Utah Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

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Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Supervised clinical mental health counseling. The former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor license was repealed May 1, 2024 under Title 58 Chapter 78; the current counselor qualification pathway is evaluated under 58-60-405, not the repealed license.

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing, with the Utah Behavioral Health Board

Initial associate licensure — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code 58-60-405
58-60-405(2)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, exam requirement statement

Initial associate licensure — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Examination scope: The NCE verifies equivalent-field education; no NCMHCE is required for ordinary associate issuance under 58-60-405(2). The general Board no-examination statement concerns the license classification and does not repeal the rule's educational-verification requirement.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.

Initial associate licensure — rehabilitation education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Board migration statement: The Board vocational rehabilitation page states: Individuals who have achieved all of the following may qualify for licensure as an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC): Hold a master's degree from an educational program in rehabilitation counseling accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs that includes at least 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter credit hours of coursework, and Receive a passing score on the National Counselor Examination and the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. Under controlling 58-60-405(2)-(3), NCE is the current education requirement; the NCMHCE demand in this lower-ranked implementation page is retained as an applicant condition.
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.

Initial associate licensure — internationally trained applicant

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Education: Foreign clinical counseling master's program substantially similar to Utah requirements, evaluated course by course by a NACES member; evaluator must send the report directly to DOPL.
Exam exception: The Board states: National Counselor Examination (NCE): You must take and pass this exam. If you are unable to take the NCE, the DOPL will request details about your educational courses. The equivalent-field rule requires the NCE; Board-requested review if unable to test is recorded as the applicant's condition.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Transcript review: Supply the educational requirement form, course descriptions, DSM and ethics coursework and the qualifying 700/240-hour practicum.

Military extension and renewal/reactivation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Exclusions: Does not apply to annual training, in-state Guard/reserve orders, or orders not requiring relocation outside Utah.
Fees: No cost to the qualifying service member.
Qualifying service: National Guard or reserve license expiration during qualifying active duty, or service-member expiration during deployment; license extends through 90 days after discharge or the deployment order's last date.
Renewal request: Request renewal within 90 days after activation/deployment orders terminate, provide orders calling to and discharging from service, and meet renewal requirements other than continuing education/training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code 71A-8-103
71A-8-103(1)-(5), military extension and renewal
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-104, renewal requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Reinstatement — continuous government or licensed out of state practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Continuous practice: Continuously active in the profession while in full-time US government employment or licensed practice in another US state/territory.
Examination waiver: 58-1-308(6)(b) expressly permits reinstatement without taking an examination.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Timing: Submit within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or terminating full-time government service; document practice and renewal qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(6)(b), active practice exception without examination
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Associate reinstatement — additional three year term

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Application: Submit the application and pay the required fee.
Education: Any NCE already needed for equivalent-field education remains an educational applicant qualification of the initial route; this additional-term rule identifies the profession-specific exam attempt.
Exam attempt: Attempt the profession-specific NCMHCE at least once while holding the previous associate license; the exam must not be replaced by an educational NCE.
Existing license: Previous associate license; Division may grant one additional three-year term.
Professional development: At least 40 hours of qualifying professional development in the preceding two years.
Supervision: Complete at least one-half of the supervision hours required to advance licensure.

Timely renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-104, renewal requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Restoration after adverse surrender — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308k, relicensure after surrender
Utah Code 58-60-405
58-60-405(2)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, exam requirement statement

Restoration after adverse surrender — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.

Restoration after adverse surrender — rehabilitation education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.

Restoration after after discipline — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308i, reinstatement after discipline
Utah Code 58-60-405
58-60-405(2)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, exam requirement statement

Restoration after after discipline — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.

Restoration after after discipline — rehabilitation education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.

Restoration after long lapse — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308g(3)(a), new license requirements
Utah Code 58-60-405
58-60-405(2)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, exam requirement statement

Restoration after long lapse — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.

