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Ohio Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-OH · License preparation

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Counseling Compact privilege to practice in Ohio

Remote-state professional counseling authorization equivalent to an independent counselor license under Ohio law.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board — Counselor Professional Standards Committee · Application information

Compact privilege initial
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.
Legacy eligible Compact privilege initial
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Legacy eligibility
Independent clinical licensure predates the date the home jurisdiction became a Compact member; Chapter 5 deems the licensee eligible, subject to criminal-background and section 4 requirements. No examination or education exemption is inferred outside this grandfathered category.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-05.

Legacy eligible Compact privilege renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Legacy eligibility
Independent clinical licensure predates the date the home jurisdiction became a Compact member; Chapter 5 deems the licensee eligible, subject to criminal-background and section 4 requirements. No examination or education exemption is inferred outside this grandfathered category.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-05.

Legacy eligible Compact privilege restoration after encumbrance
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Legacy eligibility
Independent clinical licensure predates the date the home jurisdiction became a Compact member; Chapter 5 deems the licensee eligible, subject to criminal-background and section 4 requirements. No examination or education exemption is inferred outside this grandfathered category.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Restoration
Home license must be restored to good standing and two years without encumbrance/restriction must elapse; meet section 4 again.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-05.

Compact privilege renewal
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.
Compact privilege restoration after encumbrance
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Restoration
Home license must be restored to good standing and two years without encumbrance/restriction must elapse; meet section 4 again.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.

Conditional permission to practice counseling

Nonresident counselor permission for no more than thirty days in a six-month period.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board — Counselor Professional Standards Committee · Application information

Nonresident conditional permission at LPC level
Clinical supervision
Dependent LPC scope requires appropriate supervision for diagnosis and treatment.
Home authorization
Hold an equivalent license or registration in the home jurisdiction.
Practice limit
Board written permission, fee and no more than thirty practice days per six-month period.
Qualifications
Demonstrate qualifications meeting Ohio standards for the LPC or LPCC level, including its currently offered national examination alternatives.
Nonresident conditional permission at LPCC level
Clinical supervision
Dependent LPC scope requires appropriate supervision for diagnosis and treatment.
Home authorization
Hold an equivalent license or registration in the home jurisdiction.
Practice limit
Board written permission, fee and no more than thirty practice days per six-month period.
Qualifications
Demonstrate qualifications meeting Ohio standards for the LPC or LPCC level, including its currently offered national examination alternatives.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Dependent counselor license; diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders require work supervision.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board — Counselor Professional Standards Committee · Application information

Initial licensure with doctoral clinical coursework consent agreement
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Consent agreement
The agreement identifies missing clinical coursework; complete and document it before renewing the LPC. An applicant already licensed elsewhere applies under endorsement.
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Education
Doctoral degree in counselor education; completed all core coursework including an internship involving diagnosis and treatment. The Board may offer a consent agreement for missing clinical courses.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
Initial licensure by examination
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Education
Graduate counseling degree and at least sixty semester or ninety quarter graduate credits, including the four clinical areas in ORC 4757.23(B). CACREP clinical mental health, clinical rehabilitation or addiction programs are accepted; grandfathered CACREP mental-health degrees conferred before January 1, 2018 are accepted; other programs require the coursework, practicum and internship review under OAC 4757-13-01.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Implementation difference
The current application page and its non-CACREP section still say NCE is required; the October 17, 2025 Board policy announcement expressly permits either NCE or NCMHCE from January 1, 2026. The application page states: "The NCE is required for Ohio LPC licensure."
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Non cacrep documentation
For a non-CACREP program, submit the counselor course worksheet and internship supervisor evaluation; coursework cannot be reused for multiple requirements.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
New application after expiration beyond the next renewal date
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Board retesting statement
The Board Renewal FAQs state: "If you allow your license to remain in a lapsed status beyond your next renewal date, your license will expire and you will have to re-test and re-apply for licensure under the current Laws and Rules." OAC 4757-13-02 and 4757-13-03 also specify the applicable existing-score time windows and equivalent-license exceptions.
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Current qualifications
Meet current degree requirements and, for LPCC, document the required supervised clinical experience and field evaluation.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Prior expiration
License lapsed beyond the next biennial renewal date; apply anew under current license qualifications rather than lapsed-license restoration.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
Place license in inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce
Inactive renewal does not require active-license continuing education.
Eligibility
License in good standing; apply at renewal and pay inactive fee; signed statement of no active practice.
Practice prohibition
Do not practice or represent active licensure during inactivity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Biennial renewal in inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce
Inactive-status renewal is exempt from the active-license CE requirement under OAC 4757-7-01(B).
Fee
Pay applicable inactive biennial renewal fee.
Inactive status
Maintain inactive classification and do not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — over five through ten years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
When out of practice for more than five years, forty-five CE hours, including six ethics hours.
Inactivity period
over five through ten years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — over ten years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
When out of practice for more than ten years, forty-five CE hours including six ethics hours and a proposed professional development plan unless the Committee waives the plan.
Inactivity period
over ten years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — up to five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
Thirty CE hours within the two years before restoration, including six ethics hours; those hours cannot renew the restored license.
Inactivity period
up to five years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore a license lapsed for no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Lapse period
Apply no later than two years after expiration.
Period
Restored for the remainder of the two years from expiration under OAC 4757-7-01(C).
Requirements
Pay renewal fee and document restoration continuing education; statute prohibits imposing an examination for lapsed-license restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

