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Maryland Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Clinical professional counseling license, including initial examination and out-of-state pathways and the retained renewal, reactivation, reinstatement and specialty pathways.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists · Application information

Specialty scope qualification — advanced assessment
National Counselor Examination
Active License
Hold an active Maryland LCPC license.
Education
Hold a counseling or related master’s or doctoral degree and complete nine graduate courses of at least three semester or five quarter credits each: psychopathology; biological bases of behavior; research methods; advanced statistics; tests and measures; intellectual assessment; personality assessment; ethics; and practicum in advanced assessment.
Evidence
Demonstrate compliance if the Board receives a complaint; this is expanded practice of the existing clinical license, not a separately emitted license identity.
Other Approved Examinations
The Board may determine another examination with a comparable number of advanced-assessment items; this unnamed open alternative is an applicant condition.
Supervised Experience
Complete 500 hours of supervised, direct client-related advanced assessment over at least two years after the master’s degree, including at least 100 face-to-face supervision hours with an approved proficient supervisor.
Out of state licensure by mandatory statutory equivalence waiver
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Board Form Examination Demand
{"quote":"□ Examinations. Applicant must pass the following: 1) The National Counselors Exam (NCE); and 2) Maryland Law Assessment","reading":"The Board form asks for NCE and MLA notwithstanding the statutory waiver; applicants should see and address the Board’s demand.","source":"LCPCO_App.pdf, page 3"}
Character
Good moral character.
Core Courses
At least three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter hours in diagnosis and psychopathology; psychotherapy and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; and professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. The Board may waive other courses.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Current License
Hold a current clinical professional counselor license or equivalent, as established by the Board, in another state, territory or jurisdiction; submit each license and verification of good standing.
Discipline
Provide verification of no past or pending disciplinary action and no conduct warranting Maryland discipline or denial.
Equivalence
The existing jurisdiction’s requirements must be equivalent to or exceed Health Occupations §17-304; submit the Board application and pay the application fee. Section 17-307(a) mandates waiver of the licensure requirements for this group.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Lower Rank Examination Demand
{"quote":"(3) Has achieved a passing score on: (a) A national certification examination approved by the Board; and (b) An examination of: (i) Health Occupations Article, Title 17, Annotated Code of Maryland; and (ii) COMAR 10.58;","reading":"The statutory mandatory waiver controls this equivalence route; this lower-ranked regulation still states a national examination and the Maryland law examination demand.","source":"COMAR 10.58.12.06A(3)"}
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Exam Waiver
COMAR 10.58.12.06B permits examination waivers if the other jurisdiction grants similar endorsement, the applicant became licensed after a Board-approved examination, and the other statutory and regulatory qualifications are met; discretion remains an applicant condition.
Old Form Instructions
The pinned paper application uses former COMAR 10.58.01.10 citations and mail instructions. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06 and the Board’s July 2026 online application announcement carry the implementing requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Registry Evidence
The out-of-state application allows the Board to accept National Credentials Registry or successor documentation meeting Maryland out-of-state requirements; this is an applicant qualification rather than an examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Out of state licensure — Board acceptance of National Credentials Registry qualifications
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Core Courses
At least three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter hours in diagnosis and psychopathology; psychotherapy and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; and professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. The Board may waive other courses.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Current License
Hold a current clinical professional counselor license or equivalent, as established by the Board, in another state, territory or jurisdiction; submit each license and verification of good standing.
Discipline
Provide verification of no past or pending disciplinary action and no conduct warranting Maryland discipline or denial.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Exam Waiver
COMAR 10.58.12.06B permits examination waivers if the other jurisdiction grants similar endorsement, the applicant became licensed after a Board-approved examination, and the other statutory and regulatory qualifications are met; discretion remains an applicant condition.
Old Form Instructions
The pinned paper application uses former COMAR 10.58.01.10 citations and mail instructions. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06 and the Board’s July 2026 online application announcement carry the implementing requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Registry Approval
The applicant is registered with the NCR of AASCB or its successor as meeting Maryland’s out-of-state requirements; issuance remains a Board decision.
