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New Mexico Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-NM · License preparation

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Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Supervised mental health counseling license leading toward independent LPCC licensure, including expedited provisional issuance and conversion.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board · Application information

Entry level licensure by examination
National Counselor Examination
Age
Be at least 21 years old.
Application
Submit a completed attested application, $75 application fee, official transcripts sent or uploaded in the manner specified by 16.27.3.8, and required supplemental documentation. The application is valid for at most 12 months; reapplication after that requires a new fee and documentation.
Clinical core hours
Complete at least 48 graduate semester hours or 72 quarter hours in the mental health clinical core curriculum defined by 16.27.2 NMAC.
Clinical hours
Client-contact and supervision hours before licensure are not acceptable for independent licensure. Hours more than five years old are invalid for LPCC application unless a license has continuously been maintained in good standing.
Core area hours
The first eight core areas require at least three semester or four quarter hours each; specialized clinical studies require 12 semester or 18 quarter hours; supervised practicum requires nine semester or 12 quarter hours. Remaining coursework is distributed as electives among the ten core areas.
Core coursework
16.27.2.7 and .8 prescribe graduate coursework in ten areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; group work; career and lifestyle development; appraisal; research methods; professional orientation; specialized clinical studies; supervised practicum. Dedicated transcript courses are required for related-field applicants; thesis, dissertation, and partitioned courses are not accepted.
Ethics
Sign the application statement confirming that the code of ethics has been read and agreeing to be governed by it.
Foreign education documentation
If certified official transcripts from a foreign institution cannot be submitted, explain the absence and provide certified degree certificates, curricula, and other Board-requested documentation.
Graduate degree
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
Printed ncc alternative
16.27.9.11 prints 'national counselors exam (NCE) or (NCC)'. The text does not identify a distinct examination called NCC; that printed alternative is retained as an applicant condition, with the identified registered NCE as the examination leaf.
Prior passing scores
Previously passed approved examinations need not be retaken while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held, pursuant to 16.27.15.13(B).
Supervised practice
All LMHC practice is under clinical supervision from an eligible professional holding the Board supervisor designation. The LMHC has no maximum duration.
Supervision plan
Arrange appropriate clinical supervision; submit the supervisor statement on Attachment C and Attachment E for the mental health specialty.
Renewal and conversion of expedited provisional license to regular license
National Counselor Examination
Conversion
The Board issues the regular license upon renewal.
Examination condition
Before renewal, pass the normally required examination(s) not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction under 16.27.24.12(B); already satisfied examination obligations do not require repeat testing.
Prior provisional license
Hold this licensure level in expedited provisional form.
Renewal requirements
Complete the ordinary renewal application, fees (subject to military waiver), health professions survey, and applicable continuing education.
Expedited licensure by credentials (provisional form)
National Counselor Examination
Application
Complete and sign the expedited application; provide third-party proof of current eligible-jurisdiction licensure and the required fee. Processing begins after all materials are received.
Conversion
Upon renewal the Board issues the regular license under 16.27.24.12(C).
Disciplinary history
No formal disciplinary action within the past two years and no disqualifying criminal conviction; potential grounds for denial may require Board consideration instead of issuance within 30 days.
Examinations before renewal
Under 16.27.24.12(B), pass any examination normally required in New Mexico that was not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction before renewing the expedited license. Prior passage and the deadline are applicant conditions, and all identified currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Graduate degree
Possess a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
License held
Hold a current, unrestricted license in good standing at the same licensure level from an eligible jurisdiction under 16.27.24.7 and .8.
Prior passage
A valid other-jurisdiction license and prior passage of approved examinations excuse retesting under 16.27.15.13(B).
Prior practice
16.27.24.7(G)(4) requires at least two consecutive years of practice as a licensed professional immediately before application.
Provisional form
The expedited license confers regular-license rights, privileges, and responsibilities at the same licensure level; its initial term may exceed 12 months but must be less than 24 months to align with the September 30 renewal cycle.
Statutory new mexico practice
61-9A-22(A)(4) additionally states: (4) has practiced in New Mexico for at least two years immediately prior to application; and
Expedited licensure for military service members and veterans (provisional form)
National Counselor Examination
Application
Submit the signed expedited application, proof of current licensure, and applicable military orders, marriage certificate, dependency documentation, or honorable-discharge documentation listed in 16.27.24.11(A).
Background check
Provide a background check if required under 61-1-34(A).
Conversion
Upon renewal the Board issues the regular license under 16.27.24.12(C).
Disciplinary history
No formal disciplinary action within the past two years and no disqualifying criminal conviction; potential grounds for denial may require Board consideration instead of issuance within 30 days.
Examinations before renewal
Under 16.27.24.12(B), pass any examination normally required in New Mexico that was not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction before renewing the expedited license. Prior passage and the deadline are applicant conditions, and all identified currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Fee waiver
Initial and renewal licensing fees are waived for the first three years; examination fees are outside the licensing-fee definition in 61-1-34(E)(1).
Graduate degree
Possess a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
License held
Hold a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces. 16.27.24.7(G)(1) does not apply the nonmilitary eligible-jurisdiction restriction to military service members or veterans.