  • ORC 4757.32

    ORC 4757.32 — restoration examination prohibited

  • OAC 4757-7-01

    OAC 4757-7-01 — renewal and continuing education

  • OAC 4757-9-01(B)

    OAC 4757-9-01(B) — counselors thirty hours and ethics/supervision

Military service delayed renewal and CE relief
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce relief
Qualifying service permits documented CE waiver or extension; other disqualifications remain applicable.
Fee
Usual renewal fee without late fee; current armed-forces members have application-fee relief under OAC 4757-1-08(D).
Military service
Failure to renew arose from licensee service or spouse’s service causing absence from Ohio; furnish honorable discharge/release evidence within six months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Reciprocity based on government certification
Applicant basis
Hold a same-profession government certification from the uniformed services or a jurisdiction that does not license the profession; ordinarily held one year and practiced one of the last five years, subject to statutory waiver.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on out of state license
Applicant basis
Hold a substantially similar occupational license in good standing; ordinarily held for one year immediately before application and practiced one of the last five years; the authority may waive these periods.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on private certification
Applicant basis
Hold a private certification in good standing for two years immediately before applying and practice two of the last five years where neither occupational licensure nor government certification is issued; periods may be waived.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on work experience
Applicant basis
Personally practice the same profession three of the last five years where neither occupational licensure nor government certification is issued, or in the uniformed services; the period may be waived.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Regular counselor license in lieu of a temporary military license — service member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold the corresponding unrestricted counselor license in good standing; applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio; satisfy criminal-record checks.
Issuance
ORC 4743.041(C) permits a regular license under the section’s exhaustive qualifications in lieu of the temporary authorization; the Board’s election controls issuance.
Scope
Ohio scope comparable to the qualifying license and not exceeding training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Regular counselor license in lieu of a temporary military license — spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold the corresponding unrestricted counselor license in good standing; applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio; satisfy criminal-record checks.
Issuance
ORC 4743.041(C) permits a regular license under the section’s exhaustive qualifications in lieu of the temporary authorization; the Board’s election controls issuance.
Scope
Ohio scope comparable to the qualifying license and not exceeding training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Thirty approved clock hours acquired within the renewal cycle, including three ethics hours.
Existing license
Hold this counselor license; submit renewal and fee every two years.
Waivers
Board may waive or amend CE for disability, residence abroad, military service or other reasonable cause with documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

  • ORC 4757.32

    ORC 4757.32 — renewal without further examination

  • OAC 4757-7-01

    OAC 4757-7-01 — renewal and continuing education

  • OAC 4757-9-01(B)

    OAC 4757-9-01(B) — counselors thirty hours and ethics/supervision

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Independent clinical counselor license.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board — Counselor Professional Standards Committee · Application information