Registry Evidence
The out-of-state application allows the Board to accept National Credentials Registry or successor documentation meeting Maryland out-of-state requirements; this is an applicant qualification rather than an examination.
Registry Form Statement
{"quote":"□ National Credentials Registry (NCR) of the American Association of State Counseling Boards (AASCB): if the applicant is registered with NCR or its successor as meeting the out of State applicant requirements for Maryland, the Board may issue a license upon the applicant’s achieving a passing score on the Maryland law exam. 2","reading":"Registry evidence supplies applicant qualifications. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06A(3) retains the approved national examination and state law assessment unless the statutory equivalence waiver or Board examination waiver applies.","source":"LCPCO_App.pdf, page 2"}
Out of state licensure — substitute doctoral qualifications
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Core Courses
At least three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter hours in diagnosis and psychopathology; psychotherapy and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; and professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. The Board may waive other courses.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Current License
Hold a current clinical professional counselor license or equivalent, as established by the Board, in another state, territory or jurisdiction; submit each license and verification of good standing.
Discipline
Provide verification of no past or pending disciplinary action and no conduct warranting Maryland discipline or denial.
Educational Substitution
The Board evaluates substitute education and experience under COMAR 10.58.12.06B–E when the other jurisdiction does not meet the §17-307 equivalence standard.
Equivalent Experience
Doctoral degree and either at least two years practicing as a clinical professional counselor or at least 2,000 clinical professional counseling hours.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Experience Verification
Provide employers’, supervisors’ or colleagues’ verification of the reported clinical practice on the Board-approved form.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Exam Waiver
COMAR 10.58.12.06B permits examination waivers if the other jurisdiction grants similar endorsement, the applicant became licensed after a Board-approved examination, and the other statutory and regulatory qualifications are met; discretion remains an applicant condition.
Old Form Instructions
The pinned paper application uses former COMAR 10.58.01.10 citations and mail instructions. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06 and the Board’s July 2026 online application announcement carry the implementing requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Registry Evidence
The out-of-state application allows the Board to accept National Credentials Registry or successor documentation meeting Maryland out-of-state requirements; this is an applicant qualification rather than an examination.
Out of state licensure — substitute masters 60 qualifications
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Core Courses
At least three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter hours in diagnosis and psychopathology; psychotherapy and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; and professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. The Board may waive other courses.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Current License
Hold a current clinical professional counselor license or equivalent, as established by the Board, in another state, territory or jurisdiction; submit each license and verification of good standing.
Discipline
Provide verification of no past or pending disciplinary action and no conduct warranting Maryland discipline or denial.
Educational Substitution
The Board evaluates substitute education and experience under COMAR 10.58.12.06B–E when the other jurisdiction does not meet the §17-307 equivalence standard.
Equivalent Experience
Master’s degree with at least 60 graduate credits and at least three years/3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, including two years after the master’s award.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Experience Verification
Provide employers’, supervisors’ or colleagues’ verification of the reported clinical practice on the Board-approved form.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Exam Waiver
COMAR 10.58.12.06B permits examination waivers if the other jurisdiction grants similar endorsement, the applicant became licensed after a Board-approved examination, and the other statutory and regulatory qualifications are met; discretion remains an applicant condition.
Old Form Instructions
The pinned paper application uses former COMAR 10.58.01.10 citations and mail instructions. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06 and the Board’s July 2026 online application announcement carry the implementing requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Registry Evidence
The out-of-state application allows the Board to accept National Credentials Registry or successor documentation meeting Maryland out-of-state requirements; this is an applicant qualification rather than an examination.
Out of state licensure — substitute masters under 60 qualifications
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Core Courses
At least three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter hours in diagnosis and psychopathology; psychotherapy and treatment of mental and emotional disorders; and professional, legal and ethical responsibilities. The Board may waive other courses.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Current License
Hold a current clinical professional counselor license or equivalent, as established by the Board, in another state, territory or jurisdiction; submit each license and verification of good standing.
