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Texas Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

US-TX · License preparation

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Licensed Professional Counselor with Art Therapy Specialty Designation

Art therapy specialty designation requiring LPC license qualifications and documented completion of the Art Therapy Credentials Board certification examination in art therapy.

Licensing authority: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council · Application information

Election of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Elect inactive status in the online licensing system and pay the associated fee.
License status
Unrestricted active or delinquent license; no pending complaint under 882.21(b)(5).
Practice
No professional practice under the inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Renew inactive status online each license-renewal period and pay the fee; continuing education is not required during inactive status.
Practice
No practice until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Art specialty
For an art-therapy specialty, satisfy applicable 503.303 and 681.73 specialty qualifications unless a lawful applicant-specific waiver applies.
Art therapy examination
Successful completion of the national Certification Examination in Art Therapy of the Art Therapy Credentials Board is required under 503.303(a)(4) and 681.73(a)(4). It has no version in the supplied nationwide registration context and is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
681.114 permits 125 hours per month of independent practice toward deficits for qualifying applicants licensed less than two years without discipline; verified military training and education credit excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified military service member, veteran, or spouse; spouses provide proof of marriage to the service member.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Hold a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction with a similar scope of practice.
Waiver
The Executive Director may waive prerequisites after the required competency determination and Board consultation, but not 882.60(b) eligibility, jurisprudence, or fingerprint background check. Named NCE/NCMHCE examinations remain referenced notwithstanding an applicant-specific waiver.
Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Art specialty
For an art-therapy specialty, satisfy applicable 503.303 and 681.73 specialty qualifications unless a lawful applicant-specific waiver applies.
Art therapy examination
Successful completion of the national Certification Examination in Art Therapy of the Art Therapy Credentials Board is required under 503.303(a)(4) and 681.73(a)(4). It has no version in the supplied nationwide registration context and is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
681.114 permits 125 hours per month of independent practice toward deficits for qualifying applicants licensed less than two years without discipline; verified military training and education credit excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified military service member, veteran, or spouse; spouses provide proof of marriage to the service member.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Have held the Texas license sought within the five years preceding application.
Waiver
The Executive Director may waive prerequisites after the required competency determination and Board consultation, but not 882.60(b) eligibility, jurisprudence, or fingerprint background check. Named NCE/NCMHCE examinations remain referenced notwithstanding an applicant-specific waiver.
Renewal during active military duty
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Military status
Active-duty military service verified by official documentation.
Request
Submit a written waiver request before the renewal date each period.
Waiver
883.10(a) waives continuing-education requirements and renewal fees. Jurisprudence is a named special continuing-education requirement under 681.140(b)(2); retain the leaf and disclose the active-duty waiver for the applicant.
Return of an expired or delinquent license following qualifying active duty
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Delinquent renewal
For a delinquent license, return through renewal, with the military CE and fee waiver disclosed.
Military eligibility
Would have qualified for the active-duty CE and fee waiver before expiration or delinquency.
Reinstatement
For an expired full license, follow 882.22 and the Council reinstatement instructions, including jurisprudence completion; a continuing-education waiver may apply under 883.10(a).
Time limit
Request relief within two years of the license becoming delinquent.
Reactivation after four or more years of inactive status
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Exception
The jurisprudence requirement is excused if the licensee holds another active license within the same profession.
Inactive duration
Inactive for at least four years.
Reactivation
Apply online, pay the renewal fee, and provide required continuing-education proof under 882.21(b)(6)-(7).
Reactivation after less than four years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive duration
Inactive less than four years, so the examination trigger in 882.21(b)(8) does not apply.
Reactivation
Online active-status application, renewal fee, and proof of required continuing education; standard renewal schedule resumes.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a former full license
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Written reinstatement application, fee, NPDB self-query, fingerprint check, and requested documentation under 882.22.
Continuing education
Complete the hours for a standard renewal period.
Deadline
Complete required submissions and examinations within the Council-specified period under 882.22(h).
Discretion
Council may require an appearance, additional documentation or terms, and any examination a member board requires; unnamed additional examination slots are conditions.
Former license
Previously held a full LPC license that expired or was retired.
Jurisprudence recency
Jurisprudence exam completed within six months before application.
Reinstatement of a former full license
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Written reinstatement application, fee, NPDB self-query, fingerprint check, and requested documentation under 882.22.
Continuing education
Complete the hours for a standard renewal period.
Deadline
Complete required submissions and examinations within the Council-specified period under 882.22(h).
Discretion
Council may require an appearance, additional documentation or terms, and any examination a member board requires; unnamed additional examination slots are conditions.
Former license
Previously held a full LPC license that was revoked or resigned; wait at least one year or the longer time specified in the order.
Jurisprudence recency
Jurisprudence exam completed within six months before application.
Active or delinquent license renewal
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing education
24 hours per renewal period, including 6 ethics hours and 3 population-competency hours; supervisors complete 6 supervision hours; complete human-trafficking prevention training.
Renewal documentation
Fees, renewal attestations, practice information, and an NPDB self-query if audited.
Term
Biennial online renewal by the last day of the birth month; delinquent licenses generally expire after more than 12 consecutive months.
Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The final hearing was not held within 61 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The probable-cause hearing was not held within 14 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of an existing license on retirement status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an online retirement application.
Eligibility
Active, inactive, or delinquent license without a pending complaint or restricted status.
Practice
Retirement is reported in good standing; practice is prohibited. Reinstatement is required to resume practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