Ohio home state LPCC based on a Compact privilege
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Move
Move primary residence to Ohio from a Compact member jurisdiction; apply for an Ohio home license based on an existing privilege; Ohio verifies section 4 criteria through the data system and requires applicable background checks and jurisprudence video. The former home license converts to a privilege.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.
Ohio home state LPCC based on a legacy eligible Compact privilege
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply personally through CompactConnect, identify Ohio as the remote jurisdiction, pay the Ohio privilege and Commission administrative fees.
Criminal records
Satisfy Compact criminal background requirements; home license standing and restrictions are checked through the Compact data system.
Discipline
No encumbrance or restriction within the previous two years, plus the section 4 conditions; notify the Commission of relevant adverse actions.
Expiry
Privilege expires with the home license; renew separately in CompactConnect after home-license renewal.
Home license
Hold an unencumbered independent counselor license in the home Compact member jurisdiction; qualify for the Compact and meet home-jurisdiction continuing competence requirements.
Legacy eligibility
Independently licensed before the former home jurisdiction joined; Compact Chapter 5 remains the eligibility basis.
Move
Move primary residence to Ohio from a Compact member jurisdiction; apply for an Ohio home license based on an existing privilege; Ohio verifies section 4 criteria through the data system and requires applicable background checks and jurisprudence video. The former home license converts to a privilege.
Ohio jurisprudence
Ohio’s jurisprudence implementation is the Board laws-and-rules video, linked by the Commission’s Ohio entry and carried by the obtained Board laws-and-rules page; watching produces no certification or acknowledgement.
Residence
Home jurisdiction is the primary residence; active-duty members and spouses may retain the home designation allowed by Compact section 6.
Scope
Independent counselor services in Ohio, including telehealth, subject to Ohio law.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-05.

Clinical licensure after doctoral supervised experience
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Current license
Hold the qualifying LPC license before the required post-LPC experience.
Degree
Doctorate in counseling; at least one year and 1,500 hours after the doctorate and as an LPC; up to one year and 1,500 hours of approved doctoral internship may count. ORC 4757.22(B)(1)(c)(ii) requires not less than one year after the doctorate; the rule and application require two total supervised years.
Examination timing
OAC 4757-13-03(C) states successful examination completion within two years of application and passing score within seven years of application; its equivalent-current-license exception applies. The 2026 Board policy accepts the existing NCE or NCMHCE score without another examination.
Experience
At least twenty-four months and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, at least half direct clinical client contact; 150 training-supervision hours; Ohio training supervisor must be an LPCC with supervision designation.
Field evaluations
Submit supervisor-completed field and supervision evaluations documenting competence, at 1,500 and 3,000 hours. These evaluations are applicant evidence, not a separately administered exam.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
New application after expiration beyond the next renewal date
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Board retesting statement
The Board Renewal FAQs state: "If you allow your license to remain in a lapsed status beyond your next renewal date, your license will expire and you will have to re-test and re-apply for licensure under the current Laws and Rules." OAC 4757-13-02 and 4757-13-03 also specify the applicable existing-score time windows and equivalent-license exceptions.
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Current qualifications
Meet current degree requirements and, for LPCC, document the required supervised clinical experience and field evaluation.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Prior expiration
License lapsed beyond the next biennial renewal date; apply anew under current license qualifications rather than lapsed-license restoration.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
Place license in inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce
Inactive renewal does not require active-license continuing education.
Eligibility
License in good standing; apply at renewal and pay inactive fee; signed statement of no active practice.
Practice prohibition
Do not practice or represent active licensure during inactivity.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Biennial renewal in inactive escrow
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce
Inactive-status renewal is exempt from the active-license CE requirement under OAC 4757-7-01(B).
Fee
Pay applicable inactive biennial renewal fee.
Inactive status
Maintain inactive classification and do not practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — over five through ten years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
When out of practice for more than five years, forty-five CE hours, including six ethics hours.
Inactivity period
over five through ten years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — over ten years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
When out of practice for more than ten years, forty-five CE hours including six ethics hours and a proposed professional development plan unless the Committee waives the plan.
Inactivity period
over ten years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore inactive counselor license — up to five years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Electronic restoration application and signature, fee and required form information.
Continuing education
Thirty CE hours within the two years before restoration, including six ethics hours; those hours cannot renew the restored license.
Inactivity period
up to five years
Professional development
For over ten years, the plan may include competency appraisal, mentorship, education, coursework or other learning/training; no named examination is assigned by the rule.
Term
Restored license is valid two years from completion of restoration requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Restore a license lapsed for no more than two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Lapse period
Apply no later than two years after expiration.
Period
Restored for the remainder of the two years from expiration under OAC 4757-7-01(C).
Requirements
Pay renewal fee and document restoration continuing education; statute prohibits imposing an examination for lapsed-license restoration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

