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Tennessee Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TN · License preparation

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Associate License for Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider Designation

Current statutory successor to temporary licensure. Board rules and forms still use the earlier temporary-license terminology.

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists · Application information

Discretionary extension of associate licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold the associate license and request a Board-approved extension. Continue qualified supervision; the extension is discretionary under 63-22-121(a)(4).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial associate licensure for supervised MHSP practice
National Counselor Examination
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Duration
Current statute permits up to four years with extension at Board discretion. The older rule and form state a nonrenewable three-year temporary license; the statute’s current name and duration control.
Education
Complete the academic coursework and training for the intended MHSP license.
Examinations
Pass NCE. The Board’s temporary-license procedure expressly defers proof of NCMHCE and Tennessee jurisprudence until full licensure.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Supervision
Work under qualified supervision and submit supervisor qualifications and supervisory agreement. Post-master supervised-experience completion is deferred.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists · Application information

Upgrade historical CPC certification by meeting current LPC examination qualifications
Age
Be at least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Character
Establish good moral character and professional ethics with the required references.
Education
Complete 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a closely related field at an appropriately accredited institution, including the core subjects and supervised practicum or internship specified by Rule 0450-01-.04 and T.C.A. 63-22-104.
Historical certification
Hold the current CPC renewal certificate and have been certified on July 1, 1991. Meet Rule 0450-01-.04(1).
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Supervision
Complete at least two years of supervised post-master professional experience, with at least ten client-contact hours weekly and fifty supervision hours annually for ordinary LPC. Continue supervision until licensed.
Upgrade historical CPC certification to LPC: five years of experience
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Qualification
Hold a current CPC renewal certificate, have been certified on July 1, 1991 and document five years of CPC work experience acceptable to the Board.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Upgrade historical CPC certification to LPC: NBCC certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Qualification
Hold a current CPC renewal certificate, have been certified on July 1, 1991 and provide evidence of NBCC certification. The official route states a certification qualification rather than naming an examination to be passed.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure under T.C.A. 63 22 116(a): long practice applicant
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Board discretion
Section 63-22-116(a) permits issuance without a new examination; record the passing evidence and any Board waiver or discretion as applicant conditions.
Board policy
The January 3, 2020 implementing policy states highest-level independent licensure, active licensure for three of the preceding five years, unencumbered status and Tennessee jurisprudence; the amended statute governs any inconsistent eligibility condition.
Education and practice
An accredited graduate degree of at least 52 hours earned before 2016 and at least 25 years of licensed professional counselor practice.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license at the equivalent level from another United States jurisdiction.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Statutory requirements
Meet T.C.A. 63-22-104(4)-(7); highest-level applicants must also meet 63-22-120. Currently offered examinations whose passing is required remain leaves even if passed before application.
Licensure under T.C.A. 63 22 116(a): sixty hour applicant
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Board discretion
Section 63-22-116(a) permits issuance without a new examination; record the passing evidence and any Board waiver or discretion as applicant conditions.
Board policy
The January 3, 2020 implementing policy states highest-level independent licensure, active licensure for three of the preceding five years, unencumbered status and Tennessee jurisprudence; the amended statute governs any inconsistent eligibility condition.
Education and practice
A 60-hour graduate degree in counseling or a related field and independent practice at the equivalent level for at least two of the three most recent years.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license at the equivalent level from another United States jurisdiction.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Statutory requirements
Meet T.C.A. 63-22-104(4)-(7); highest-level applicants must also meet 63-22-120. Currently offered examinations whose passing is required remain leaves even if passed before application.
Initial licensure by examination
Age
Be at least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Character
Establish good moral character and professional ethics with the required references.
Education
Complete 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a closely related field at an appropriately accredited institution, including the core subjects and supervised practicum or internship specified by Rule 0450-01-.04 and T.C.A. 63-22-104.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Passing scores
Pass NCE and Tennessee jurisprudence before applying; arrange direct score reporting. Any other Board-approved unnamed examination is an applicant condition, not a named alternative leaf.
Supervision
Complete at least two years of supervised post-master professional experience, with at least ten client-contact hours weekly and fifty supervision hours annually for ordinary LPC. Continue supervision until licensed.
Licensure under a reciprocal agreement entered into on or before January 1, 2024
National Counselor Examination
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Education
Hold a master’s degree in counseling or education.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license in a jurisdiction with which Tennessee had the statutory reciprocal agreement on or before January 1, 2024.
Implementation demand
Rule 0450-01-.04(3)(c) or (5)(c) states: “Pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination pursuant to rule 0450-01-.08.” The specific mandatory statutory issuance list in 63-22-116(c) contains the NBCC passing requirement but no additional examination slot; this lower-ranked demand is retained here.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Passing evidence
Provide passing NBCC examination evidence; the current Board rule identifies NCE. Another unnamed Board-approved examination is an applicant condition.
Practice
Have actively practiced in that jurisdiction for at least the preceding 24 months.
Reactivation of existing LPC credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Request reactivation of a retired certificate or license in writing; pay applicable renewal, regulatory and any required late or overdue fees and meet the applicable reactivation continuing-education requirements.
Review
The Board reviews reactivation under its application procedures; retirement duration affects continuing-education evidence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of existing LPC credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary conditions
Past unlicensed practice may require a citation, civil penalties or disciplinary review under the Board’s lapsed-license policy; it does not change the examination set specified by Rule 0450-01-.09(2).
Eligibility
Hold an expired certificate or license. Pay all overdue renewal fees and the late fee; establish continuing-education compliance. Submit the reinstatement form and license-history verification; do not practice until restored.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing LPC credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete the applicable biennial education, including ethics/jurisprudence subject hours. Multimedia course retention examinations are course conditions, not named licensing examinations.
Eligibility
Hold the existing license or certificate; renew by its expiration date with a completed signed renewal, fees and required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement of existing LPC credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold an active certificate or license; submit the retirement affidavit and required documentation. Retired status bars Tennessee practice and use of the protected professional title; renewal fees are not required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider Designation