Discipline
Provide verification of no past or pending disciplinary action and no conduct warranting Maryland discipline or denial.
Educational Substitution
The Board evaluates substitute education and experience under COMAR 10.58.12.06B–E when the other jurisdiction does not meet the §17-307 equivalence standard.
Equivalent Experience
Master’s degree with fewer than 60 graduate credits and at least three years practicing as a licensed clinical professional counselor with at least 3,000 clinical counseling hours.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Experience Verification
Provide employers’, supervisors’ or colleagues’ verification of the reported clinical practice on the Board-approved form.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
National Exam Waiver
COMAR 10.58.12.06B permits examination waivers if the other jurisdiction grants similar endorsement, the applicant became licensed after a Board-approved examination, and the other statutory and regulatory qualifications are met; discretion remains an applicant condition.
Old Form Instructions
The pinned paper application uses former COMAR 10.58.01.10 citations and mail instructions. Current COMAR 10.58.12.06 and the Board’s July 2026 online application announcement carry the implementing requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Registry Evidence
The out-of-state application allows the Board to accept National Credentials Registry or successor documentation meeting Maryland out-of-state requirements; this is an applicant qualification rather than an examination.
Transfer an active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the inactive-status application and pay the inactive fee while the license is still active.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize counseling practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial clinical licensure — doctoral degree
Alcohol and drug counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in alcohol and drug counseling.
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Appraisal
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in appraisal.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Clinical Credential
Hold an LGPC license or another credential approved by the Board.
Counseling techniques
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling techniques.
Counseling theory
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling theory.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree
An accredited doctoral degree in clinical professional counseling or a related field with 90 graduate semester credits or 135 quarter credits.
Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
Ethics
Comply with Health Occupations Title 17 and COMAR 10.58.03.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Experience
At least 2,000 clinical counseling hours: at least 1,000 face-to-face direct and no more than 1,000 indirect; 1,000 hours after the doctorate and no more than 1,000 before it.
Field Experience
The supervised field-experience course includes an approved internship, externship, practicum or field placement and at least 125 direct clinical counseling service hours.
Group dynamics processing and counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in group dynamics, processing, and counseling.
Human growth and personality development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in human growth and personality development.
Lifestyle and career development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in lifestyle and career development.
Marriage and family therapy
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in marriage and family therapy.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Professional legal and ethical responsibilities
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities.
Psychopathology
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in psychopathology.
Research and evaluation
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in research and evaluation.
Social and cultural foundations of counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in social and cultural foundations of counseling.
Supervised field experience
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in supervised field experience.
Supervision
At least half of direct and indirect hours under a Board-approved LCPC; 50 face-to-face supervision hours within one year of the doctoral award, 25 individual and no more than 25 group.
Initial clinical licensure — master’s degree
Alcohol and drug counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in alcohol and drug counseling.
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Appraisal
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in appraisal.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Clinical Credential
Hold an LGPC license or another credential approved by the Board.
Counseling techniques
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling techniques.
Counseling theory
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling theory.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree
An accredited master’s degree in clinical professional counseling or a related field with 60 graduate semester credits (supplementary Board-approved courses permitted) or 90 quarter credits.
Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
Ethics
Comply with Health Occupations Title 17 and COMAR 10.58.03.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Experience
At least three years and 3,000 clinical counseling hours: at least 1,500 direct, no more than 1,500 indirect; at least 2,000 postgraduate hours as an LGPC; no more than 1,000 approved field-experience hours before the degree.
Field Experience
The supervised field-experience course includes an approved internship, externship, practicum or field placement and at least 125 direct clinical counseling service hours.
Group dynamics processing and counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in group dynamics, processing, and counseling.
Human growth and personality development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in human growth and personality development.
Lifestyle and career development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in lifestyle and career development.
Marriage and family therapy
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in marriage and family therapy.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Professional legal and ethical responsibilities
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities.
Psychopathology
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in psychopathology.
Research and evaluation
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in research and evaluation.
Social and cultural foundations of counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in social and cultural foundations of counseling.