  • ORC 4757.32

    ORC 4757.32 — restoration examination prohibited

  • OAC 4757-7-01

    OAC 4757-7-01 — renewal and continuing education

  • OAC 4757-9-01(B)

    OAC 4757-9-01(B) — counselors thirty hours and ethics/supervision

Clinical licensure after master’s level supervised experience
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Current license
Hold the qualifying LPC license before the required post-LPC experience.
Degree
Qualifying graduate degree other than a doctorate; complete the two years after LPC licensure.
Examination timing
OAC 4757-13-03(C) states successful examination completion within two years of application and passing score within seven years of application; its equivalent-current-license exception applies. The 2026 Board policy accepts the existing NCE or NCMHCE score without another examination.
Experience
At least twenty-four months and 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, at least half direct clinical client contact; 150 training-supervision hours; Ohio training supervisor must be an LPCC with supervision designation.
Field evaluations
Submit supervisor-completed field and supervision evaluations documenting competence, at 1,500 and 3,000 hours. These evaluations are applicant evidence, not a separately administered exam.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
Military service delayed renewal and CE relief
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Ce relief
Qualifying service permits documented CE waiver or extension; other disqualifications remain applicable.
Fee
Usual renewal fee without late fee; current armed-forces members have application-fee relief under OAC 4757-1-08(D).
Military service
Failure to renew arose from licensee service or spouse’s service causing absence from Ohio; furnish honorable discharge/release evidence within six months.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Reciprocity based on government certification
Applicant basis
Hold a same-profession government certification from the uniformed services or a jurisdiction that does not license the profession; ordinarily held one year and practiced one of the last five years, subject to statutory waiver.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on out of state license
Applicant basis
Hold a substantially similar occupational license in good standing; ordinarily held for one year immediately before application and practiced one of the last five years; the authority may waive these periods.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on private certification
Applicant basis
Hold a private certification in good standing for two years immediately before applying and practice two of the last five years where neither occupational licensure nor government certification is issued; periods may be waived.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Reciprocity based on work experience
Applicant basis
Personally practice the same profession three of the last five years where neither occupational licensure nor government certification is issued, or in the uniformed services; the period may be waived.
Background check
Complete BCI and FBI checks and satisfy criminal-history screening.
Board exam evidence
OAC 4757-13-06(A)(5) requires documentation of the examination for the requested counselor level; the Board’s current reciprocal checklist requests NBCC scores. NCE or NCMHCE are retained as current named national alternatives.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board’s laws-and-rules video.
License verification
Provide license or certification standing information and any disciplinary history; where online verification is unavailable the Board may request official statements.
Other approved examination
OAC 4757-13-06(B)(1) permits a national examination or other examination acceptable to the Board; the unnamed remainder is a condition subject to Board determination, not another leaf.
Restriction
ORC 4796.10 permits a restricted or limited license relevant to an otherwise disqualifying offense; issuance is discretionary and not a separately named counselor credential.
Statutory qualification alternative
ORC 4796.03(D)(1) accepts minimum education, training, or experience requirements OR an examination for the qualifying authorization; whether an individual must sit or supply additional exam evidence is governed by that statutory basis and the Board’s review.
Statutory screening
ORC 4796.03(E)-(G): no qualifying prior surrender or revocation, required fee and no disqualifying criminal offense; ORC 4796.26 requires applying as an individual.
Regular counselor license in lieu of a temporary military license — service member
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold the corresponding unrestricted counselor license in good standing; applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio; satisfy criminal-record checks.
Issuance
ORC 4743.041(C) permits a regular license under the section’s exhaustive qualifications in lieu of the temporary authorization; the Board’s election controls issuance.
Scope
Ohio scope comparable to the qualifying license and not exceeding training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Regular counselor license in lieu of a temporary military license — spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold the corresponding unrestricted counselor license in good standing; applicant or spouse is on military duty in Ohio; satisfy criminal-record checks.
Issuance
ORC 4743.041(C) permits a regular license under the section’s exhaustive qualifications in lieu of the temporary authorization; the Board’s election controls issuance.
Scope
Ohio scope comparable to the qualifying license and not exceeding training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

Biennial active license renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Thirty approved clock hours acquired within the renewal cycle, including three ethics hours.
Existing license
Hold this counselor license; submit renewal and fee every two years.
Waivers
Board may waive or amend CE for disability, residence abroad, military service or other reasonable cause with documentation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2025-08-18.