Military status
Qualify as a military service member, spouse (including an eligible surviving spouse), federally dependent child, or honorably discharged veteran under 61-1-34(E).
Prior passage
A valid other-jurisdiction license and prior passage of approved examinations excuse retesting under 16.27.15.13(B).
Prior practice
16.27.24.7(G)(4) requires at least two consecutive years of practice as a licensed professional immediately before application.
Provisional form
The expedited license confers regular-license rights, privileges, and responsibilities at the same licensure level; its initial term may exceed 12 months but must be less than 24 months to align with the September 30 renewal cycle.
Reapplication after expiration beyond the grace period
National Counselor Examination
Age
Be at least 21 years old.
Application
Submit a completed attested application, $75 application fee, official transcripts sent or uploaded in the manner specified by 16.27.3.8, and required supplemental documentation. The application is valid for at most 12 months; reapplication after that requires a new fee and documentation.
Clinical core hours
Complete at least 48 graduate semester hours or 72 quarter hours in the mental health clinical core curriculum defined by 16.27.2 NMAC.
Clinical hours
Client-contact and supervision hours before licensure are not acceptable for independent licensure. Hours more than five years old are invalid for LPCC application unless a license has continuously been maintained in good standing.
Core area hours
The first eight core areas require at least three semester or four quarter hours each; specialized clinical studies require 12 semester or 18 quarter hours; supervised practicum requires nine semester or 12 quarter hours. Remaining coursework is distributed as electives among the ten core areas.
Core coursework
16.27.2.7 and .8 prescribe graduate coursework in ten areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; group work; career and lifestyle development; appraisal; research methods; professional orientation; specialized clinical studies; supervised practicum. Dedicated transcript courses are required for related-field applicants; thesis, dissertation, and partitioned courses are not accepted.
Ethics
Sign the application statement confirming that the code of ethics has been read and agreeing to be governed by it.
Expiration
The credential expired because renewal was not completed within the 30-day grace period.
Foreign education documentation
If certified official transcripts from a foreign institution cannot be submitted, explain the absence and provide certified degree certificates, curricula, and other Board-requested documentation.
Graduate degree
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
Previous exam passage
Currently offered examinations remain leaves; 16.27.15.13(B) explicitly excuses retesting only while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held.
Printed ncc alternative
16.27.9.11 prints 'national counselors exam (NCE) or (NCC)'. The text does not identify a distinct examination called NCC; that printed alternative is retained as an applicant condition, with the identified registered NCE as the examination leaf.
Prior passing scores
Previously passed approved examinations need not be retaken while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held, pursuant to 16.27.15.13(B).
Reapplication
Submit a new complete application, all supplemental documentation, and application and initial-license fees; meet all current licensure standards.
Supervised practice
All LMHC practice is under clinical supervision from an eligible professional holding the Board supervisor designation. The LMHC has no maximum duration.
Supervision plan
Arrange appropriate clinical supervision; submit the supervisor statement on Attachment C and Attachment E for the mental health specialty.
Placement into inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Fees
Pay the requisite inactive-status fee.
Prior credential
Hold this credential in active or retirement status.
Request
Request the status change in the online portal before the active or retirement status expires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Biennial renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Inactive credential
Hold this credential in inactive status.
Renewal
Renew the inactive credential every two years and pay the requisite fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Restoration of inactive credential to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application.
Continuing education
Comply with current continuing education requirements under 16.27.16.8 NMAC.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Inactive credential
Hold this credential in inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Late renewal within the 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application and mandatory University of New Mexico health professions survey.
Continuing education
Complete 40 CEUs, including 12 ethics hours, during the expiring licensing period; 16.27.3.13(A)(4) specifies 20 CEUs including six ethics hours for the first renewal.
Fees
Pay the renewal license fee, subject to any applicable military licensing-fee waiver.
Grace period
Complete all renewal requirements within the 30-day period ending October 31 and pay the additional $100 late penalty.
License held
Hold this credential in regular form; first conversion of an expedited provisional license is a separate examination-dependent route.
Practice restriction
Refrain from practicing after expiration; practice may resume after payment and continuing education requirements are received.
Renewal date
Renew biennially by September 30.
Supervisor education
If providing supervision, obtain nine CEUs specific to counseling and therapy supervision during the current licensing period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application and mandatory University of New Mexico health professions survey.
Continuing education
Complete 40 CEUs, including 12 ethics hours, during the expiring licensing period; 16.27.3.13(A)(4) specifies 20 CEUs including six ethics hours for the first renewal.
Fees
Pay the renewal license fee, subject to any applicable military licensing-fee waiver.
License held
Hold this credential in regular form; first conversion of an expedited provisional license is a separate examination-dependent route.
Renewal date
Renew biennially by September 30.
Supervisor education
If providing supervision, obtain nine CEUs specific to counseling and therapy supervision during the current licensing period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Placement into retirement status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing before the current credential expires.
Prior credential
Hold this New Mexico credential.
Status
Retirement is a status of the same credential, not authority to continue active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-11-30.

