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Missouri Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Counselor-in-Training

Committee-approved supervision registration; applicants may accumulate supervised experience before passing the NCE and completing all provisional-license requirements.

Licensing authority: Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors · Application information

Registration to begin supervised counseling as a counselor in training
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Submit fingerprints/background check using Committee registration number 5409.
Graduate degree
Conferred qualifying graduate counseling degree and required coursework to begin supervision; Committee may approve supervision while remaining core deficiencies are completed.
Nce timing
The provisional checklist expressly allows CIT approval and accumulation of supervised hours before passing the NCE; conversion to a PLPC requires passing the NCE.
Practice limits
Work under the approved supervisor, receive required supervision and do not operate a private practice; register changes of supervisor or site.
Supervisor and setting
Secure qualified Committee-approved supervisor(s) and counseling setting(s); submit the supervision application, transcript and fee; a model contract affiliates a supervisor at a different site.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-04-30.

Licensed Professional Counselor

License to practice as a professional counselor, subject to the committee's jurisdiction and applicable rules and regulations.

Licensing authority: Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors · Application information

Initial licensure by examination — advanced degree/post master substitution
Application
Submit the Committee application, supporting documentation and applicable fee. Complete materials ordinarily must arrive at least 30 days before a Committee meeting.
Asynchronous learning
No more than 50% of total coursework may be asynchronous under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(1)(D).
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol vendor for state and FBI criminal-history checks; Committee review and required fees apply.
Core coursework
CACREP/CORE-accredited degree or required graduate coursework in assessment, career counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills and interventions, diagnosis, human growth and development, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research methods, practicum/internship, and professional orientation and ethics. The practicum for the current rule spans two semesters or three quarters and includes at least 600 hours, of which 240 are face-to-face counseling, including HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Degree route
Specialist or doctoral degree in counseling, or 30 post-master graduate hours clearly related to counseling, approved by the Committee.
Diagnostic systems
At least three graduate hours in diagnostic systems under RSMo 337.510.2(3).
Foreign education
Education obtained outside the United States requires Committee determination of substantially equivalent training under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(5).
Graduate education
Graduate degree with a major in counseling from an acceptable institution under 20 CSR 2095-2.010. Applicants enrolled before August 28, 2023 require at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours; those enrolled on or after that date require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
Legal presence
United States citizen or legally present in the United States under RSMo 337.510.2.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age under RSMo 337.510.2.
Prior license education exception
Applicants formerly licensed in Missouri or currently licensed as a professional counselor elsewhere need not complete career-development courses under RSMo 337.510.2(1).
Suicide training
Provide proof of at least two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training under RSMo 337.507.1 and the full-licensure checklist.
Supervised experience
At least 1,500 supervised hours over at least 12 months and within 36 months, including 600 direct-client hours, under 20 CSR 2095-2.020(5).
Supervision arrangement
Committee-approved setting and supervisor; at least an average 15 hours weekly, at least one hour of face-to-face supervision weekly, and continued supervision until full licensure. Out-of-state experience is subject to Committee review under 20 CSR 2095-2.020(13)-(14).
Initial licensure by examination — masters degree supervision
Application
Submit the Committee application, supporting documentation and applicable fee. Complete materials ordinarily must arrive at least 30 days before a Committee meeting.
Asynchronous learning
No more than 50% of total coursework may be asynchronous under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(1)(D).
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol vendor for state and FBI criminal-history checks; Committee review and required fees apply.
Core coursework
CACREP/CORE-accredited degree or required graduate coursework in assessment, career counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills and interventions, diagnosis, human growth and development, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research methods, practicum/internship, and professional orientation and ethics. The practicum for the current rule spans two semesters or three quarters and includes at least 600 hours, of which 240 are face-to-face counseling, including HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Degree route
Qualifying counseling masters degree without the approved specialist/doctoral or 30-hour post-master substitution.
Diagnostic systems
At least three graduate hours in diagnostic systems under RSMo 337.510.2(3).
Foreign education
Education obtained outside the United States requires Committee determination of substantially equivalent training under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(5).
Graduate education
Graduate degree with a major in counseling from an acceptable institution under 20 CSR 2095-2.010. Applicants enrolled before August 28, 2023 require at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours; those enrolled on or after that date require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
Legal presence
United States citizen or legally present in the United States under RSMo 337.510.2.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age under RSMo 337.510.2.
Prior license education exception
Applicants formerly licensed in Missouri or currently licensed as a professional counselor elsewhere need not complete career-development courses under RSMo 337.510.2(1).
Suicide training
Provide proof of at least two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management training under RSMo 337.507.1 and the full-licensure checklist.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 supervised hours over at least 24 months and within 60 months, including 1,200 direct-client hours, under 20 CSR 2095-2.020(4).
Supervision arrangement
Committee-approved setting and supervisor; at least an average 15 hours weekly, at least one hour of face-to-face supervision weekly, and continued supervision until full licensure. Out-of-state experience is subject to Committee review under 20 CSR 2095-2.020(13)-(14).
Expedited reciprocity — qualifying law enforcement spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Submit the application, verification, background check and applicable fees; a statutory examination waiver does not itself waive fees.
Board general checklist
The general reciprocity checklist, without a spouse exception, states: "I have passed the: “Missouri Jurisprudence (Legal And Ethical Responsibilities) Exam”". The express statutory spouse waiver controls this route; applicants should present waiver eligibility to the Committee.
Current license
Hold a valid current full license in the same profession and practice level for at least one year in another United States jurisdiction; provide verification.
Good standing
Meet the remaining statutory eligibility and good-standing criteria; the waiver does not remove grounds for denial or background-check authority.
Spouse eligibility
Meet the statutory resident or nonresident law enforcement spouse definition; provide qualifying documentation.
Statutory waiver
Qualifying examination, education and experience requirements are waived and the license is issued within 30 days under RSMo 324.009.3(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-28.

