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Kentucky Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Independent professional clinical counselor license; inactive and retired status preserve this license identity.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors · Application information

Licensure by endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board rule statement
201 KAR 36:070 Section 3 states: "An applicant for licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor shall obtain a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)." The statutory endorsement exemption controls; the September 9, 2026 Board FAQ confirms that qualifying endorsement applicants need not provide these scores.
Character
Good moral character, the application fee, application and official transcript are required.
Education
A qualifying regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate hours in the nine KRS 335.527(1)(a) areas; applicable CACREP rules remain in 201 KAR 36:070.
Exemption
KRS 335.527(2) exempts the applicant from both the supervised-experience and examination requirements of KRS 335.525(1)(e)-(f).
Experience
Provide evidence of at least five years of experience as a certified or licensed professional counselor.
Prior license
An active valid professional counselor license or certificate from another state in good standing is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Initial licensure by examination
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
New licensure after inactive status forfeiture
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Inactive forfeiture
Apply anew and pay initial application/licensure fees after inactive status lasts three years.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
Grant of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Renewal fee is waived; applicable continuing-education requirements continue.
Reactivation window
Return to active status within three years, otherwise the license is forfeited.
Written request
Existing licensee submits a written request to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2014-12-17.

Late renewal within the statutory grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual education
Complete ten counseling-related continuing-education hours by October 31, unless a lawful Board waiver/extension applies.
Board faq difference
The September 9, 2026 Board FAQ says suicide training is due within the first year and exempts CACREP graduates initially. The effective 201 KAR 36:030 Section 1(4) says "within the first three (3) years of initial licensure"; the regulation controls, and applicants should note the Board’s stated practice.
Character
Maintain good moral character; submit rehabilitation evidence when applicable.
Grace period
Renew within the 60 days after October 31 by paying renewal and late fees; practice may continue during that period, but the grace period does not extend the CE completion deadline.
Mandatory training
201 KAR 36:030 requires three domestic-violence hours within three years of initial licensure, six suicide-assessment/treatment/management hours within three years of initial licensure and every six years thereafter, and three Kentucky counseling-law hours every three years. Board-approved instructor equivalents apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Military, veteran, or qualifying spouse expedited equivalent license issuance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board review
KRS 12.245 allows refusal upon substantive evidence of significant statutory deficiency in training, education or experience causing public health/safety risk; denial is appealable under KRS Chapter 13B.
Compact precedence
For services provided through an interstate compact, KRS 12.245(4) applies compact requirements rather than this expedited licensing section.
Equivalent license
Hold or recently have held equivalent occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction; it must not have been expired for more than two years and must be in good standing without disciplinary suspension.
Military status
Provide military service/discharge documentation or orders documenting transfer to Kentucky; spouses must establish the qualifying relationship.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-15.

Military spouse regular issuance meeting endorsement qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board rule statement
201 KAR 36:070 Section 3 states: "An applicant for licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor shall obtain a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)." The statutory endorsement exemption controls; the September 9, 2026 Board FAQ confirms that qualifying endorsement applicants need not provide these scores.
Character
Good moral character, the application fee, application and official transcript are required.
Education
A qualifying regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate hours in the nine KRS 335.527(1)(a) areas; applicable CACREP rules remain in 201 KAR 36:070.
Exemption
KRS 335.527(2) exempts the applicant from both the supervised-experience and examination requirements of KRS 335.525(1)(e)-(f).
Experience
Provide evidence of at least five years of experience as a certified or licensed professional counselor.
Military spouse
Applicant is married to a current U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to a duty station in Kentucky and holds valid occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Prior license
An active valid professional counselor license or certificate from another state in good standing is required.
Processing and fees
Issuance within 30 days; no dues or fees, or refund electronic application dues/fees within 30 days when the statutory criteria are met.
Statutory qualifications
KRS 12.357 requires the applicant to meet the Board’s statutory licensing qualifications; it does not waive an otherwise applicable examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Military spouse regular issuance meeting examination path qualifications
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Military spouse
Applicant is married to a current U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to a duty station in Kentucky and holds valid occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Processing and fees
Issuance within 30 days; no dues or fees, or refund electronic application dues/fees within 30 days when the statutory criteria are met.
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Statutory qualifications
KRS 12.357 requires the applicant to meet the Board’s statutory licensing qualifications; it does not waive an otherwise applicable examination requirement.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
Regular license renewal for a qualifying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual education
Complete ten counseling-related continuing-education hours by October 31, unless a lawful Board waiver/extension applies.
Board faq difference
The September 9, 2026 Board FAQ says suicide training is due within the first year and exempts CACREP graduates initially. The effective 201 KAR 36:030 Section 1(4) says "within the first three (3) years of initial licensure"; the regulation controls, and applicants should note the Board’s stated practice.
Character
Maintain good moral character; submit rehabilitation evidence when applicable.
Mandatory training
201 KAR 36:030 requires three domestic-violence hours within three years of initial licensure, six suicide-assessment/treatment/management hours within three years of initial licensure and every six years thereafter, and three Kentucky counseling-law hours every three years. Board-approved instructor equivalents apply.
Military spouse
Applicant is married to a current U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to a duty station in Kentucky and holds valid occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Processing and fees
Issuance within 30 days; no dues or fees, or refund electronic application dues/fees within 30 days when the statutory criteria are met.
Renewal
Meet ordinary statutory renewal requirements and apply before the regular deadline; statutory fee exemption or refund applies.
Statutory qualifications
KRS 12.357 requires the applicant to meet the Board’s statutory licensing qualifications; it does not waive an otherwise applicable examination requirement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2022-07-14.

