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Montana 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.

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

Full clinical professional counseling license; nonroutine applications may result in restrictions or probationary stipulations.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Behavioral Health · Application information

Licensure by endorsement with lesser education standards
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Education
Master's degree in the profession from an accredited institution with at least 48 semester/72 quarter credits.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
Experience
10,000 hours of postdegree experience in addition to 3,000 hours of supervised work experience. The older checklist says five years; the August 22, 2026 adopted rule specifies 10,000 hours.
Individual review
Qualifications and examinations passed are evaluated individually; the substantially equivalent jurisdiction proof exception applies only if the Board finds it applicable.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Proof exception
The Board's General FAQ updated September 9, 2026 states: "you will not need to submit proof of education, experience, and exam(s) with your application" for licenses from substantially equivalent jurisdictions; its July 17, 2025 checklist Option 2 lists the equivalent license alone. Prior passage or Board acceptance may satisfy the examination condition without another sitting.
Licensure by endorsement from a substantially equivalent jurisdiction
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Proof exception
The Board's General FAQ updated September 9, 2026 states: "you will not need to submit proof of education, experience, and exam(s) with your application" for licenses from substantially equivalent jurisdictions; its July 17, 2025 checklist Option 2 lists the equivalent license alone. Prior passage or Board acceptance may satisfy the examination condition without another sitting.
Licensure by endorsement with other nonequivalent qualifications
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
Individual review
The Board determines whether actual qualifications and work experience address deficiencies. The checklist Option 4 requires Board review and approval; staff evaluates education, experience, and examinations passed.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Proof exception
Automatic exemption from submitting education, experience, and examination proof applies only to a substantially equivalent jurisdiction; otherwise individual review determines accepted evidence.
Conversion of active LCPC license to inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing license
Hold an active LCPC license; request inactive status on renewal or notify the department.
Inactive requirements
No practice is permitted; report address changes and pay the annual inactive renewal fee to avoid expiration or termination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • ARM 24.219.430

    ARM 24.219.430; MAR 2025-197.1, page 11, subsections (1)-(4)