Expedited reciprocity — qualifying military spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fees
Submit the application, verification, background check and applicable fees; a statutory examination waiver does not itself waive fees.
Board general checklist
The general reciprocity checklist, without a spouse exception, states: "I have passed the: “Missouri Jurisprudence (Legal And Ethical Responsibilities) Exam”". The express statutory spouse waiver controls this route; applicants should present waiver eligibility to the Committee.
Current license
Hold a valid current full license in the same profession and practice level for at least one year in another United States jurisdiction; provide verification.
Good standing
Meet the remaining statutory eligibility and good-standing criteria; the waiver does not remove grounds for denial or background-check authority.
Spouse eligibility
Meet the statutory resident or nonresident military spouse definition; provide qualifying documentation.
Statutory waiver
Qualifying examination, education and experience requirements are waived and the license is issued within 30 days under RSMo 337.510.3(2)(b) and 324.009.3(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-08-28.

Reactivation or reinstatement for former Missouri licensees currently licensed elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application and fee
Submit the reactivation/reinstatement application and fee under 20 CSR 2095-1.062(6).
Background check
Submit fingerprints for Missouri and FBI background checks.
Continuing education
Forty hours under the Missouri regulation or proof of completion of the CE hours required by the current licensing jurisdiction.
Current other license
Provide proof of current professional-counselor licensure in another state.
General board faq
The general Board FAQ states that a license expired more than two years cannot be reinstated and requires a new application. The specific rule 20 CSR 2095-1.062(6) provides this route for former Missouri licensees currently licensed elsewhere.
Prior missouri license
Previously licensed as a professional counselor in Missouri with an expired Missouri license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2009-05-30.