LPC licensure with art therapy specialty designation
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Art education
Master's or doctoral degree in art therapy including 700 hours of supervised practicum from an accredited institution.
Art experience
503.303(a)(3)(A) requires at least 1,000 postgraduate client-contact hours under an LPC with an art-therapy specialization. The lower-ranked 681.73(c)(1) states: "1,500 client contact hours under supervision of a licensed professional counselor with an art therapy specialty designation"; that implementing demand is disclosed as an applicant condition.
Art therapy examination
Successful completion of the national Certification Examination in Art Therapy of the Art Therapy Credentials Board is required under 503.303(a)(4) and 681.73(a)(4). It has no version in the supplied nationwide registration context and is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Lpc eligibility
Meet the requirements for the LPC license, whether through the verified Associate upgrade, out-of-jurisdiction, or provisional-holder pathway.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
LPC licensure with art therapy specialty designation
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Art education
Master's degree in a counseling-related field, at least 21 semester hours of sequential art-therapy coursework, and 700 hours of supervised practicum.
Art experience
At least 2,000 client-contact hours under an LPC with an art-therapy specialization; satisfy the LPC supervised-experience requirements as applicable.
Art therapy examination
Successful completion of the national Certification Examination in Art Therapy of the Art Therapy Credentials Board is required under 503.303(a)(4) and 681.73(a)(4). It has no version in the supplied nationwide registration context and is recorded here pending nationwide registration.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Lpc eligibility
Meet the requirements for the LPC license, whether through the verified Associate upgrade, out-of-jurisdiction, or provisional-holder pathway.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
Recognition as an LPC Supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the supervisor-status fee.
License
LPC license in good standing held for at least 60 months; out-of-state experience may count under 503.3025 if substantially equivalent.
Training
A doctoral-level supervision course taken for credit at an accredited school, or an acceptable 40-hour course under 681.147. The course and assignments are training conditions, not a separately identified licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

Texas associate counseling license requiring academic qualifications, required examinations, and a supervisory agreement with a licensed professional counselor supervisor.

Licensing authority: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council / Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors · Application information