Restoration from retirement within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide proof of the required continuing education under 61-9A-23(E), 16.27.3.11(C), and 16.27.16.8.
Fees
Pay the renewal and reinstatement fees.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing that active practice is to resume; submit the reinstatement application.
Retired credential
The credential was placed into retirement status within the past five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-11-30.

Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC)

Independent clinical mental health counselor license. Examination and expedited credentials routes include the provisional form and conversion at renewal.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board · Application information

Licensure by examination
Age
Be at least 21 years old.
Application
Submit a completed attested application, $75 application fee, official transcripts sent or uploaded in the manner specified by 16.27.3.8, and required supplemental documentation. The application is valid for at most 12 months; reapplication after that requires a new fee and documentation.
Clinical contact
Document 3,000 postgraduate clinical client-contact hours; up to 1,000 hours may come from internship or practicum and are credited by Board staff from the transcript rather than included on Attachment B.
Clinical core hours
Complete at least 48 graduate semester hours or 72 quarter hours in the mental health clinical core curriculum defined by 16.27.2 NMAC.
Core area hours
The first eight core areas require at least three semester or four quarter hours each; specialized clinical studies require 12 semester or 18 quarter hours; supervised practicum requires nine semester or 12 quarter hours. Remaining coursework is distributed as electives among the ten core areas.
Core coursework
16.27.2.7 and .8 prescribe graduate coursework in ten areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; group work; career and lifestyle development; appraisal; research methods; professional orientation; specialized clinical studies; supervised practicum. Dedicated transcript courses are required for related-field applicants; thesis, dissertation, and partitioned courses are not accepted.
Education documentation
Submit official transcripts for each institution contributing to the degree. While a completed degree awaits conferral, the specified university verification letter and a receipt ordering transcripts may be used.
Ethics
Sign the application statement confirming that the code of ethics has been read and agreeing to be governed by it.
Experience documentation
Submit supervisor statements on Attachment B describing the nature and extent of supervision. If unavailable, explain why and supply sworn affidavits verifying the supervision.
Graduate degree
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
Independent practice
An LPCC license permits independent practice; 16.27.4.8 recommends continuing consultation or peer review.
Other jurisdiction hours
For experience in another jurisdiction, submit license, registration, or certification verification on Attachment A sent directly by that jurisdiction.
Postgraduate duration
Complete a minimum of two years' postgraduate professional clinical counseling experience.
Prior passing scores
16.27.15.13(B) excuses retesting for previously passed approved examinations while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held; those currently offered examinations remain requirements under this survey contract.
Related field documentation
Submit Attachment E listing specific graduate coursework; the Board may request syllabi to clarify course content.
Supervision hours
Document 100 hours of appropriate face-to-face postgraduate supervision.
Renewal and conversion of expedited provisional license to regular license
Conversion
The Board issues the regular license upon renewal.
Examination condition
Before renewal, pass the normally required examination(s) not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction under 16.27.24.12(B); already satisfied examination obligations do not require repeat testing.
Prior provisional license
Hold this licensure level in expedited provisional form.
Renewal requirements
Complete the ordinary renewal application, fees (subject to military waiver), health professions survey, and applicable continuing education.
Expedited licensure by credentials (provisional form)
Application
Complete and sign the expedited application; provide third-party proof of current eligible-jurisdiction licensure and the required fee. Processing begins after all materials are received.
Conversion
Upon renewal the Board issues the regular license under 16.27.24.12(C).
Disciplinary history
No formal disciplinary action within the past two years and no disqualifying criminal conviction; potential grounds for denial may require Board consideration instead of issuance within 30 days.
Examinations before renewal