Restoration after long lapse — rehabilitation education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.

Restoration after revocation — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308j, relicensure after revocation
Utah Code 58-60-405
58-60-405(2)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor, exam requirement statement

Restoration after revocation — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.

Restoration after revocation — rehabilitation education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.

Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Independent clinical mental health counseling under Utah Code 58-60 Part 4.

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing, with the Utah Behavioral Health Board

Reinstatement of disciplined license — Board probationary form

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board review: Upon Division request, meet the Background and Investigations Advisory Committee to evaluate safe and competent practice.
Disciplinary order: Subject to the existing disciplinary order; a petition during the term requests modification of that order and is not an initial license application. Any individual unnamed assessment or order-specific examination is an applicant condition, not an invented Utah examination.
Probation: If recommended and approved, agree to a three-year or five-year probationary license with Board-set conditions.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308h, petition during disciplinary term
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-403.1(6), disciplined license reinstatement

Mental health profession endorsement — 4,000 hours of lawful practice

At least one of the following alternatives:

Division discretion: R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more profession examinations. The NCE and NCMHCE are the currently registered examinations identified in R156-60e for this profession. The Division determines whether any examination, and which examinations, must be supplied; an examination may be waived for a particular applicant.
Identity and good standing: Provide satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and good standing, the required fee, and requested discipline information under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Jurisprudence slot: 58-60-115(6) refers to a profession-specific jurisprudence examination only if required of new applicants. R156-60e-302.4 and the Board exam information identify NCMHCE and educational NCE requirements for counselors; they do not identify a counselor jurisprudence paper. This contingent unnamed slot remains a condition.
Practice: At least 4,000 lawful practice hours including at least 1,000 mental health therapy hours under 58-60-115; 58-1-302 governs conflicting endorsement provisions.
Prior license: Current US licensure in good standing in the same profession, with no pending or effective disciplinary action.
Prior other exams: An unnamed prior credentialing examination, another jurisdiction's own examination, or another country's examination used in an equivalency review is an applicant qualification; it is not a Utah examination leaf.

Discretionary endorsement — licensed applicant with demonstrated competency

At least one of the following alternatives:

Competency: Division determines that education, credentialing examination, experience and skills demonstrate competency.
Division discretion: R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more profession examinations. The NCE and NCMHCE are the currently registered examinations identified in R156-60e for this profession. The Division determines whether any examination, and which examinations, must be supplied; an examination may be waived for a particular applicant.
Identity and good standing: Provide satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and good standing, the required fee, and requested discipline information under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Jurisprudence slot: 58-60-115(6) refers to a profession-specific jurisprudence examination only if required of new applicants. R156-60e-302.4 and the Board exam information identify NCMHCE and educational NCE requirements for counselors; they do not identify a counselor jurisprudence paper. This contingent unnamed slot remains a condition.
Practice: At least one year practicing under the license.
Prior license: Previously licensed in a US jurisdiction or outside the United States.
Prior other exams: An unnamed prior credentialing examination, another jurisdiction's own examination, or another country's examination used in an equivalency review is an applicant qualification; it is not a Utah examination leaf.

Discretionary endorsement — substantially similar licensing requirements

At least one of the following alternatives:

Division discretion: R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more profession examinations. The NCE and NCMHCE are the currently registered examinations identified in R156-60e for this profession. The Division determines whether any examination, and which examinations, must be supplied; an examination may be waived for a particular applicant.
Equivalence: Division determines that licensing requirements when that license was issued were substantially similar to current Utah requirements.
Identity and good standing: Provide satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and good standing, the required fee, and requested discipline information under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Jurisprudence slot: 58-60-115(6) refers to a profession-specific jurisprudence examination only if required of new applicants. R156-60e-302.4 and the Board exam information identify NCMHCE and educational NCE requirements for counselors; they do not identify a counselor jurisprudence paper. This contingent unnamed slot remains a condition.
Prior license: Previously licensed in another US jurisdiction or outside the United States.
Prior other exams: An unnamed prior credentialing examination, another jurisdiction's own examination, or another country's examination used in an equivalency review is an applicant qualification; it is not a Utah examination leaf.