Election of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Elect inactive status in the online licensing system and pay the associated fee.
License status
Unrestricted active or delinquent license; no pending complaint under 882.21(b)(5).
Practice
No professional practice under the inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Renew inactive status online each license-renewal period and pay the fee; continuing education is not required during inactive status.
Practice
No practice until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial LPC Associate licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practice limit
Practice only under supervision; no independent practice.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervision agreement
Enter a supervisory agreement with a Council-approved LPC-S before issuance.
Term
The Associate license expires 60 months after issuance.
Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
Verified military service, training, and education may receive credit under 681.114; its mandatory credit provision excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified service member, veteran, or military spouse; spouse supplies proof of marriage.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Hold a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction with a similar scope of practice.
Waiver
882.60(d) permits competency-based prerequisite waivers with Board consultation, except eligibility in subsection (b), jurisprudence, and fingerprint background check. National exam leaves remain for applicants whose examination prerequisite is not waived.
Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
Verified military service, training, and education may receive credit under 681.114; its mandatory credit provision excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified service member, veteran, or military spouse; spouse supplies proof of marriage.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Have held the Texas license sought within the five years preceding application.
Waiver
882.60(d) permits competency-based prerequisite waivers with Board consultation, except eligibility in subsection (b), jurisprudence, and fingerprint background check. National exam leaves remain for applicants whose examination prerequisite is not waived.
Renewal during active military duty
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Military status
Active-duty military service verified by official documentation.
Request
Submit a written waiver request before the renewal date each period.
Waiver
883.10(a) waives continuing-education requirements and renewal fees. Jurisprudence is a named special continuing-education requirement under 681.140(b)(2); retain the leaf and disclose the active-duty waiver for the applicant.
LPC Associate licensure with an equivalent out of jurisdiction Associate license
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Other license
Current equivalent Associate license in good standing; official license and supervised-experience verification.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervision agreement
Enter a supervisory agreement with a Council-approved LPC-S.
Term
The Associate license expires 60 months after issuance.
Reactivation after four or more years of inactive status
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Exception
The jurisprudence requirement is excused if the licensee holds another active license within the same profession.
Inactive duration
Inactive for at least four years.
Reactivation
Apply online, pay the renewal fee, and provide required continuing-education proof under 882.21(b)(6)-(7).
Reactivation after less than four years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive duration
Inactive less than four years, so the examination trigger in 882.21(b)(8) does not apply.
Reactivation
Online active-status application, renewal fee, and proof of required continuing education; standard renewal schedule resumes.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reapplication after expiration of the 60 month Associate license
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Expired associate
Supervised experience was not completed before the 60-month license expired.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Previous hours
Documented previously earned supervised hours may carry over, as stated in the Board application FAQ.
Supervision agreement
A new supervisory agreement and compliance with current licensing requirements are required.
Active or delinquent license renewal
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Associate term
An Associate license still expires 60 months after issuance under 681.91(g).
Continuing education
Applicable continuing education under 681.140, including ethics, population competency, supervisory education if applicable, and human-trafficking prevention training under 883.1(d).
Term
Biennial online renewal; renew by the last day of the birth month. Delinquent status for more than 12 consecutive months generally expires under 882.21(c).
Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The final hearing was not held within 61 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The probable-cause hearing was not held within 14 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of an existing license on retirement status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an online retirement application.
Eligibility
Active, inactive, or delinquent license without a pending complaint or restricted status.
Practice
Retirement is reported in good standing; practice is prohibited. Reinstatement is required to resume practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

emergency temporary license

An emergency temporary license permitting professional counseling under specified disaster-related conditions, expiring upon termination of the statutory suspension or state of disaster, whichever occurs first.

Licensing authority: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council · Application information

Emergency temporary licensure during a qualifying declared disaster
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the Council application and written verification of the out-of-jurisdiction credential.
Disaster
Governor declares a disaster and suspends obstructing regulatory statutes and rules; Executive Director determines emergency licensing is necessary in the disaster area.
Faq conflict
The Board FAQ says "No. Texas does not currently offer a temporary LPC license." The emergency form is nevertheless expressly provided by 882.70 and is contingent on its disaster prerequisites.
Other license
Active license, certification, or registration to practice professional counseling in another jurisdiction, in good standing with no current disciplinary action.
Practice duties
Display the license or provide license-verification information, provide complaint information, and comply with applicable Council practice rules.
Term
Expires on termination of the statutory suspension or disaster, whichever occurs first; practice is limited to the designated disaster area.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensed Professional Counselor

License to practice professional counseling.

Licensing authority: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council / Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors · Application information