New licensure after termination lasting at least three years
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Prior termination
The old license cannot be renewed, restored, reissued or reinstated after the statutory three-year window; satisfy current KRS 335.525 initial requirements.
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
Reactivation from inactive status within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Requirements
Give written notice, pay the current renewal fee, and demonstrate CE compliance for each inactive year; satisfy 201 KAR 36:030 Section 9 recent-CE requirements and any permitted 90-day completion arrangement.
Timing
Reactivate before the third anniversary of inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2014-12-17.

Reciprocity under Kentucky’s agreement for holders of an LCMHC license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, application fee and good-standing letters from each jurisdiction of licensure; maintain good moral character.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Experience
The September 9, 2026 Kentucky Board FAQ requires at least two years of fully licensed experience.
Law course
Complete a three-hour Kentucky professional counselor law course from a Board-approved provider.
Prior license
Hold an active, valid LCMHC license in good standing under Kentucky’s agreement with the North Carolina Board; no disciplinary or pending investigative disqualification.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Reciprocity under Kentucky’s agreement for holders of an LPC/MHP license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the reciprocity application, application fee and good-standing letters from each jurisdiction of licensure; maintain good moral character.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Experience
At least five years of full-time work experience as an LPC/MHP.
Prior license
Hold an active Tennessee LPC with Mental Health Service Provider designation in good standing; Kentucky’s agreement does not apply to an LPC without this designation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Reinstatement of a terminated license within three years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual education
Complete ten counseling-related continuing-education hours by October 31, unless a lawful Board waiver/extension applies.
Application
Submit the reinstatement application and pay renewal and reinstatement fees.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board faq difference
The September 9, 2026 Board FAQ says suicide training is due within the first year and exempts CACREP graduates initially. The effective 201 KAR 36:030 Section 1(4) says "within the first three (3) years of initial licensure"; the regulation controls, and applicants should note the Board’s stated practice.
Character
Maintain good moral character; submit rehabilitation evidence when applicable.
Mandatory training
201 KAR 36:030 requires three domestic-violence hours within three years of initial licensure, six suicide-assessment/treatment/management hours within three years of initial licensure and every six years thereafter, and three Kentucky counseling-law hours every three years. Board-approved instructor equivalents apply.
Recent training
Show ten Board-approved CE hours and three Kentucky counseling-law CE hours within the year before filing; the ten hours do not count toward ordinary annual CE.
Timing
License terminated after the 60-day grace period; apply for reinstatement before three years have elapsed. Do not practice while terminated.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Annual education
Complete ten counseling-related continuing-education hours by October 31, unless a lawful Board waiver/extension applies.
Associate supervision
For an LPCA, the supervisor must verify the required hours; an unverified supervision agreement terminates at license termination.
Board faq difference
The September 9, 2026 Board FAQ says suicide training is due within the first year and exempts CACREP graduates initially. The effective 201 KAR 36:030 Section 1(4) says "within the first three (3) years of initial licensure"; the regulation controls, and applicants should note the Board’s stated practice.
Character
Maintain good moral character; submit rehabilitation evidence when applicable.
Mandatory training
201 KAR 36:030 requires three domestic-violence hours within three years of initial licensure, six suicide-assessment/treatment/management hours within three years of initial licensure and every six years thereafter, and three Kentucky counseling-law hours every three years. Board-approved instructor equivalents apply.
Renewal
Submit the renewal application and fee by October 31; an initial license received within 120 days of that date renews the following year. A suspended license must be renewed but cannot be used until suspension ends.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Grant of retired license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Age and retirement
At least 65 years old; request retired status at the beginning of the renewal period; retired from practice in every jurisdiction and conducting no active practice.
Fees and education
Retired status relieves the licensee of renewal fees and CE requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2014-12-17.