  • ORC 4757.32

    ORC 4757.32 — renewal without further examination

  • OAC 4757-7-01

    OAC 4757-7-01 — renewal and continuing education

  • OAC 4757-9-01(B)

    OAC 4757-9-01(B) — counselors thirty hours and ethics/supervision

Temporary counselor license

Temporary counselor authorization for an otherwise qualified applicant seeking the LPC or LPCC license; examination must already be passed.

Licensing authority: Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board — Counselor Professional Standards Committee · Application information

Temporary LPC pending transcript or final Board issuance
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Duration
Ends when the full license issues, ninety days after temporary issuance, or on application withdrawal.
Examination
Pass the examination for the license sought before temporary issuance.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Qualification
Otherwise meet the degree and, for LPCC, supervised-experience requirements of the license sought; Board staff review the application.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
Temporary LPC while awaiting formal degree conferral
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Duration
Up to ninety days, renewable once for up to ninety days.
Education
Complete all academic degree requirements; academic program confirms completion and conferral date.
Examination
The LPC examination must already be passed.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.
One time renewal of degree conferral temporary LPC
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Education
Continue to document academic completion and projected degree-conferral or transcript date.
Good cause
Apply with good cause shown; one renewal for no more than ninety days under the implementing rule.
Prior authorization
Hold a temporary LPC issued while awaiting formal degree conferral.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2022-03-21.

Temporary LPCC pending transcript or final Board issuance
Application
Submit the Board-prescribed application and fee; an incomplete application is abandoned after two years (OAC 4757-1-04).
Criminal records
Complete BCI and FBI criminal-record checks; reports must be received directly from BCI within one year before licensure; no disqualifying criminal convictions.
Duration
Ends when the full license issues, ninety days after temporary issuance, or on application withdrawal.
Examination
Pass the examination for the license sought before temporary issuance.
Foreign education
For an educational institution outside the United States, the Committee evaluates the academic program, experience and command of English under ORC 4757.17.
Laws rules video
Watch the Board laws-and-rules video; the Board states that no certification or acknowledgement is issued for watching it.
Qualification
Otherwise meet the degree and, for LPCC, supervised-experience requirements of the license sought; Board staff review the application.
Score age
OAC 4757-13-02(B): passing score within seven years of application, except applicants currently equivalently licensed elsewhere who passed the examination for that license.