Supervised field experience
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in supervised field experience.
Supervision
At least half of the direct and indirect supervised hours under a Board-approved LCPC; 100 face-to-face supervision hours within two years of the master’s award, at least 50 individual and no more than 50 group.
Reactivation from inactive status — after five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
For more than five years inactive, COMAR 10.58.12.05G(5) requires a new application and nonrefundable fee; it does not itself state an examination.
Continuing Education
For reactivation within five years, document 20 CEUs per inactive year, including at least 40 within the preceding two-year period.
Eligibility
Previously transferred an active LCPC license to inactive status.
Renewal Requirements
Comply with renewal requirements in effect when requesting reactivation, as §17-505(a)(2) expressly directs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive status — within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
For more than five years inactive, COMAR 10.58.12.05G(5) requires a new application and nonrefundable fee; it does not itself state an examination.
Continuing Education
For reactivation within five years, document 20 CEUs per inactive year, including at least 40 within the preceding two-year period.
Eligibility
Previously transferred an active LCPC license to inactive status.
Renewal Requirements
Comply with renewal requirements in effect when requesting reactivation, as §17-505(a)(2) expressly directs.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after more than five years — new application and current requirements
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree And Training
Meet the education and course requirements in COMAR 10.58.12.04A; for clinical licensure satisfy the degree-specific experience and supervision requirements in .05A.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Expiration
The license expired more than five calendar years before the request for reinstatement.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Application
Complete a new application and meet current licensure requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Reinstatement within five years after license expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete at least 20 CEUs for each expired year during the five-year period; reinstatement CEUs cannot be credited toward future renewals.
Criminal History
A former licensee who failed to renew for one year or more must undergo the criminal history check under §17-504(f).
Expiration
Apply within five calendar years after the license renewal date.
Fee
Pay the Board reinstatement fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Clinical license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Board renewal application before expiration and pay the required renewal fee.
Continuing Education
Complete at least 40 CEUs per two-year renewal period: at least 30 Category A and no more than 10 Category B, or all 40 Category A; 20 Category A for a renewal period shorter than two years.
Criminal History
Selected renewals and six-year repeat criminal history checks follow §17-504(f); an applicant must supply the check when selected.
Records
Retain continuing education documentation for four years and provide it for a Board audit.
Training
At the first license renewal after April 1, 2026, attest to approved implicit-bias and structural-racism training. Prior implicit-bias training need not be repeated; the new structural-racism training must be completed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary restoration after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification Limit
For CPC, this is restoration of a revoked certification, not reinstatement after failure to renew; §17-505(b)(2) bars the latter.
Discretion
Section 17-514 defines this restoration mechanism without naming an examination; any individualized Board orders remain applicant conditions.
Eligibility
The license or certificate was revoked; the Board must consider the reasons sufficient and act by affirmative majority vote.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • gho-17-514.pdf

    Health Occupations §17-514, Board authority to restore a revoked credential

Specialty qualification — Board approved clinical supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active License
Hold an appropriate active Maryland clinical license with no disciplinary restrictions or conditions in the preceding two years and apply for Board supervisor approval.
Experience
Complete two years of active clinical practice meeting COMAR 10.58.12.08B(1).
Supervision Letter
Provide the supervisee a copy of the Board’s LCPC supervisor letter and observe supervisor responsibilities in COMAR 10.58.12.09.
Training
Complete three graduate semester credits or equivalent quarter credits in supervision; or a Board-approved program with at least 18 CEUs; or hold the NBCC Approved Clinical Supervisor credential; or complete other qualifying supervision training approved by the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor

Graduate professional counseling under Board-approved supervision while obtaining the experience needed for clinical licensure.

Licensing authority: Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists · Application information

Graduate license extension — exceptional
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the Board-approved extension form or written request specified by .04F.
Continuing Education
Observe the specific first-extension exemption or the continuing education requirements applicable to the subsequent approved extension.
Extension Eligibility
Submit a written request for an extension beyond the six-year maximum; the Board may grant it in certain circumstances.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Graduate license extension — first
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the Board-approved extension form or written request specified by .04F.