Initial LPC issuance by upgrading a Texas LPC Associate license
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Prior national exam
The national exam was passed to obtain the Associate license; the currently offered examination remains in this route because 503.302(a)(5) requires its passage.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
Election of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Elect inactive status in the online licensing system and pay the associated fee.
License status
Unrestricted active or delinquent license; no pending complaint under 882.21(b)(5).
Practice
No professional practice under the inactive license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal of inactive license status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive status
Renew inactive status online each license-renewal period and pay the fee; continuing education is not required during inactive status.
Practice
No practice until reactivation.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
Verified military service, training, and education may receive credit under 681.114; its mandatory credit provision excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified service member, veteran, or military spouse; spouse supplies proof of marriage.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Hold a current license in good standing in another jurisdiction with a similar scope of practice.
Waiver
882.60(d) permits competency-based prerequisite waivers with Board consultation, except eligibility in subsection (b), jurisprudence, and fingerprint background check. National exam leaves remain for applicants whose examination prerequisite is not waived.
Military service member, veteran, or spouse licensure
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Experience credit
Verified military service, training, and education may receive credit under 681.114; its mandatory credit provision excludes examination requirements.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Military status
Verified service member, veteran, or military spouse; spouse supplies proof of marriage.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Qualifying license
Have held the Texas license sought within the five years preceding application.
Waiver
882.60(d) permits competency-based prerequisite waivers with Board consultation, except eligibility in subsection (b), jurisprudence, and fingerprint background check. National exam leaves remain for applicants whose examination prerequisite is not waived.
Renewal during active military duty
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Military status
Active-duty military service verified by official documentation.
Request
Submit a written waiver request before the renewal date each period.
Waiver
883.10(a) waives continuing-education requirements and renewal fees. Jurisprudence is a named special continuing-education requirement under 681.140(b)(2); retain the leaf and disclose the active-duty waiver for the applicant.
Return of an expired or delinquent license following qualifying active duty
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Delinquent renewal
For a delinquent license, return through renewal, with the military CE and fee waiver disclosed.
Military eligibility
Would have qualified for the active-duty CE and fee waiver before expiration or delinquency.
Reinstatement
For an expired full license, follow 882.22 and the Council reinstatement instructions, including jurisprudence completion; a continuing-education waiver may apply under 883.10(a).
Time limit
Request relief within two years of the license becoming delinquent.
Initial LPC issuance for an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
License verification
Official verification of the license and supervised experience from the issuing authority, or documentation accepted by the Council.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Other license
Full active LPC held in good standing in a United States jurisdiction for at least two years immediately preceding application; demonstrate 3,000 supervised hours, a qualifying graduate degree with at least 48 semester hours, and 300 hours of supervised practicum. Academic and experience requirements are then deemed met under 681.82(c).
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
Initial LPC issuance for an applicant licensed in another jurisdiction
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
License verification
Official verification of the license and supervised experience from the issuing authority, or documentation accepted by the Council.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Other license
Out-of-jurisdiction LPC held for less than two years, or applicant does not qualify for the 681.82(c) academic and experience deeming provision.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
Regular LPC issuance to a provisional license holder
Application
Council application, applicable fees, official transcripts, fingerprint criminal history check, NPDB self-query, and any verification required by 882.2 and 681.72.
Current associate
Maintain LPC Associate licensure and supervision until the LPC license is issued.
Education
Graduate degree in counseling or a counseling-related field. At least 48 semester hours for a qualifying program begun before August 1, 2017, or 60 for a program begun on or after that date, with the course content and practicum required by 681.81-681.83.
Foreign degree
Foreign degrees require the equivalency documentation specified in 882.11 and 681.81; language proficiency requirements are applicant conditions.
Jurisprudence recency
Complete the LPC jurisprudence exam within the six months preceding receipt of the application.
Minimum age
At least 18 years old under Occupations Code 503.302(a)(1).
National score
Passing NCE or NCMHCE score; the Board FAQ states national exam scores do not expire.
Practicum
At least 300 clock hours, including at least 100 hours of direct client counseling, documented on the graduate transcript.
Processing period
Processing is due by the later of 180 days after provisional issuance or the next licensing and jurisprudence examinations under 503.311(b).
Provisional license
Hold the provisional license; the Council verifies regular-license academic and experience requirements and all other applicable requirements.
Supervised experience
At least 3,000 hours of acceptable supervised experience, at least 1,500 hours of direct client counseling, completed over at least 18 months; at least four hours of direct supervision each month under 681.92.
Reactivation after four or more years of inactive status
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Exception
The jurisprudence requirement is excused if the licensee holds another active license within the same profession.
Inactive duration
Inactive for at least four years.
Reactivation
Apply online, pay the renewal fee, and provide required continuing-education proof under 882.21(b)(6)-(7).
Reactivation after less than four years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Inactive duration
Inactive less than four years, so the examination trigger in 882.21(b)(8) does not apply.
Reactivation
Online active-status application, renewal fee, and proof of required continuing education; standard renewal schedule resumes.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of a former full license
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Written reinstatement application, fee, NPDB self-query, fingerprint check, and requested documentation under 882.22.
Continuing education
Complete the hours for a standard renewal period.
Deadline
Complete required submissions and examinations within the Council-specified period under 882.22(h).
Discretion
Council may require an appearance, additional documentation or terms, and any examination a member board requires; unnamed additional examination slots are conditions.
Former license
Previously held a full LPC license that expired or was retired.
Jurisprudence recency
Jurisprudence exam completed within six months before application.
Reinstatement of a former full license
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Application
Written reinstatement application, fee, NPDB self-query, fingerprint check, and requested documentation under 882.22.
Continuing education
Complete the hours for a standard renewal period.
Deadline
Complete required submissions and examinations within the Council-specified period under 882.22(h).
Discretion
Council may require an appearance, additional documentation or terms, and any examination a member board requires; unnamed additional examination slots are conditions.
Former license
Previously held a full LPC license that was revoked or resigned; wait at least one year or the longer time specified in the order.
Jurisprudence recency
Jurisprudence exam completed within six months before application.
Active or delinquent license renewal
Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam
Continuing education
24 hours per renewal period, including 6 ethics hours and 3 population-competency hours; supervisors complete 6 supervision hours; complete human-trafficking prevention training.
Renewal documentation
Fees, renewal attestations, practice information, and an NPDB self-query if audited.
Term
Biennial online renewal by the last day of the birth month; delinquent licenses generally expire after more than 12 consecutive months.
Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The final hearing was not held within 61 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration after untimely temporary suspension hearing
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Restoration
The specific provision reinstates the suspended license without prescribing an examination; the normal licensing and renewal duties continue.
Temporary suspension
The probable-cause hearing was not held within 14 days, and the respondent neither requested a continuance nor waived the hearing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Placement of an existing license on retirement status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit an online retirement application.
Eligibility
Active, inactive, or delinquent license without a pending complaint or restricted status.
Practice
Retirement is reported in good standing; practice is prohibited. Reinstatement is required to resume practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Recognition as an LPC Supervisor
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply and pay the supervisor-status fee.
License
LPC license in good standing held for at least 60 months; out-of-state experience may count under 503.3025 if substantially equivalent.
Training
A doctoral-level supervision course taken for credit at an accredited school, or an acceptable 40-hour course under 681.147. The course and assignments are training conditions, not a separately identified licensing examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