New licensure application after more than two years of expiration
Application
Submit the Committee application, supporting documentation and applicable fee. Complete materials ordinarily must arrive at least 30 days before a Committee meeting.
Asynchronous learning
No more than 50% of total coursework may be asynchronous under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(1)(D).
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol vendor for state and FBI criminal-history checks; Committee review and required fees apply.
Core coursework
CACREP/CORE-accredited degree or required graduate coursework in assessment, career counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills and interventions, diagnosis, human growth and development, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research methods, practicum/internship, and professional orientation and ethics. The practicum for the current rule spans two semesters or three quarters and includes at least 600 hours, of which 240 are face-to-face counseling, including HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Diagnostic systems
At least three graduate hours in diagnostic systems under RSMo 337.510.2(3).
Expiration
Missouri LPC license has been expired more than two years; submit a new application and meet current law and regulations. The specific other-state-current-license reactivation route remains separate.
Foreign education
Education obtained outside the United States requires Committee determination of substantially equivalent training under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(5).
Graduate education
Graduate degree with a major in counseling from an acceptable institution under 20 CSR 2095-2.010. Applicants enrolled before August 28, 2023 require at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours; those enrolled on or after that date require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
Legal presence
United States citizen or legally present in the United States under RSMo 337.510.2.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age under RSMo 337.510.2.
Prior license education exception
Applicants formerly licensed in Missouri or currently licensed as a professional counselor elsewhere need not complete career-development courses under RSMo 337.510.2(1).
Suicide training
Provide two hours of suicide prevention training for the new application.
Supervised experience
Provide acceptable supervised experience as required by current rules, including any Committee-approved advanced-degree substitution.
Licensure by reciprocity based on one year of current full licensure
Missouri Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Background check
Fingerprint/background check using Board registration number 5409; disclose any resulting criminal record.
Board checklist discipline
The reciprocity checklist states: "I do not qualify for reciprocity at this time" for applicants whose current license has had or has discipline or pending complaints; RSMo 337.510.3(3)(b) controls the evaluation of resolved discipline.
Current license
Current full professional-counselor license in another United States jurisdiction or a military branch, at the relevant practice level.
Education and experience verification
Other jurisdiction verifies that the applicant met its minimum educational and, where applicable, work-experience and clinical-supervision requirements; qualifying examination, education and experience requirements are waived within six months.
Fee
Application and applicable fees; qualifying military fee waivers require supporting documentation.
General reciprocity limits
Under current RSMo 324.009.11 a license issued by general reciprocity is valid only in Missouri, does not confer compact eligibility, and applicants licensed elsewhere pursuant to an interstate compact are not eligible under that section.
Good standing
No unresolved revocation, investigation, pending complaint, disqualifying criminal record, or disqualifying discipline; resolved past discipline is assessed under RSMo 337.510.3(3)(b).
One year
At least one year of licensure in that jurisdiction; provide current-license verification and proof of the year.
Suicide training
The Board reciprocity checklist requests proof of two hours of suicide prevention training.
Reinstatement of a lapsed license within two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Background check
Provide fingerprints for state and FBI checks if not previously submitted for licensure.
Continuing education
Provide proof of completing continuing education under 20 CSR 2095-1.064.
Fees
Submit reinstatement application, renewal fee and applicable delinquency fee.
Time limit
Apply within two years after expiration. No counseling practice while the license is lapsed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2009-05-30.

Renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board ce conflicts
The FAQ mentions three suicide-prevention hours at renewal; RSMo 337.510.5 specifies two. The 2021 CE summary states a first-cycle reduction for newly issued licenses, while 20 CSR 2095-1.070(2) provides an exemption for licenses issued before July 1 of an even year; follow the controlling rule and confirm the Board implementation.
Ce documentation
Retain CE documentation for the current and two previous renewal cycles and respond to Committee audits.
Continuing education
Forty hours per biennial cycle, including at least twenty formal hours and no more than twenty self-study hours under 20 CSR 2095-1.064; at least two hours of suicide assessment, referral, treatment and management under RSMo 337.510.5. Statutory/rule exemptions and extensions apply.
Renewal
Apply by the license renewal date and pay the renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2023-08-28.

Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor

Supervised provisional license for applicants who meet licensure requirements except completed post-degree supervised counseling experience.

Licensing authority: Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors · Application information

Extension of provisional licensure for good cause
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Fee
The Board extension instructions state that there is no cost.
Good cause
Committee discretion; request before the provisional license expires.
Supervision
Continue approved supervision and comply with the provisional-license restrictions.
Written request
Signed by both supervisee and supervisor, stating why an extension is needed; email a PDF or mail the request.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2009-05-30.