Continuing Education
Observe the specific first-extension exemption or the continuing education requirements applicable to the subsequent approved extension.
Extension Eligibility
Apply before expiration when unable to accumulate required clinical hours; request the first two-year extension. CEUs are not required for that first extension.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Graduate license extension — subsequent
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Use the Board-approved extension form or written request specified by .04F.
Continuing Education
Observe the specific first-extension exemption or the continuing education requirements applicable to the subsequent approved extension.
Extension Eligibility
Request a later two-year extension before expiration, within the six-year maximum. Subsequent extensions approved by the Board are subject to COMAR 10.58.05 continuing education requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Transfer an active license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the inactive-status application and pay the inactive fee while the license is still active.
Practice
Inactive status does not authorize counseling practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial graduate licensure — doctoral degree
Alcohol and drug counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in alcohol and drug counseling.
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Appraisal
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in appraisal.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Counseling techniques
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling techniques.
Counseling theory
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling theory.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree
An accredited doctoral degree in clinical professional counseling or a related field with 90 graduate semester credits or 135 quarter credits.
Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
Ethics
Comply with Health Occupations Title 17 and COMAR 10.58.03.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Field Experience
The supervised field-experience course includes an approved internship, externship, practicum or field placement and at least 125 direct clinical counseling service hours.
Group dynamics processing and counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in group dynamics, processing, and counseling.
Human growth and personality development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in human growth and personality development.
License Term
The graduate license expires two years after issuance; extensions are governed by COMAR 10.58.12.04F.
Lifestyle and career development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in lifestyle and career development.
Marriage and family therapy
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in marriage and family therapy.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Professional legal and ethical responsibilities
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities.
Psychopathology
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in psychopathology.
Research and evaluation
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in research and evaluation.
Social and cultural foundations of counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in social and cultural foundations of counseling.
Supervised Practice
Practice only under a Board-approved supervisor; independent practice and providing supervision are prohibited for the graduate license.
Supervised field experience
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in supervised field experience.
Initial graduate licensure — master’s degree
Alcohol and drug counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in alcohol and drug counseling.
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Appraisal
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in appraisal.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Counseling techniques
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling techniques.
Counseling theory
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in counseling theory.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree
An accredited master’s degree in clinical professional counseling or a related field with 60 graduate semester credits (supplementary Board-approved courses permitted) or 90 quarter credits.
Diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
Ethics
Comply with Health Occupations Title 17 and COMAR 10.58.03.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Field Experience
The supervised field-experience course includes an approved internship, externship, practicum or field placement and at least 125 direct clinical counseling service hours.
Group dynamics processing and counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in group dynamics, processing, and counseling.
Human growth and personality development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in human growth and personality development.
License Term
The graduate license expires two years after issuance; extensions are governed by COMAR 10.58.12.04F.
Lifestyle and career development
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in lifestyle and career development.
Marriage and family therapy
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in marriage and family therapy.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Professional legal and ethical responsibilities
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities.
Psychopathology
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in psychopathology.
Research and evaluation
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in research and evaluation.
Social and cultural foundations of counseling
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in social and cultural foundations of counseling.
Supervised Practice
Practice only under a Board-approved supervisor; independent practice and providing supervision are prohibited for the graduate license.
Supervised field experience
Complete at least 3 semester credit hours or equivalent quarter credit hours in supervised field experience.
Reactivation of an inactive graduate license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
COMAR 10.58.05.10C specifies 40 Category A CEUs for two or fewer inactive years, or 80 for three or more years with at least 40 in the preceding two years.
Eligibility
Previously held an active LGPC license transferred to inactive status; apply to return to active status under the renewal requirements in effect.
Graduate Term
Graduate license duration and discretionary extensions remain subject to COMAR 10.58.12.04F.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after more than five years — new application and current requirements
Application
Complete the Board-approved application, submit the official transcript and pay applicable fees; the Board announced online submission beginning July 1, 2026.