Licensing authority: Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists · Application information

Upgrade to full MHSP licensure from associate license
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Clinical education
Include at least nine graduate semester hours specifically related to diagnosis, treatment, appraisal and assessment of mental disorders; include DSM use and treatment planning.
Clinical experience
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master experience, including 1,500 face-to-face client-contact hours, 1,500 clinically related hours and 150 supervision hours under qualified supervision. The application describes completion within two to four years.
Completion
Present completed supervised-experience proof, NCMHCE and Tennessee jurisprudence results. The Board grants or denies full licensure upon satisfaction of all requirements.
Existing authorization
Hold the current statutory associate license for MHSP training.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Prior nce
NCE passage is required for the supervised credential and remains a currently offered examination involved in completing the full MHSP application.
Upgrade to full MHSP licensure from legacy temporary license
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Clinical education
Include at least nine graduate semester hours specifically related to diagnosis, treatment, appraisal and assessment of mental disorders; include DSM use and treatment planning.
Clinical experience
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master experience, including 1,500 face-to-face client-contact hours, 1,500 clinically related hours and 150 supervision hours under qualified supervision. The application describes completion within two to four years.
Completion
Present completed supervised-experience proof, NCMHCE and Tennessee jurisprudence results. The Board grants or denies full licensure upon satisfaction of all requirements.
Existing authorization
Hold a previously issued temporary LPC/MHSP license and supplement the original full-license application.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Prior nce
NCE passage is required for the supervised credential and remains a currently offered examination involved in completing the full MHSP application.
Upgrade from LPC to MHSP designation
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Clinical education
Include at least nine graduate semester hours specifically related to diagnosis, treatment, appraisal and assessment of mental disorders; include DSM use and treatment planning.
Clinical experience
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master experience, including 1,500 face-to-face client-contact hours, 1,500 clinically related hours and 150 supervision hours under qualified supervision. The application describes completion within two to four years.
Existing license
Hold LPC licensure; supplement the earlier application and pay the upgrade fee.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Prior nce
The full MHSP qualifications include NCE passage; an existing LPC ordinarily has already satisfied that requirement. The upgrade application expressly asks for NCMHCE and Tennessee jurisprudence passage.
Licensure under T.C.A. 63 22 116(a): long practice applicant
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Board discretion
Section 63-22-116(a) permits issuance without a new examination; record the passing evidence and any Board waiver or discretion as applicant conditions.
Board policy
The January 3, 2020 implementing policy states highest-level independent licensure, active licensure for three of the preceding five years, unencumbered status and Tennessee jurisprudence; the amended statute governs any inconsistent eligibility condition.
Education and practice
An accredited graduate degree of at least 52 hours earned before 2016 and at least 25 years of licensed professional counselor practice.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license at the equivalent level from another United States jurisdiction.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Statutory requirements
Meet T.C.A. 63-22-104(4)-(7); highest-level applicants must also meet 63-22-120. Currently offered examinations whose passing is required remain leaves even if passed before application.
Licensure under T.C.A. 63 22 116(a): sixty hour applicant
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Board discretion
Section 63-22-116(a) permits issuance without a new examination; record the passing evidence and any Board waiver or discretion as applicant conditions.
Board policy
The January 3, 2020 implementing policy states highest-level independent licensure, active licensure for three of the preceding five years, unencumbered status and Tennessee jurisprudence; the amended statute governs any inconsistent eligibility condition.
Education and practice
A 60-hour graduate degree in counseling or a related field and independent practice at the equivalent level for at least two of the three most recent years.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license at the equivalent level from another United States jurisdiction.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Statutory requirements
Meet T.C.A. 63-22-104(4)-(7); highest-level applicants must also meet 63-22-120. Currently offered examinations whose passing is required remain leaves even if passed before application.