Under 16.27.24.12(B), pass any examination normally required in New Mexico that was not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction before renewing the expedited license. Prior passage and the deadline are applicant conditions, and all identified currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Graduate degree
Possess a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
License held
Hold a current, unrestricted license in good standing at the same licensure level from an eligible jurisdiction under 16.27.24.7 and .8.
Prior passage
A valid other-jurisdiction license and prior passage of approved examinations excuse retesting under 16.27.15.13(B).
Prior practice
16.27.24.7(G)(4) requires at least two consecutive years of practice as a licensed professional immediately before application.
Provisional form
The expedited license confers regular-license rights, privileges, and responsibilities at the same licensure level; its initial term may exceed 12 months but must be less than 24 months to align with the September 30 renewal cycle.
Statutory new mexico practice
61-9A-22(A)(4) additionally states: (4) has practiced in New Mexico for at least two years immediately prior to application; and
Expedited licensure for military service members and veterans (provisional form)
Application
Submit the signed expedited application, proof of current licensure, and applicable military orders, marriage certificate, dependency documentation, or honorable-discharge documentation listed in 16.27.24.11(A).
Background check
Provide a background check if required under 61-1-34(A).
Conversion
Upon renewal the Board issues the regular license under 16.27.24.12(C).
Disciplinary history
No formal disciplinary action within the past two years and no disqualifying criminal conviction; potential grounds for denial may require Board consideration instead of issuance within 30 days.
Examinations before renewal
Under 16.27.24.12(B), pass any examination normally required in New Mexico that was not required by the prior licensing jurisdiction before renewing the expedited license. Prior passage and the deadline are applicant conditions, and all identified currently offered registered examinations remain leaves.
Fee waiver
Initial and renewal licensing fees are waived for the first three years; examination fees are outside the licensing-fee definition in 61-1-34(E)(1).
Graduate degree
Possess a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
License held
Hold a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction, including a branch of the United States armed forces. 16.27.24.7(G)(1) does not apply the nonmilitary eligible-jurisdiction restriction to military service members or veterans.
Military status
Qualify as a military service member, spouse (including an eligible surviving spouse), federally dependent child, or honorably discharged veteran under 61-1-34(E).
Prior passage
A valid other-jurisdiction license and prior passage of approved examinations excuse retesting under 16.27.15.13(B).
Prior practice
16.27.24.7(G)(4) requires at least two consecutive years of practice as a licensed professional immediately before application.
Provisional form
The expedited license confers regular-license rights, privileges, and responsibilities at the same licensure level; its initial term may exceed 12 months but must be less than 24 months to align with the September 30 renewal cycle.
Reapplication after expiration beyond the grace period
Age
Be at least 21 years old.
Application
Submit a completed attested application, $75 application fee, official transcripts sent or uploaded in the manner specified by 16.27.3.8, and required supplemental documentation. The application is valid for at most 12 months; reapplication after that requires a new fee and documentation.
Clinical contact
Document 3,000 postgraduate clinical client-contact hours; up to 1,000 hours may come from internship or practicum and are credited by Board staff from the transcript rather than included on Attachment B.
Clinical core hours
Complete at least 48 graduate semester hours or 72 quarter hours in the mental health clinical core curriculum defined by 16.27.2 NMAC.
Core area hours
The first eight core areas require at least three semester or four quarter hours each; specialized clinical studies require 12 semester or 18 quarter hours; supervised practicum requires nine semester or 12 quarter hours. Remaining coursework is distributed as electives among the ten core areas.
Core coursework
16.27.2.7 and .8 prescribe graduate coursework in ten areas: human growth and development; social and cultural foundations; helping relationships; group work; career and lifestyle development; appraisal; research methods; professional orientation; specialized clinical studies; supervised practicum. Dedicated transcript courses are required for related-field applicants; thesis, dissertation, and partitioned courses are not accepted.
Education documentation