Approval Window
COMAR 10.58.12.03B gives one year after approval notice to take required examinations; failure requires a new application and fee.
Character
Good moral character.
Criminal History
Submit to the criminal history records check under Health Occupations §17-501.1.
Degree And Training
Meet the education and course requirements in COMAR 10.58.12.04A; for clinical licensure satisfy the degree-specific experience and supervision requirements in .05A.
Examination Retakes
COMAR 10.58.12.04B and .05B permit retaking within the testing authority timeframe, or a Board extension for exceptional circumstances; otherwise submit a new application and fee.
Expiration
The license expired more than five calendar years before the request for reinstatement.
Maryland Law Completion
The MLA certificate must accompany the complete application within one year of assessment completion; retake at additional expense if that year elapses.
Minimum Age
At least 18 years old.
New Application
Complete a new application and meet current licensure requirements.
Previous Maryland Law Exam
The Board NoticeMLA.pdf states: “If you have already taken and passed the Maryland Law Exam, this notice does not apply to you and no further action is necessary.” The former examination is prior evidence; the current MLA remains the route examination.
Reinstatement within five years after license expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete at least 20 CEUs for each expired year during the five-year period; reinstatement CEUs cannot be credited toward future renewals.
Criminal History
A former licensee who failed to renew for one year or more must undergo the criminal history check under §17-504(f).
Expiration
Apply within five calendar years after the license renewal date.
Fee
Pay the Board reinstatement fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Discretionary restoration after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certification Limit
For CPC, this is restoration of a revoked certification, not reinstatement after failure to renew; §17-505(b)(2) bars the latter.
Discretion
Section 17-514 defines this restoration mechanism without naming an examination; any individualized Board orders remain applicant conditions.
Eligibility
The license or certificate was revoked; the Board must consider the reasons sufficient and act by affirmative majority vote.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • gho-17-514.pdf

    Health Occupations §17-514, Board authority to restore a revoked credential

Maryland Law Assessment (MLA) — Professional Counselors and Therapists

Provider
Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists; administered by the Center for Credentialing & Education
Format
Readings and questions; all items must be answered correctly for a completion certificate
Exam questions
36 questions
Passing score
No fail and no reported numeric score; all items must be answered correctly
Examination outline
  • Maryland Code, Health Occupations Article, Title 17 — Professional Counselors and Therapists
  • COMAR 10.58.01 — General Regulations
  • COMAR 10.58.03 — Code of Ethics
  • COMAR 10.58.04 — Hearing Procedures
  • COMAR 10.58.05 — Continuing Education
  • COMAR 10.58.06 — Teletherapy
  • COMAR 10.58.07 — Alcohol and Drug Counselors — Requirements for Certification and Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.08 — Marriage and Family Therapists — Requirements for Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.09 — Disciplinary Sanctions and Monetary Penalties
  • COMAR 10.58.10 — Compelling Purpose Disclosure
  • COMAR 10.58.11 — Advanced Assessment Activities
  • COMAR 10.58.12 — Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors — Requirements for Licensure
  • COMAR 10.58.17 — Art Therapists
Examination sources

National Counselor Examination

Provider
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC); administered through the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) and delivered by Pearson VUE at test centers or online through OnVUE
Format
200-question, multiple-choice, non-sectioned examination; scored and unscored items appear in jumbled order; a different form is compiled for each administration
Exam questions
200 multiple-choice questions: 160 scored and 40 unscored field-test items
Time limit
225 minutes to complete the examination within a 255-minute test session (one scheduled 15-minute break after question #100)
Passing score
Criterion passing score set by a modified Angoff method and adjusted for each form by statistical equating; passing scores may vary slightly for each version
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Practice and Ethics — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities related to maintaining proper administrative and clinical protocols. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Assess your (the counselor) competency to work with a specific client
    • B. Understand statistical concepts and methods in research