  • MAR 2025-197.2

    MAR 2025-197.2; page 2, inactive rule amended as proposed

Annual renewal of inactive LCPC license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Remain inactive with no authorized practice; keep the department informed of address changes.
Reactivation education
Returning to active status is a separate route with its own practice and continuing education conditions.
Renewal
Pay the inactive renewal fee annually by the LCPC renewal date to prevent expiration/termination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation from inactive LCPC status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Ten hours of CE for each year of inactive status, completed within 24 months before conversion, under ARM 24.219.430(4)(b).
Form discrepancy
The May 5, 2025 reactivation form asks for ten CE hours per year or partial year and says the last two years' hours must be within their respective or current renewal cycle. Its form instructions are recorded as applicant information; the adopted rule controls the CE timing.
Practice currency
Under adopted ARM 24.219.430(4)(a), the licensee may not have been out of active practice for more than five years.
Request fee
Request conversion and pay the required fee; provide disciplinary documents and license verifications for professional licenses held during inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by examination with approved degree
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Education
A primarily counseling degree: CACREP clinical mental health accredited program of at least 60 semester credits, or an accredited institution/program of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credits with CACREP clinical mental health core competencies and professional practice standards.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.
Initial licensure with Board approved additional postdegree experience
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Board review
The Board reviews and approves lesser education plus experience; passage of an approved examination remains required under MCA 37-39-309(2)(c).
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Education
The applicant has not completed the statutory degree requirement and must meet Board-established additional postdegree experience equivalent to the degree and supervised-practice requirements.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.
Initial licensure using relevant military education, training, or service
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Education
A primarily counseling degree: CACREP clinical mental health accredited program of at least 60 semester credits, or an accredited institution/program of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credits with CACREP clinical mental health core competencies and professional practice standards.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Military credit
Provide satisfactory evidence of relevant military education, training, or service; the Board must credit it toward licensure qualifications under MCA 37-1-145.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.
Annual renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continued qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and continuing education requirements.
Continuing education
20 hours annually, with up to 20 hours carried forward; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. The adopted rule requires two hours of risk assessment and safety planning every odd year.
License orders
Any restrictions or probationary stipulations continue according to the governing order.
Renewal period
Renew annually November 1 through December 31; submit the completed renewal form and required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of expired license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Accrued requirements
Satisfy applicable educational/certification requirements; expired-license requirements accrue since the license was last granted or renewed.
Continued qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and continuing education requirements.
Continuing education
20 hours annually, with up to 20 hours carried forward; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. The adopted rule requires two hours of risk assessment and safety planning every odd year.
Fees
Submit a completed renewal form; pay the current renewal fee and late penalty fee.
License orders
Any restrictions or probationary stipulations continue according to the governing order.
Reactivation window
within two years after the renewal date
Renewal period
Renew annually November 1 through December 31; submit the completed renewal form and required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation of lapsed license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Accrued requirements
Satisfy applicable educational/certification requirements; expired-license requirements accrue since the license was last granted or renewed.
Continued qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and continuing education requirements.
Continuing education
20 hours annually, with up to 20 hours carried forward; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. The adopted rule requires two hours of risk assessment and safety planning every odd year.
Fees
Submit a completed renewal form; pay the current renewal fee and late penalty fee.
License orders
Any restrictions or probationary stipulations continue according to the governing order.
Reactivation window
within 45 days after the renewal date
Renewal period
Renew annually November 1 through December 31; submit the completed renewal form and required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal with activated military personnel exemptions
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continued qualifications
Comply with applicable certification and continuing education requirements.
Continuing education
20 hours annually, with up to 20 hours carried forward; CE does not apply until after the first renewal. The adopted rule requires two hours of risk assessment and safety planning every odd year.
Deployment
Provide notice and proof of federally funded active duty exceeding 90 consecutive days.
License orders
Any restrictions or probationary stipulations continue according to the governing order.
Military exemptions
Renewal/late fees and continuing education/certification requirements or audits are exempt for renewal cycles within active duty and the following six months.
Renewal period
Renew annually November 1 through December 31; submit the completed renewal form and required fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Full licensure by military reciprocity
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Board determination
The Board may issue full licensure where requirements are substantially equivalent; prior qualifications may satisfy examinations without a new sitting.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Military eligibility
Qualifying military member, spouse, or honorably discharged person relocating as specified by MCA 37-1-147, with another jurisdiction's license in good standing and no pending charges or final disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment.
Proof exception
The Board's General FAQ updated September 9, 2026 states: "you will not need to submit proof of education, experience, and exam(s) with your application" for licenses from substantially equivalent jurisdictions; its July 17, 2025 checklist Option 2 lists the equivalent license alone. Prior passage or Board acceptance may satisfy the examination condition without another sitting.
Restoration after activated reservist inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board outcome
The license may be fully restored, restored subject to conditions, or suspended/revoked. Board-imposed conditions and hearing rights remain applicant conditions; MCA 37-1-138(4) identifies no specific examination.
Discharge documents
Upon release send discharge documents. The Board evaluates duties performed and length of active duty against professional requirements.
Orders
The activated reservist reported federal active duty orders and requested inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Nonroutine endorsement with restrictions or probationary stipulations
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
Individual qualification review
For a nonequivalent jurisdiction the Board must evaluate actual qualifications, work experience, and examinations passed.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Nonroutine review
Qualifying endorsement applications may still be nonroutine for other reasons; the screening panel may grant a probationary license with stipulations.
Proof exception
The Board's General FAQ updated September 9, 2026 states: "you will not need to submit proof of education, experience, and exam(s) with your application" for licenses from substantially equivalent jurisdictions; its July 17, 2025 checklist Option 2 lists the equivalent license alone. Prior passage or Board acceptance may satisfy the examination condition without another sitting.
Nonroutine initial licensure with restrictions or probationary stipulations
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Education
A primarily counseling degree: CACREP clinical mental health accredited program of at least 60 semester credits, or an accredited institution/program of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credits with CACREP clinical mental health core competencies and professional practice standards.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Nonroutine review
The screening panel reviews nonroutine materials and may grant, restrict, or deny the license; comply with any stipulations in its order. No distinct examination is named for the restricted form.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.
New original license after termination
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Education
A primarily counseling degree: CACREP clinical mental health accredited program of at least 60 semester credits, or an accredited institution/program of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credits with CACREP clinical mental health core competencies and professional practice standards.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Termination
A license not renewed within two years terminates and cannot ordinarily be reactivated; MCA 37-1-141(8) requires a new original license. Existing education and examination records may establish required qualifications.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.