New clinical counselor licensure after retirement
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Retirement return
File a new application, pay initial fees and meet current initial requirements, including retaking the examination under 201 KAR 36:080 Section 2(4)(c).
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Statutory endorsement
An applicant independently qualifying under KRS 335.527 has the statute’s examination exemption; provide the Board with the qualifications for that distinct endorsement pathway.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
Petition for reinstatement after at least five years of revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board discretion
Board investigates the petition and may reinstate upon compliance with its prescribed terms and a finding of competence. Those case-specific terms remain applicant conditions; the statute identifies no separate examination.
Fees
Pay reinstatement and renewal fees required by KRS 335.535(6).
Revocation period
Credential revoked for at least five years before petitioning.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2017-06-29.

Temporary Professional Clinical Counselor License

Temporary military-spouse form of the clinical counselor license under KRS 12.357; six months and nonrenewable.

Licensing authority: Kentucky Board of Licensed Professional Counselors · Application information

Military spouse temporary issuance meeting endorsement qualifications
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Board rule statement
201 KAR 36:070 Section 3 states: "An applicant for licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor shall obtain a passing score on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)." The statutory endorsement exemption controls; the September 9, 2026 Board FAQ confirms that qualifying endorsement applicants need not provide these scores.
Character
Good moral character, the application fee, application and official transcript are required.
Education
A qualifying regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate hours in the nine KRS 335.527(1)(a) areas; applicable CACREP rules remain in 201 KAR 36:070.
Exemption
KRS 335.527(2) exempts the applicant from both the supervised-experience and examination requirements of KRS 335.525(1)(e)-(f).
Experience
Provide evidence of at least five years of experience as a certified or licensed professional counselor.
Military spouse
Applicant is married to a current U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to a duty station in Kentucky and holds valid occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Prior license
An active valid professional counselor license or certificate from another state in good standing is required.
Processing and fees
Issuance within 30 days; no dues or fees, or refund electronic application dues/fees within 30 days when the statutory criteria are met.
Statutory qualifications
KRS 12.357 requires the applicant to meet the Board’s statutory licensing qualifications; it does not waive an otherwise applicable examination requirement.
Temporary term
Expires six months after issuance and is not renewable under KRS 12.357(3).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-02-16.

Military spouse temporary issuance meeting examination path qualifications
Accreditation
A CACREP-accredited program is required unless enrolled by January 15, 2015, continuously enrolled, and graduated by May 31, 2020; additional hours must be from a CACREP-accredited program.
Application
Submit the applicable Board application, official transcript and required verification; pay applicable application/license fees unless a statutory military exemption applies.
Background check
KRS 335.517, effective July 15, 2026, requires KSP and FBI fingerprint investigations sent directly to the Board; this supersedes the older rule’s applicant-submitted FBI report procedure.
Character
Good moral character is required; rehabilitation evidence and statutory grounds for denial are evaluated by the Board.
Education
A regionally accredited master’s, specialist, or doctoral counseling or related-field degree with at least 60 graduate semester hours in all nine areas in KRS 335.525(1)(d); 201 KAR 36:070 defines eligible degrees and coursework.
Military spouse
Applicant is married to a current U.S. Armed Forces member assigned to a duty station in Kentucky and holds valid occupational documentation from another U.S. jurisdiction.
Outside experience
For experience obtained elsewhere, submit supervision-hour documentation, supervisor good-standing/equivalent-qualification evidence and substantially equivalent practice/supervision evidence under 201 KAR 36:060 Sections 5 and 7.
Practicum
201 KAR 36:070 requires at least 600 practicum/internship clock hours, at least 240 direct-service hours, two semester courses, weekly individual/triadic supervision and regular group supervision.
Processing and fees
Issuance within 30 days; no dues or fees, or refund electronic application dues/fees within 30 days when the statutory criteria are met.
Score evidence
A passing NCE or NCMHCE score is required. The Board accepts the testing-day score report or scores sent by NBCC; an NCC certificate or screenshot is insufficient.
Statutory qualifications
KRS 12.357 requires the applicant to meet the Board’s statutory licensing qualifications; it does not waive an otherwise applicable examination requirement.
Supervised experience
At least 4,000 postgraduate counseling hours under approved supervision, including 1,600 direct-counseling hours and 100 individual face-to-face clinical supervision hours; maintain approved LPCA supervision agreements for Kentucky experience.
Temporary term
Expires six months after issuance and is not renewable under KRS 12.357(3).

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