    • C. Practice legal and ethical counseling
    • D. Clarify counselor–client roles
    • E. Discuss client’s rights and responsibilities
    • F. Discuss limits of confidentiality
    • G. Explain counselor agency policies
    • H. Review payment, fees, and insurance benefits
    • I. Explain counseling processes, procedures, risks, and benefits
    • J. Explain uses and limits of social media
    • K. Inform clients about the legal aspects of counseling
    • L. Obtain informed consent
    • M. Discuss confidentiality as it applies to electronic communication
    • N. Establish group rules, expectations, and termination criteria
    • O. Assess competency to provide informed consent
    • P. Monitor the therapeutic relationship and build trust as needed
    • Q. Review client records
    • R. Provide adequate accommodations for clients with disabilities
    • S. Provide information to third parties
    • T. Provide referral sources if counseling services are inadequate/ inappropriate
    • U. Advocate for professional and client issues
    • V. Seek supervision/consultation
    • W. Create and maintain documentation appropriate for each aspect of the counseling process
    • X. Awareness and practice of self-care
  • 2. Intake, Assessment, and Diagnosis — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively conduct client intake, assessment, and diagnosis. (12% of items; 19 scored items) (12%)
    • A. Conduct a biopsychosocial interview
    • B. Conduct a diagnostic interview
    • C. Conduct cultural formulation interview
    • D. Conduct an initial interview
    • E. Determine diagnosis
    • F. Perform a Mental Status Exam (MSE)
    • G. Consider co-occurring diagnoses
    • H. Determine level of care needed
    • I. Determine the appropriate modality of treatment
    • J. Assess the presenting problem and level of distress
    • K. Evaluate an individual’s level of mental health functioning
    • L. Screen clients for appropriate services
    • M. Select, use, and interpret appropriate assessment instruments
    • N. Use formal and informal observations
    • O. Assess for trauma
    • P. Assess substance use
    • Q. Obtain client self-reports
    • R. Evaluate interactional dynamics
    • S. Conduct ongoing assessment for at-risk behaviors (i.e., suicide, homicide, self/other injury, and relationship violence)
    • T. Use pre-test and post-test measures to assess outcomes
    • U. Evaluate counseling effectiveness
  • 3. Areas of Clinical Focus — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge and skills related to areas of clients’ concern(s). (29% of items; 47 scored items) (29%)
    • A. Adjustment related to physical loss/injury/medical condition
    • B. Aging/geriatric concerns
    • C. Behavioral problems
    • D. Bullying
    • E. Caregiving concerns
    • F. Cultural adjustments
    • G. End-of-life issues
    • H. Fear and panic
    • I. Financial issues
    • J. Gender identity development
    • K. Grief/loss
    • L. Hopelessness/depression
    • M. Loneliness/attachment
    • N. Hyper/hypo mental focus
    • O. Intellectual functioning issues
    • P. Insomnia/sleep issues
    • Q. Maladaptive eating behaviors
    • R. Remarriage/recommitment
    • S. Developmental processes/tasks/issues
    • T. Obsessive thoughts/behaviors
    • U. Occupation and career development
    • V. Physical issues related to anxiety
    • W. Physical issues related to depression
    • X. Physical/emotional issues related to trauma
    • Y. Process addictions (pornography, gambling)
    • Z. Racism/discrimination/oppression
    • AA. Religious values conflict
    • AB. Retirement concerns
    • AC. Ruminating and/or intrusive thoughts
    • AD. Separation from primary care givers
    • AE. Sexual functioning concerns
    • AF. Sleeping habits
    • AG. Spiritual/existential concerns
    • AH. Stress management
    • AI. Substance use/addiction issues
    • AJ. Suicidal thoughts/behaviors
    • AK. Terminal illness issues
    • AL. Visual/auditory hallucinations
    • AM. Worry and anxiety
    • AN. Adoption issues
    • AO. Blended family issues
    • AP. Child abuse-related concerns
    • AQ. Child development issues
    • AR. Dating/relationship problems
    • AS. Divorce
    • AT. Family abuse/violence (e.g., physical, sexual, emotional)
    • AU. Interpersonal partner violence concerns
    • AV. Marital/partner communication problems
    • AW. Parenting/co-parenting conflicts
    • AX. Emotional dysregulation
  • 4. Treatment Planning — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to develop an effective course of treatment. (9% of items; 14 scored items) (9%)
    • A. Collaborate with client to establish treatment goals and objectives
    • B. Establish short- and long-term counseling goals consistent with clients’ diagnoses
    • C. Identify barriers affecting client goal attainment
    • D. Identify strengths that improve the likelihood of goal attainment
    • E. Refer to different levels of treatment (e.g., outpatient, inpatient, residential, etc.)