Submit official transcripts for each institution contributing to the degree. While a completed degree awaits conferral, the specified university verification letter and a receipt ordering transcripts may be used.
Ethics
Sign the application statement confirming that the code of ethics has been read and agreeing to be governed by it.
Experience documentation
Submit supervisor statements on Attachment B describing the nature and extent of supervision. If unavailable, explain why and supply sworn affidavits verifying the supervision.
Expiration
The credential expired because renewal was not completed within the 30-day grace period.
Graduate degree
Hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a counseling-related field from an accredited institution.
Independent practice
An LPCC license permits independent practice; 16.27.4.8 recommends continuing consultation or peer review.
Other jurisdiction hours
For experience in another jurisdiction, submit license, registration, or certification verification on Attachment A sent directly by that jurisdiction.
Postgraduate duration
Complete a minimum of two years' postgraduate professional clinical counseling experience.
Previous exam passage
Currently offered examinations remain leaves; 16.27.15.13(B) explicitly excuses retesting only while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held.
Prior passing scores
16.27.15.13(B) excuses retesting for previously passed approved examinations while a valid license in another jurisdiction is held; those currently offered examinations remain requirements under this survey contract.
Reapplication
Submit a new complete application, all supplemental documentation, and application and initial-license fees; meet all current licensure standards.
Related field documentation
Submit Attachment E listing specific graduate coursework; the Board may request syllabi to clarify course content.
Supervision hours
Document 100 hours of appropriate face-to-face postgraduate supervision.
Placement into inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Fees
Pay the requisite inactive-status fee.
Prior credential
Hold this credential in active or retirement status.
Request
Request the status change in the online portal before the active or retirement status expires.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Biennial renewal of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
No continuing education is required while inactive.
Inactive credential
Hold this credential in inactive status.
Renewal
Renew the inactive credential every two years and pay the requisite fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Restoration of inactive credential to active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application.
Continuing education
Comply with current continuing education requirements under 16.27.16.8 NMAC.
Fees
Pay the applicable renewal fee.
Inactive credential
Hold this credential in inactive status.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Late renewal within the 30 day grace period
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application and mandatory University of New Mexico health professions survey.
Continuing education
Complete 40 CEUs, including 12 ethics hours, during the expiring licensing period; 16.27.3.13(A)(4) specifies 20 CEUs including six ethics hours for the first renewal.
Fees
Pay the renewal license fee, subject to any applicable military licensing-fee waiver.
Grace period
Complete all renewal requirements within the 30-day period ending October 31 and pay the additional $100 late penalty.
License held
Hold this credential in regular form; first conversion of an expedited provisional license is a separate examination-dependent route.
Practice restriction
Refrain from practicing after expiration; practice may resume after payment and continuing education requirements are received.
Renewal date
Renew biennially by September 30.
Supervisor education
If providing supervision, obtain nine CEUs specific to counseling and therapy supervision during the current licensing period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Ordinary biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Complete the renewal application and mandatory University of New Mexico health professions survey.
Continuing education
Complete 40 CEUs, including 12 ethics hours, during the expiring licensing period; 16.27.3.13(A)(4) specifies 20 CEUs including six ethics hours for the first renewal.
Fees
Pay the renewal license fee, subject to any applicable military licensing-fee waiver.
License held
Hold this credential in regular form; first conversion of an expedited provisional license is a separate examination-dependent route.
Renewal date
Renew biennially by September 30.
Supervisor education
If providing supervision, obtain nine CEUs specific to counseling and therapy supervision during the current licensing period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2024-07-30.