Initial licensure by examination with MHSP designation
Age
Be at least 18 years old.
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Character
Establish good moral character and professional ethics with the required references.
Clinical education
Include at least nine graduate semester hours specifically related to diagnosis, treatment, appraisal and assessment of mental disorders; include DSM use and treatment planning.
Clinical experience
Complete 3,000 hours of supervised post-master experience, including 1,500 face-to-face client-contact hours, 1,500 clinically related hours and 150 supervision hours under qualified supervision. The application describes completion within two to four years.
Education
Complete 60 graduate semester hours in counseling or a closely related field at an appropriately accredited institution, including the core subjects and supervised practicum or internship specified by Rule 0450-01-.04 and T.C.A. 63-22-104.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Supervision
Complete the MHSP clinical experience and supervision specified in Rule 0450-01-.04(4) and .10.
Licensure under a reciprocal agreement entered into on or before January 1, 2024
National Counselor Examination
Application
Submit the completed application, fees, photograph, citizenship declaration, birth evidence, transcripts or license verification, moral-character references, criminal background check and practitioner profile required by the applicable Board form and Rule 0450-01-.05. Disclose convictions, discipline and adverse civil judgments or settlements; the Board may require a fitness interview.
Education
Hold a master’s degree in counseling or education.
Existing license
Hold a valid, unencumbered license in a jurisdiction with which Tennessee had the statutory reciprocal agreement on or before January 1, 2024.
Implementation demand
Rule 0450-01-.04(3)(c) or (5)(c) states: “Pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination pursuant to rule 0450-01-.08.” The specific mandatory statutory issuance list in 63-22-116(c) contains the NBCC passing requirement but no additional examination slot; this lower-ranked demand is retained here.
Military accommodation
A qualifying military spouse may request expedited processing with a completed licensure or reinstatement application under PH-4280. The December 6, 2019 Board policy allows case-by-case exceptions to contact and supervision hours.
Passing evidence
Provide passing NBCC examination evidence; the current Board rule identifies NCE. Another unnamed Board-approved examination is an applicant condition.
Practice
Have actively practiced in that jurisdiction for at least the preceding 24 months.
Reactivation of existing MHSP credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Request reactivation of a retired certificate or license in writing; pay applicable renewal, regulatory and any required late or overdue fees and meet the applicable reactivation continuing-education requirements.
Review
The Board reviews reactivation under its application procedures; retirement duration affects continuing-education evidence.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of existing MHSP credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Disciplinary conditions
Past unlicensed practice may require a citation, civil penalties or disciplinary review under the Board’s lapsed-license policy; it does not change the examination set specified by Rule 0450-01-.09(2).
Eligibility
Hold an expired certificate or license. Pay all overdue renewal fees and the late fee; establish continuing-education compliance. Submit the reinstatement form and license-history verification; do not practice until restored.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of existing MHSP credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Complete the applicable biennial education, including ethics/jurisprudence subject hours. Multimedia course retention examinations are course conditions, not named licensing examinations.
Eligibility
Hold the existing license or certificate; renew by its expiration date with a completed signed renewal, fees and required continuing education.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Retirement of existing MHSP credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Hold an active certificate or license; submit the retirement affidavit and required documentation. Retired status bars Tennessee practice and use of the protected professional title; renewal fees are not required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

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

Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination for Professional Counselors

Provider
Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), through CCE Academy
Format
Online jurisprudence examination
Passing score
Passing scores for NBCC-administered examinations are determined by NBCC and adopted by the Board under Rule 0450-01-.08(4); the pinned current page states no numerical cut score.
Examination outline
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 1 — Division of Health Related Boards
  • Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 22 — Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists
  • Chapter 0450-01 — General Rules Governing Professional Counselors
  • 2014 ACA Code of Ethics
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