CRC Examination

Provider
Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC); delivered by Pearson VUE
Format
Computer-based multiple-choice examination administered three times a year in testing windows, in two locked sections (Rehabilitation and Disability; Counseling) with conjunctive scoring
Exam questions
175 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored items and 25 field test questions
Time limit
210 minutes to complete the examination questions (3½ hours allotted; set aside 4 hours)
Passing score
Passing score required on both the Counseling part and the Rehabilitation and Disability part in a single administration
Exam fee
$420 certification fee; $275 reexamination fee
Examination outline
  • 1. Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice (10.7% of questions) (10.7%)
    • A. Uphold professional ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors and manage risk. [C] — a) Conceptualize and articulate the counseling relationship; b) Adhere to and ensure confidentiality, privileged communication, and privacy; c) Understand how to promote and participate in advocacy and ensure accessibility; d) Maintain professional roles to ensure appropriate service provision; e) Maintain appropriate relationships with other professionals; f) Understand the differing professional relationships in forensic and indirect services; g) Understand the ethical requirements of evaluation, assessment, and interpretation; h) Understand the ethical requirements in the roles of teaching, supervising, and training; i) Understand the ethical implications of research and publication; j) Understand the limits and ethical implications of the use of technology and distance counseling; k) Understand and ensure appropriate business practices; l) Understand and apply ethical decision-making models and processes.
    • B. Understand and apply laws and public policy affecting individuals with disabilities. [R] — a) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.; b) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Sections 501-504.; c) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended.; d) Understand the impact of SSI/SSDI on employment, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.; e) Understand the impact of veteran benefits (e.g., service-connected disability compensation and non-service-connected pension) on employment, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.; f) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of the Fair Labor Standards Act.; g) Understand the definition of a disability in ADA, the uses of the definition, and how the definition relates to the rights guaranteed by the ADA.; h) Understand the rights guaranteed by the ADA in an employment setting.; i) Understand the definition of a reasonable accommodation as defined by the ADA.; j) Understand the rights guaranteed by the ADA on public transportation.; k) Understand the changes to the definition of disability in the ADAAA, the changes to the interactive process, and the implications for employees and employers.; l) Understand the role of the EEOC in relation to discrimination.; m) Summarize and synthesize the impacts of IDEA.; n) Summarize and synthesize the historical impacts of WIA.; o) Understand the rights and limits guaranteed by FMLA.; p) Understand the confidentiality and technology requirements of HIPAA.; q) Understand the impact of TWWIIA (Ticket to Work) on employment, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.; r) Understand the impact and implications of WIOA on employment outcomes, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.
    • C. Advocate for diversity, understand, and apply appropriate services that address multicultural counseling issues. [C]
    • D. Understand and apply appropriate rehabilitation terminology and concepts. [R]
    • E. Understand and identify the differing professional roles, functions, and effective relationships with other providers and professionals. [C]
    • F. Understand the credentialing issues related to the rehabilitation counseling profession and advocate for appropriate solutions. [C]
    • G. Understand the differing organizational structures of rehabilitation counseling practice settings (e.g., public, private-for-profit, and not-for-profit service delivery systems). [R]
    • H. Understand, synthesize, and apply knowledge of historical and philosophical foundations of rehabilitation counseling. [R]
  • 2. Counseling Theories, Techniques, and Evidence-Based Practice (11.3% of questions) (11.3%)
    • A. Apply clinical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. [C]
    • B. Understand rehabilitation techniques for individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • C. Understand individual counseling theories. [C] — a) Integrated/Eclectic; b) Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy; c) Reality Therapy; d) Person-Centered; e) Psychoanalytic; f) Gestalt; g) Trait-factor/Person Environment Fit; h) Behavioral; i) Cognitive/Behavioral; j) Adlerian; k) Solution-Focused; l) Narrative; m) Feminist; n) Existential
    • D. Utilize individual counseling practices, interventions, and techniques. [C] — a) Systematic Desensitization; b) Behavior Analysis and Therapy; c) Social Skills; d) Time Management; e) Stress Management; f) Restructuring; g) Anger Management; h) Problem Solving Therapy; i) Person-centered practices; j) Mindfulness-based practices
    • E. Understand substance use and treatment. [C]
    • F. Establish and maintain effective working alliances with clients. [C]
    • G. Understand dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders. [C]
    • H. Understand counseling/training to help clients develop workplace socialization skills. [R]
    • I. Demonstrate motivational interviewing use and skills. [C]
    • J. Facilitate treatment planning for clinical conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD). [C]
    • K. Understand human growth and development. [C]