provisional license

Statutory provisional licensure for counselors or art therapists licensed in another state or another jurisdiction acceptable to the executive council.

Licensing authority: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council · Application information

Statutory provisional licensure for an out of jurisdiction counselor or art therapist
Board faq conflict
The Board application FAQ states: "No. Applicants must meet all licensure requirements to be eligible for Texas licensure." in response to whether it offers a provisional license; the statute expressly authorizes provisional issuance, which is retained here.
Jurisprudence recency
882.5 requires jurisprudence completion within six months of application.
National exam
Have passed the required license examination; the current Board rule identifies NCE or NCMHCE.
Other license
License in good standing as a counselor or art therapist in a jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements.
Sponsor
A Texas licensee sponsors the applicant; the Council may waive sponsorship for hardship under 503.310(c).
Term
Valid until approval or denial of the application for the regular license under 503.311.

Texas State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors Jurisprudence Exam

Provider
eStrategy Solutions, Inc.
Format
Online no-fail examination; a correct answer to each question is required before proceeding.
Time limit
Approximately two hours; no time limit; stop and resume permitted.
Passing score
Correct answer to every question after immediate remediation.
Exam fee
$39.00
Examination outline
  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 503 — Licensed Professional Counselors
  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 507 — Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
  • 22 TAC Chapter 681 — Professional Counselors
  • 22 TAC Chapter 881 — General Provisions
  • 22 TAC Chapter 882 — Applications and Examinations
  • 22 TAC Chapter 883 — Renewals
  • 22 TAC Chapter 884 — Complaints and Enforcement
  • Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 611 — Mental Health Records
  • Texas Family Code Chapter 32 — Consent to Medical, Dental, Psychological, and Surgical Treatment
  • Texas Family Code Chapter 153 — Conservatorship, Possession, and Access
  • Texas Family Code Chapter 107 — Special Appointments, Child Custody Evaluations, and Adoption Evaluations
  • Texas Family Code Chapter 261 — Investigation of Report of Child Abuse or Neglect
  • Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 48 — Investigations and Protective Services for Elderly Persons and Persons with Disabilities
  • Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 81 — Sexual Exploitation by Mental Health Services Provider
  • Texas Occupations Code Chapter 116 — Training Course on Human Trafficking Prevention
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