Initial provisional licensure — advanced degree/post degree coursework
Application
Submit the Committee application, supporting documentation and applicable fee. Complete materials ordinarily must arrive at least 30 days before a Committee meeting.
Asynchronous learning
No more than 50% of total coursework may be asynchronous under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(1)(D).
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol vendor for state and FBI criminal-history checks; Committee review and required fees apply.
Board provisional checklist
The Board provisional checklist and FAQ list education, supervision, NCE and background-check approval, and do not list jurisprudence among the four automatic-issuance criteria. The FAQ states: "When these four requirements have been satisfactorily met a provisional license is issued automatically". RSMo 337.510.4 requires that a provisional applicant meet all requirements except completed supervised experience; its examination requirement is retained.
Core coursework
CACREP/CORE-accredited degree or required graduate coursework in assessment, career counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills and interventions, diagnosis, human growth and development, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research methods, practicum/internship, and professional orientation and ethics. The practicum for the current rule spans two semesters or three quarters and includes at least 600 hours, of which 240 are face-to-face counseling, including HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Degree route
Specialist/doctoral degree or approved 30 hours of post-degree counseling coursework.
Diagnostic systems
At least three graduate hours in diagnostic systems under RSMo 337.510.2(3).
Foreign education
Education obtained outside the United States requires Committee determination of substantially equivalent training under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(5).
Graduate education
Graduate degree with a major in counseling from an acceptable institution under 20 CSR 2095-2.010. Applicants enrolled before August 28, 2023 require at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours; those enrolled on or after that date require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
Legal presence
United States citizen or legally present in the United States under RSMo 337.510.2.
License term
License valid for at least one year; void upon expiration or termination of supervision, whichever occurs first; Committee may extend for good cause.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age under RSMo 337.510.2.
Prior license education exception
Applicants formerly licensed in Missouri or currently licensed as a professional counselor elsewhere need not complete career-development courses under RSMo 337.510.2(1).
Registered supervision
Committee-approved supervisor and practice setting; required supervised experience is not yet complete.
Suicide training timing
The Board FAQ states that two hours of suicide training are needed at full licensure, rather than PLPC issuance.
Initial provisional licensure — masters degree
Application
Submit the Committee application, supporting documentation and applicable fee. Complete materials ordinarily must arrive at least 30 days before a Committee meeting.
Asynchronous learning
No more than 50% of total coursework may be asynchronous under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(1)(D).
Background check
Submit fingerprints through the Missouri State Highway Patrol vendor for state and FBI criminal-history checks; Committee review and required fees apply.
Board provisional checklist
The Board provisional checklist and FAQ list education, supervision, NCE and background-check approval, and do not list jurisprudence among the four automatic-issuance criteria. The FAQ states: "When these four requirements have been satisfactorily met a provisional license is issued automatically". RSMo 337.510.4 requires that a provisional applicant meet all requirements except completed supervised experience; its examination requirement is retained.
Core coursework
CACREP/CORE-accredited degree or required graduate coursework in assessment, career counseling, counseling theory, counseling skills and interventions, diagnosis, human growth and development, group counseling, social and cultural diversity, research methods, practicum/internship, and professional orientation and ethics. The practicum for the current rule spans two semesters or three quarters and includes at least 600 hours, of which 240 are face-to-face counseling, including HIPAA-compliant telehealth.
Degree route
Qualifying masters counseling degree.
Diagnostic systems
At least three graduate hours in diagnostic systems under RSMo 337.510.2(3).
Foreign education
Education obtained outside the United States requires Committee determination of substantially equivalent training under 20 CSR 2095-2.010(5).
Graduate education
Graduate degree with a major in counseling from an acceptable institution under 20 CSR 2095-2.010. Applicants enrolled before August 28, 2023 require at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours; those enrolled on or after that date require at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours.
Legal presence
United States citizen or legally present in the United States under RSMo 337.510.2.
License term
License valid for at least two years; void upon expiration or termination of supervision, whichever occurs first; Committee may extend for good cause.
Minimum age
At least 18 years of age under RSMo 337.510.2.
Prior license education exception
Applicants formerly licensed in Missouri or currently licensed as a professional counselor elsewhere need not complete career-development courses under RSMo 337.510.2(1).
Registered supervision
Committee-approved supervisor and practice setting; required supervised experience is not yet complete.
Suicide training timing
The Board FAQ states that two hours of suicide training are needed at full licensure, rather than PLPC issuance.
Renewal while provisional supervision remains authorized
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
The Board licensure overview states that continuing education is not required for PLPCs.
License status
Hold a provisional license with approved supervision; under 20 CSR 2095-2.005 the provisional license is void on its expiration date or termination of supervision, whichever occurs first.
Renewal
RSMo 337.515 applies renewal by application and payment to each license issued under the counselor licensing provisions; an extension beyond the provisional term requires Committee approval.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2009-05-30.

professional counselor supervisor

Committee supervisor approval for a currently licensed professional counselor; this survey covers the professional-counselor applicant class.

Licensing authority: committee for professional counselors · Application information

Approval as a professional counselor licensure supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the supervisor application and provide documentation for Committee review.
Experience
At least two years of licensed professional counseling experience.
License
Current full professional-counselor license; inactive, provisional, expired, temporary, retired, probated or suspended status does not qualify.
Supervisory limits
Supervisor cannot be the supervisee relative; generally no more than three CITs/PLPCs at a time without written Committee approval; provide supervision, review/cosign reports and avoid exploitative relationships.
Training
Document counseling and supervisory training and experience in a resume or vitae.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2009-05-30.

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

Missouri Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), jointly developed with the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice, open-book examination delivered through a secure email link
Exam questions
40 items
Passing score
75%
Exam fee
$75.00
Examination outline
  • Licensure Requirements (20%)
    • License requirements/renewal/status/fees
    • Continuing Education
    • Exempt professions and occupations
  • Supervised Counseling (30%)
    • Supervised Counseling Experience
    • Supervisors and Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Professional Conduct (50%)
    • Scope of Practice
    • Client Welfare
    • Complaints and Disciplinary Actions
Examination sources