    • L. Apply evidence-based psychosocial/psychiatric rehabilitation interventions in rehabilitation counseling practice. [R]
    • M. Apply evidence-based vocational interventions in rehabilitation counseling practice. [R]
    • N. Apply or facilitate evidence-based counseling/therapy for clients with clinical diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD). [C]
    • O. Apply or facilitate evidence-based counseling/therapy for clients with substance use disorders. [C]
    • P. Understand theories and techniques of clinical supervision. [C]
    • Q. Recognize and utilize evidence and research-based practices. [C]
  • 3. Group and Family Counseling (4.7% of questions) (4.7%)
    • A. Understand family counseling theories. [C]
    • B. Incorporate family counseling practices and interventions. [C]
    • C. Understand group counseling theories. [C]
    • D. Incorporate group counseling practices and interventions. [C]
  • 4. Crisis and Trauma Counseling and Interventions (6.0% of questions) (6%)
    • A. Conduct assessment of client risk and development of a safety plan. [C]
    • B. Provide effective rehabilitation counseling services for individuals with polytrauma injuries. [C]
    • C. Understand the impact of crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events on people with disabilities. [C]
    • D. Use principles of crisis intervention for people with disabilities during crises, disasters, and other trauma-causing events. [C]
    • E. Understand the emergency management system within rehabilitation agencies and in the community. [C]
  • 5. Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (9.3% of questions) (9.3%)
    • A. Evaluate the psychosocial and cultural impact of disability. [R] — a) Individual adjustment to disability; b) Human sexuality and disability issues; c) Family or support system adjustment to disability
    • B. Understand medical terminology. [R]
    • C. Apply knowledge of the medical aspects and implications of various disabilities. [R] — a) Mental Functions; b) Sensory Functions and Pain; c) Voice and Speech Functions and Structures; d) Cardiovascular, Hematological, Immunological, and Respiratory Functions and Structures; e) Digestive, Metabolic, and Endocrine Systems and Structures; f) Genitourinary and Reproductive Functions and Structures; g) Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement Related Functions and Structures; h) Skin and Related Functions and Structures; i) Nervous System Structures; j) Eye, Ear, and Related Structures; k) Learning and Applying Knowledge; l) Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships; m) General Tasks and Demands; n) Communication; o) Mobility; p) Self-Care; q) Domestic-Life; r) Major Life Areas; s) Community, Social, and Civic Life
    • D. Review the implications of medications as they apply to individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • E. Address environmental and attitudinal barriers for individuals with disabilities. [R]
  • 6. Assessment/Evaluation, Occupational Analysis, and Service Implementation (10.7% of questions) (10.7%)
    • A. Understand the vocational implications of functional limitations associated with disabilities. [R] — a) Mental Functions; b) Sensory Functions and Pain; c) Voice and Speech Functions and Structures; d) Cardiovascular, Hematological, Immunological, and Respiratory Functions and Structures; e) Digestive, Metabolic, and Endocrine Systems and Structures; f) Genitourinary and Reproductive Functions and Structures; g) Neuromusculoskeletal and Movement Related Functions and Structures; h) Skin and Related Functions and Structures; i) Nervous System Structures; j) Eye, Ear, and Related Structures; k) Learning and Applying Knowledge; l) Interpersonal Interactions and Relationships; m) General Tasks and Demands; n) Communication; o) Mobility; p) Self-Care; q) Domestic-Life; r) Major Life Areas; s) Community, Social, and Civic Life
    • B. Access and review resources for the assessment process. [C] — a) Review of case materials for pertinent information; b) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); c) International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
    • C. Refer or conduct informal assessments. [C] — a) Interviews and initial assessments; b) Situational assessment/job shadowing/community-based work assessment
    • D. Refer or conduct formal assessments. [C] — a) Achievement Tests; b) Aptitude Tests; c) Intelligence Tests; d) Interest Inventories; e) Career, Work Values, and Maturity Tests; f) Personality Tests; g) Psychological/Neuropsychological Tests; h) Adaptive Behavior/Behavioral Observations; i) Mental Health Screeners; j) Learning Styles Tests; k) Ecological/Functional Capacity Evaluations; l) Dexterity Tests; m) Work Samples; n) Non-Cognitive Tests
    • E. Refer or perform Transferable Skills Analysis (e.g., VDARE). [C]
    • F. Interpret assessment results for rehabilitation planning purposes. [C]
    • G. Perform job analysis. [R]
    • H. Assess ergonomic, job accommodation, and assistive technology needs. [R]
    • I. Advise on job modification and restructuring techniques. [R]
    • J. Perform labor market analysis. [R] — a) Occupational and labor market information (e.g., DOT, ORS, O*NET, OOH, other national, regional, or local government labor market sources, private salary surveys); b) Methods and techniques used to conduct labor market surveys
    • K. Use computer-based job matching systems. [C]
  • 7. Career Development and Job Placement (9.3% of questions) (9.3%)
    • A. Understand, identify, and apply career development and job placement strategies. [R]
    • B. Understand, identify, and apply job readiness, seeking, and retention skills. [C]
    • C. Understand the unique needs of specialized populations in relation to job development and placement. [R]
    • D. Understand techniques to develop and retain relationships with employers to assist with job development and placement. [R]
