.A. 65-5807(a)(2) and the Board reciprocity packet instead state 12 months with similar scope; the statutory standard governs.
Reciprocity basis
Other-jurisdiction licensure standards substantially equivalent to Kansas.
Permanent reinstatement after six month temporary reinstatement license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the permanent reinstatement process and Board fee.
Education
Complete the continuing-education requirements for permanent reinstatement before the temporary license expires and notify the Board.
Prior temporary
Hold the six-month reinstatement temporary LCPC license authorized for expiration longer than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, continuing-education report and Board renewal fee; answer disclosure questions truthfully.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Prior license
Hold the current Kansas LCPC license; renew before its 24-month expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with approved additional time for continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Extension
Board may grant up to three additional months for continuing education; no consecutive-period grants. Report hours completed at renewal and completion of remaining hours; subject to audit. Extension-period hours count only for the period for which granted.
Prior license
Hold a current Kansas LCPC license and still submit the renewal before expiration.
Request
Apply at least 30 calendar days before expiration with extenuating reasons and a plan for completing remaining continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a revoked license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Board reinstatement application, fees and evidence of required continuing education. For suspension also establish compliance with the suspension terms.
Board review
The Board evaluates present merit of public trust, awareness of misconduct, remediation and rehabilitation, seriousness, subsequent conduct, elapsed time and present competence. K.A.R. 102-3-9a allows requests for materials, evaluations or examination reports; these are requested evidence and name no required currently offered assessment.
Criminal conviction
For an applicant with a felony conviction, reinstatement requires a two-thirds Board majority under K.S.A. 65-5809(b).
Prior license
Former Kansas LCPC license revoked; the suspension or revocation period has terminated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Board reinstatement application, fees and evidence of required continuing education. For suspension also establish compliance with the suspension terms.
Board review
The Board evaluates present merit of public trust, awareness of misconduct, remediation and rehabilitation, seriousness, subsequent conduct, elapsed time and present competence. K.A.R. 102-3-9a allows requests for materials, evaluations or examination reports; these are requested evidence and name no required currently offered assessment.
Criminal conviction
For an applicant with a felony conviction, reinstatement requires a two-thirds Board majority under K.S.A. 65-5809(b).
Prior license
Former Kansas LCPC license suspended; the suspension or revocation period has terminated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transition from pre July 1, 2000 Kansas licensure
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination
Application
Apply, pay the Board fees and complete applicable continuing education; request the transition application from the Board.
Competence
Demonstrate at least two of: (1) qualifying graduate coursework OR passage of the national clinical examination; (2) three years qualifying clinical practice; (3) attestation of competence by an authorized independent clinician or physician. The examination may be replaced by the stated non-examination evidence for an individual applicant.
Prior credential
Kansas professional-counselor licensure or registration before July 1, 2000; active professional counseling in the preceding five years; last pre-effective-date credential not suspended or revoked. Board notice limits this application to persons licensed on or before July 1, 2000.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensing authority: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board · Application information

Licensure by examination
National Counselor Examination
Age
At least 21 years old.
Application
Submit the Board application, $50 application fee, three professional references, academic background and practicum review, official transcripts sent directly by the institution, and any former-license clearance.
Education
A graduate degree in counseling or a related field and 60 graduate semester hours, including 45 hours across the areas enumerated in K.S.A. 65-5804a(b)(2); Board-approved program and supervised practicum or internship.
Examination registration
Board approval is required before registering. The pinned FAQ says submit eight weeks before the desired registration date; the Board profession page says six weeks before taking the exam. Follow the Board approval and scheduling instructions.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Prior score
The Board FAQ states NCE results may be used indefinitely.
Public trust
Satisfy the Board that the applicant merits the public trust; disclose reportable felony and misdemeanor convictions and supply the required conviction documentation.
Reinstatement after expiration for longer than one year
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application and continuing-education documentation. The Board packet says reinstatement cannot be circumvented by applying for a new license with an examination waiver.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee; the statute limits the additional late charge to expiration of one year or less.
Prior license
Kansas LPC license expired through nonrenewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after expiration for one year or less
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application and continuing-education documentation. The Board packet says reinstatement cannot be circumvented by applying for a new license with an examination waiver.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Fee
Pay the renewal fee plus an additional fee equal to the renewal fee.
Prior license
Kansas LPC license expired through nonrenewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition of a similar scope current credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Credential
Hold a current United States jurisdiction credential with a Board-determined similar scope; at least one year worked in that occupation.
Probation
Issued on a probationary basis for at most six months, then becomes nonprobationary; false application information permits revocation.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Recent practice
Applicant has actively practiced the occupation within the two years preceding application, so subsection (d) inactive-practice testing does not apply.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition based on private certification and experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Evidence
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H). No private certification examination is identified or treated as a registered profession examination.
Private credential
Current valid private certification held in good standing; worked at least two years in a United States jurisdiction without occupational licensing or government certification for the occupation.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