Provisional Clinical Professional Counselor License

Department-authorized provisional form of LCPC licensure while one or more specified conditions remain pending; issuance is discretionary.

Licensing authority: Montana Board of Behavioral Health · Application information

Provisional LCPC endorsement while verification is pending
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Department discretion
The department may issue a provisional license after initially determining eligibility except for one or more pending statutory conditions.
Equivalence
Qualifications are assessed against Montana standards at the time of the Montana application.
Examination timing
MCA 37-39-309(2)(c) requires having passed an approved examination; currently offered NCE/NCMHCE alternatives remain referenced even when no new examination or score submission is needed.
Existing license
Hold a current active clinical professional counseling license in good standing from another jurisdiction.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Limitations
Any Board-imposed time, place, or supervision limitations apply. The provisional license ends upon full issuance; missed deadlines, material inspection failure, conflicting disciplinary/criminal information, or failure to act timely cause inactive status without appeal under MCA 37-1-144(3)-(4).
Pending conditions
Pending passage of the required licensure examination, supervised work or educational experience as a license holder, facility/equipment inspection where applicable, verification of good standing, or verification of absence of relevant criminal charges or other action.
Proof exception
The Board's General FAQ updated September 9, 2026 states: "you will not need to submit proof of education, experience, and exam(s) with your application" for licenses from substantially equivalent jurisdictions; its July 17, 2025 checklist Option 2 lists the equivalent license alone. Prior passage or Board acceptance may satisfy the examination condition without another sitting.
Provisional LCPC licensure while initial requirements are pending
Application
Submit a complete application and initial fee; verify applicable education, examination, and experience requirements.
Background check
FBI fingerprint background check within six months of the application date.
Credit age
Credits obtained more than six years before graduation do not count.
Department discretion
The department may issue a provisional license after initially determining eligibility except for one or more pending statutory conditions.
Education
A primarily counseling degree: CACREP clinical mental health accredited program of at least 60 semester credits, or an accredited institution/program of at least 60 semester or 90 quarter credits with CACREP clinical mental health core competencies and professional practice standards.
Examination registration
Applicants with complete applications and licensed candidates requesting approval may register under the examination entity's standards; more than three attempts requires approval and a request including a specific study plan.
Examination timing
Required NCE or NCMHCE may be pending at provisional issuance; MCA 37-1-144 expressly permits issuance before passage.
Experience currency
Supervised work experience must have been obtained within five years before application.
License verifications
Any jurisdiction in which the applicant was licensed at any time must send current verification directly to the Board.
Limitations
Any Board-imposed time, place, or supervision limitations apply. The provisional license ends upon full issuance; missed deadlines, material inspection failure, conflicting disciplinary/criminal information, or failure to act timely cause inactive status without appeal under MCA 37-1-144(3)-(4).
Pending conditions
Pending passage of the required licensure examination, supervised work or educational experience as a license holder, facility/equipment inspection where applicable, verification of good standing, or verification of absence of relevant criminal charges or other action.
Supervised practice
Complete 3,000 hours; up to 1,500 predegree hours must be approved by the graduate program. Postdegree hours include 1,000 hours of direct client contact in a clinical setting, no more than 250 in group or co-facilitative therapy, with face-to-face supervision.
Supervision ratio
At least one hour of face-to-face supervision and consultation per 20 hours of professional counseling for all 3,000 hours.
Transfer credits
Maximum 12 post-baccalaureate graduate semester/18 quarter credits or 20 semester/30 quarter credits from a completed graduate counseling degree may transfer.

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