    • F. Refer to others for concurrent treatment
    • G. Guide treatment planning
    • H. Discuss termination process and issues
    • I. Discuss transitions in group membership
    • J. Follow-up after discharge
    • K. Use assessment instrument results to facilitate client decision making
    • L. Review and revise the treatment plan
    • M. Engage clients in review of progress toward treatment goals
    • N. Collaborate with other providers and client support systems (documentation and report writing)
    • O. Discuss with clients the integration and maintenance of therapeutic progress
    • P. Educate client to the value of treatment plan compliance
  • 5. Counseling Skills and Interventions — This section encompasses counselors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to conduct effective counseling. (30% of items; 48 scored items) (30%)
    • A. Align intervention with client’s developmental level
    • B. Align intervention with counseling modality (individual, couple, family, or group)
    • C. Align intervention with client population (e.g., veterans, minorities, disenfranchised, disabled)
    • D. Implement individual counseling in relation to a plan of treatment
    • E. Establish therapeutic alliance
    • F. Apply theory-based counseling intervention(s)
    • G. Address addiction issues
    • H. Address cultural considerations
    • I. Address family composition and cultural considerations
    • J. Evaluate and explain systemic patterns of interaction
    • K. Explore family member interaction
    • L. Explore religious and spiritual values
    • M. Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems
    • N. Help clients develop support systems
    • O. Help facilitate clients’ motivation to make the changes they desire
    • P. Improve interactional patterns
    • Q. Provide crisis intervention
    • R. Educate client about transference and defense mechanisms
    • S. Facilitate trust and safety
    • T. Build communication skills
    • U. Develop conflict resolution strategies
    • V. Develop safety plans
    • W. Facilitate systemic change
    • X. Provide distance counseling or telemental health
    • Y. Provide education resources (e.g., stress management, assertiveness training, divorce adjustment)
    • Z. Provide psychoeducation for client
    • AA. Summarize
    • AB. Reframe/redirect
    • AC. Facilitate empathic responses
    • AD. Use self-disclosure
    • AE. Use constructive confrontation
    • AF. Facilitate awareness of here-and-now interactions
    • AG. Facilitate resolution of interpersonal conflict
    • AH. Use linking and blocking in a group context
    • AI. Management of leader–member dynamics
    • AJ. Model giving and receiving of feedback
    • AK. Address impact of extended families
    • AL. Contain and manage intense feelings
    • AM. Explore the influence of family of origin patterns and themes
    • AN. Address the impact of social support network
    • AO. Use “structured” activities
    • AP. Promote and encourage interactions among group members
    • AQ. Promote and encourage interactions with the group leader
    • AR. Use psychoeducation as a part of the group process
    • AS. Explain phases in the group process
    • AT. Identify and discuss group themes and patterns
    • AU. Create intervention based on the stage of group development
    • AV. Challenge harmful group member behaviors
    • AW. Address the potential interaction of members outside of the group
  • 6. Core Counseling Attributes — This section encompasses behaviors, traits, and dispositions of effective counselors. (8% of items; 13 scored items) (8%)
    • A. Awareness of self and impact on clients
    • B. Genuineness
    • C. Congruence
    • D. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to gender orientation and gender issues
    • E. Demonstrate knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural issues
    • F. Demonstrate conflict tolerance and resolution
    • G. Empathic attunement
    • H. Empathic responding
    • I. Foster the emergence of group therapeutic factors
    • J. Non-judgmental stance
    • K. Positive regard
    • L. Respect and acceptance for diversity
    • M. Use foundational listening, attending, and reflecting skills
Examination sources

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

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