General recognition based on work in an unregulated occupation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Applicant
Kansas resident or intending resident, or a military servicemember or spouse residing or planning to reside because of the military assignment.
Board safety
Board may deny if issuance would jeopardize public health and safety; Kansas scope-of-practice law controls.
Evidence
Meet subsection (c)(2)(C)-(H). This records the statutory pathway without asserting that any particular other jurisdiction currently meets its unregulated-occupation condition.
Experience
Work in a United States jurisdiction that does not regulate the occupation by occupational license, registration, certification or private certification; at least three years worked in the four years immediately preceding application.
Processing
15 days for a complete military servicemember/spouse application; 45 days for other complete applications. Military-spouse fee exemption follows the applicable parallel 48-3406/48-3406a provisions; no fee difference changes examination requirements.
Screening
Apply profession-specific reciprocity first; fallback recognition applies when that route does not qualify. Meet the absence-of-disqualifying-conduct, disciplinary proceedings and criminal-record requirements; supply any normally required insurance or financial evidence, fees and a truthful signed affidavit.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reciprocity: 12 months with similar scope
National Counselor Examination
Application
Complete the reciprocity application and Board fee; provide required verification, degree and clinical competency documentation directly from their issuing sources.
Current credential
Hold a current registration, certification or license to practice professional counseling in another jurisdiction; send the Board verification directly from each licensing agency.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Older guidance
The pinned September 1, 2026 Board FAQ states five continuous years and practice for its second reciprocity pathway. The controlling K.S.A. 65-5807(a)(2) and the Board reciprocity packet instead state 12 months with similar scope; the statutory standard governs.
Reciprocity basis
At least 12 months immediately preceding application of licensure, registration or certification with a similar scope of practice; no serious disciplinary action; at least a counseling or related-field master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Reciprocity: substantially equivalent standards
National Counselor Examination
Application
Complete the reciprocity application and Board fee; provide required verification, degree and clinical competency documentation directly from their issuing sources.
Current credential
Hold a current registration, certification or license to practice professional counseling in another jurisdiction; send the Board verification directly from each licensing agency.
Examination waiver
Under K.A.R. 102-3-5a, the Board may waive the examination for a substantially equivalent nationally administered standardized written examination passed at or above the criterion-referenced cutoff. The waiver and the identity of any examination not specifically named by Kansas remain applicant conditions; the identified currently offered examination remains a leaf.
Jurisprudence
The Board FAQ explicitly states Kansas does not require a jurisprudence examination.
Older guidance
The pinned September 1, 2026 Board FAQ states five continuous years and practice for its second reciprocity pathway. The controlling K.S.A. 65-5807(a)(2) and the Board reciprocity packet instead state 12 months with similar scope; the statutory standard governs.
Reciprocity basis
Other-jurisdiction licensure standards substantially equivalent to Kansas.
Permanent reinstatement after six month temporary reinstatement license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the permanent reinstatement process and Board fee.
Education
Complete the continuing-education requirements for permanent reinstatement before the temporary license expires and notify the Board.
Prior temporary
Hold the six-month reinstatement temporary LPC license authorized for expiration longer than one year.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal application, continuing-education report and Board renewal fee; answer disclosure questions truthfully.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Prior license
Hold the current Kansas LPC license; renew before its 24-month expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with approved additional time for continuing education
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
30 acceptable continuing-education hours in the preceding 24 months, including at least three in professional ethics and three in diagnosis and treatment. The three-hour diagnosis and treatment minimum applies on and after July 1, 2025.
Extension
Board may grant up to three additional months for continuing education; no consecutive-period grants. Report hours completed at renewal and completion of remaining hours; subject to audit. Extension-period hours count only for the period for which granted.
Prior license
Hold a current Kansas LPC license and still submit the renewal before expiration.
Request
Apply at least 30 calendar days before expiration with extenuating reasons and a plan for completing remaining continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a revoked license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Board reinstatement application, fees and evidence of required continuing education. For suspension also establish compliance with the suspension terms.
Board review
The Board evaluates present merit of public trust, awareness of misconduct, remediation and rehabilitation, seriousness, subsequent conduct, elapsed time and present competence. K.A.R. 102-3-9a allows requests for materials, evaluations or examination reports; these are requested evidence and name no required currently offered assessment.
Criminal conviction
For an applicant with a felony conviction, reinstatement requires a two-thirds Board majority under K.S.A. 65-5809(b).
Prior license
Former Kansas LPC license revoked; the suspension or revocation period has terminated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a suspended license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Written Board reinstatement application, fees and evidence of required continuing education. For suspension also establish compliance with the suspension terms.
Board review
The Board evaluates present merit of public trust, awareness of misconduct, remediation and rehabilitation, seriousness, subsequent conduct, elapsed time and present competence. K.A.R. 102-3-9a allows requests for materials, evaluations or examination reports; these are requested evidence and name no required currently offered assessment.
Criminal conviction
For an applicant with a felony conviction, reinstatement requires a two-thirds Board majority under K.S.A. 65-5809(b).
Prior license
Former Kansas LPC license suspended; the suspension or revocation period has terminated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Temporary Professional Counselor License

Licensing authority: Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board · Application information

Initial interim licensure while awaiting NCE
National Counselor Examination
Approval
Board review and approval of the application and required fee.
Duration
Absent Board-approved extenuating circumstances, expire upon Board issuance or denial of a full license or 24 months after issuance. No renewal or repeat issuance at the same license level.
Eligibility
Meet all LPC requirements except passage of the NCE; the Board must have the official transcript with the degree posted. The examination is pending and is not a prerequisite to issuance of this interim credential.
Mutual exclusion
A prior temporary or community-based professional-counselor license disqualifies the applicant from receiving either again.
Supervision
Practice only under supervision of a Board licensee at the independent level.
Title
Use licensed only with by temporary license; do not independently use LPC.

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