Placement into retirement status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing before the current credential expires.
Prior credential
Hold this New Mexico credential.
Status
Retirement is a status of the same credential, not authority to continue active practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-11-30.

Restoration from retirement within five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Provide proof of the required continuing education under 61-9A-23(E), 16.27.3.11(C), and 16.27.16.8.
Fees
Pay the renewal and reinstatement fees.
Notice
Notify the Board in writing that active practice is to resume; submit the reinstatement application.
Retired credential
The credential was placed into retirement status within the past five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2021-11-30.

Temporary License

Temporary counseling license before examination or during Board verification, including mental health counseling and art therapy specialty conditions.

Licensing authority: New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board · Application information

Board discretion temporary license while verifying LMHC qualifications
National Counselor Examination
Applicant track
Apply for mental health counselor licensure.
Board discretion
61-9A-16(B) permits temporary licensure notwithstanding subsection A when the Board deems it necessary. The Board must determine necessity and completion of applicable licensure requirements.
Duration
Not exceeding six months or the period necessary for the Board to verify requirements.
Examinations
The currently offered examinations identified for the intended license remain leaves; whether they must be taken or are already satisfied is an applicant condition.
Implementation
16.27.14.8 explicitly describes routine temporary LMHC and LAMFT issuance; the broader LPCC track here is the statute-authorized case-by-case temporary route.
Board discretion temporary license while verifying LPCC qualifications
Applicant track
Apply for professional clinical mental health counselor licensure.
Board discretion
61-9A-16(B) permits temporary licensure notwithstanding subsection A when the Board deems it necessary. The Board must determine necessity and completion of applicable licensure requirements.
Duration
Not exceeding six months or the period necessary for the Board to verify requirements.
Examinations
The currently offered examinations identified for the intended license remain leaves; whether they must be taken or are already satisfied is an applicant condition.
Implementation
16.27.14.8 explicitly describes routine temporary LMHC and LAMFT issuance; the broader LPCC track here is the statute-authorized case-by-case temporary route.
Pre examination temporary license for mental health counseling
National Counselor Examination
Duration
The statutory pre-examination form is valid no more than 60 days after the next examination results become available; the Board rule also specifies a term not exceeding six months or the time necessary to verify licensure requirements.
Education
Meet the educational requirements for the mental health counselor license and arrange appropriate clinical supervision.
Expiry
Refrain from practice when the temporary license expires and until another temporary or full license is issued.
Hours
Hours earned under a temporary license remain usable after a licensing gap when earned within the five years before LMHC issuance.
Nonrenewability
16.27.14.8(A) states that the temporary license cannot be renewed and must be returned to the Board.
Purpose
The temporary license permits time to complete the NCE; the examination remains a leaf even though issuance precedes it.
Supervision
Practice under appropriate supervision; a temporary license holder may not provide supervision.
Board reissuance after an unsuccessful NCE attempt
National Counselor Examination
Duration
The statutory pre-examination form is valid no more than 60 days after the next examination results become available; the Board rule also specifies a term not exceeding six months or the time necessary to verify licensure requirements.
Education
Meet the educational requirements for the mental health counselor license and arrange appropriate clinical supervision.
Expiry
Refrain from practice when the temporary license expires and until another temporary or full license is issued.
Failed exam surrender
16.27.15.14(A) requires immediate surrender of a temporary license after failure.
Hours
Hours earned under a temporary license remain usable after a licensing gap when earned within the five years before LMHC issuance.
Nonrenewability
16.27.14.8(A) states that the temporary license cannot be renewed and must be returned to the Board.
Purpose
The temporary license permits time to complete the NCE; the examination remains a leaf even though issuance precedes it.
Reissuance
16.27.14.8(C) directs a second temporary license after the first failed examination and permits a third after the second; no more than three temporary licenses may be issued for one application.
Statutory boundary
61-9A-16(A) bars reissuance of its ordinary pre-examination form after failure; subsection B begins notwithstanding subsection A and permits a Board-deemed-necessary temporary license. Reissuance is retained under that discretionary authority.
Supervision
Practice under appropriate supervision; a temporary license holder may not provide supervision.

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