    • E. Understand and identify evidence-based employment models and services tailored to individuals with significant disabilities and/or barriers to competitive employment. [R] — i) Supported Employment (SE); ii) Customized Employment (CE); iii) Individual Placement and Support (IPS); iv) Self-Employment
    • F. Understand the unique needs of individuals with a dual diagnosis in the workplace and apply appropriate strategies. [R]
    • G. Understand and apply theories of career development and work adjustment. [C] — a) Trait-Factor/Person Environment Fit theories.; b) Personality theories; c) Developmental/Self-Concept theories; d) Sociological/Self-Concept theories; e) Behavioral theories
    • H. Understand, identify, and facilitate the appropriate use of work conditioning or work hardening resources and strategies. [R]
    • I. Understand the effective use of and risks of social media as a networking tool. [C]
  • 8. Business Engagement (7.6% of questions) (7.6%)
    • A. Assist employers with job accommodations for their employees with disabilities (e.g., assistive technology, workspace modifications). [R]
    • B. Provide consultation services and training to employers / businesses concerning disability concepts, best practices, and applicable laws (e.g., hiring, return to work, reasonable accommodations, and retention). [R]
    • C. Partner with employers/businesses to address needs and concerns related to hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • D. Understand, communicate, and apply business-focused strategies, techniques, and terminology to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • E. Work with employers to develop pipelines for employing individuals with disabilities using work-based learning and training methods. [R] — a) Apprenticeships; b) Internships; c) On-the-job training (OJT)
    • F. Understand the dual customer role (e.g., employer and person with a disability). [R]
  • 9. Community Resources and Partnerships (8.0% of questions) (8%)
    • A. Understand the programs and services available for specific and underserved populations. [R]
    • B. Understand Social Security programs, benefits, work incentives, and disincentives. [R]
    • C. Possess knowledge of funding sources and community resources for rehabilitation services. [R]
    • D. Provide or facilitate skills development and independent living services. [R]
    • E. Provide or facilitate financial literacy training. [R]
    • F. Understand and refer to services available through client advocacy programs (e.g., Client Assistance Program [CAP], legal aid). [R]
    • G. Refer to and partner with one-stop career centers and other community stakeholders. [R]
    • H. Understand and facilitate life care planning and life care planning services. [R]
    • I. Advocate with community partners for full community inclusion for people with disabilities. [R]
    • J. Provide or facilitate counseling on the impact of employment on community services and benefits. [R]
  • 10. Case Management (10.0% of questions) (10%)
    • A. Understand and apply the case management process. [C] — a) Case finding; b) Planning; c) Service coordination; d) Referral to and utilization of other disciplines; e) Advocacy
    • B. Complete case recording and documentation. [C]
    • C. Understand and apply negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution strategies. [C]
    • D. Understand and apply the principles of caseload management. [C]
    • E. Understand and address institutional and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients. [C]
    • F. Apply techniques for working with individuals with limited English proficiency or varied communication methods. [C]
    • G. Understand and apply principles, models, and documentation formats for biopsychosocial case conceptualization and treatment planning. [C]
  • 11. Health Care and Disability Management (7.3% of questions) (7.3%)
    • A. Understand and provide appropriate medical intervention resources. [R]
    • B. Understand the diversity of healthcare benefits, delivery systems, and the impact of services on individuals with disabilities. [R]
    • C. Understand and collaborate with health promotion and wellness providers regarding strategies for people with chronic illness and disability. [R]
    • D. Understand different insurance programs (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, group and individual, short-and long-term disability, personal injury no-fault liability). [R]
    • E. Understand and apply disability prevention and management strategies. [R]
    • F. Understand the variability of workers’ compensation laws and practices. [R]
  • 12. Research, Methodology, and Performance Management (5.3% of questions) (5.3%)
    • A. Understand statistics and psychometric concepts related to measurement. [C] — a) Validity; b) Reliability/ Standard Error of Measurement; c) Norms; d) Scaled and Standard Scores; e) Percentiles; f) Distributions/Bell Curve; g) Norm- and Criterion-Referenced Measurement
    • B. Understand research methods (e.g., surveys, case studies) and data analysis. [C]
    • C. Assess research literature related to evidence – based practice. [C] — a) Research databases (e.g., EBSCO, PsycINFO, MEDLINE); b) Ability to select between various levels of evidence-based research (e.g., subject matter experts to the systematic reviews and meta-analyses gold standard)
    • D. Comprehend concepts and principles of organizational development and stakeholder management. [C] — a) Effective management of services and programs, including areas such as administration, finance, benefit systems, and accountability; b) Strategic planning techniques and budget planning
    • E. Understand program evaluation procedures for assessing the effectiveness of rehabilitation services and outcomes. [R]
Examination sources

National Counselor Examination

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

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

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