Discretionary endorsement — education and experience equivalency without prior licensure

At least one of the following alternatives:

Division discretion: R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more profession examinations. The NCE and NCMHCE are the currently registered examinations identified in R156-60e for this profession. The Division determines whether any examination, and which examinations, must be supplied; an examination may be waived for a particular applicant.
Education and experience: Education or relevant experience obtained in another jurisdiction; Division determines education, credentialing examination and experience substantially similar to current Utah requirements.
Identity and good standing: Provide satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and good standing, the required fee, and requested discipline information under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Jurisprudence slot: 58-60-115(6) refers to a profession-specific jurisprudence examination only if required of new applicants. R156-60e-302.4 and the Board exam information identify NCMHCE and educational NCE requirements for counselors; they do not identify a counselor jurisprudence paper. This contingent unnamed slot remains a condition.
Prior license: Never previously licensed in a US or foreign jurisdiction.
Prior other exams: An unnamed prior credentialing examination, another jurisdiction's own examination, or another country's examination used in an equivalency review is an applicant qualification; it is not a Utah examination leaf.

US licensure by endorsement — similar scope and one year

At least one of the following alternatives:

Division discretion: R156-1-302(4) permits the Division to require one or more profession examinations. The NCE and NCMHCE are the currently registered examinations identified in R156-60e for this profession. The Division determines whether any examination, and which examinations, must be supplied; an examination may be waived for a particular applicant.
Identity and good standing: Provide satisfactory evidence of identity, qualifications and good standing, the required fee, and requested discipline information under 58-1-302(4)-(5).
Jurisprudence slot: 58-60-115(6) refers to a profession-specific jurisprudence examination only if required of new applicants. R156-60e-302.4 and the Board exam information identify NCMHCE and educational NCE requirements for counselors; they do not identify a counselor jurisprudence paper. This contingent unnamed slot remains a condition.
Practice: At least one year of practice under that license.
Prior license: License in another US state, district or territory with similar scope of practice.
Prior other exams: An unnamed prior credentialing examination, another jurisdiction's own examination, or another country's examination used in an equivalency review is an applicant qualification; it is not a Utah examination leaf.
Standing: The license is in good standing; R156-1-302(2) does not require it to remain currently active when qualifying experience is met.

Initial licensure — accredited education; failed exam supervised practice alternative

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Additional practice: Before starting the alternate pathway, submit the signed supervisor association form; complete 500 additional direct client care hours under one supervisor including at least 25 direct supervision hours and at least five direct observation hours.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Exam attempt: Document a failed NCMHCE attempt; the alternate pathway rule requires the qualifying attempt after May 1, 2024. An education-verification NCE attempt cannot substitute for this qualifying attempt.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Recommendations: Provide recommendations from the direct clinical supervisor and another licensed mental health therapist who directly observed the work, with the content required by R156-60e-303.1.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Initial licensure — accredited education; passing examination

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Passing score: Pass the NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC score reporting. Any education-verification NCE must also be passed.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Initial licensure — equivalent education; failed exam supervised practice alternative

All of the following:

Additional practice: Before starting the alternate pathway, submit the signed supervisor association form; complete 500 additional direct client care hours under one supervisor including at least 25 direct supervision hours and at least five direct observation hours.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Exam attempt: Document a failed NCMHCE attempt; the alternate pathway rule requires the qualifying attempt after May 1, 2024. An education-verification NCE attempt cannot substitute for this qualifying attempt.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Recommendations: Provide recommendations from the direct clinical supervisor and another licensed mental health therapist who directly observed the work, with the content required by R156-60e-303.1.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Initial licensure — equivalent education; passing examination

All of the following:

Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Passing score: Pass the NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC score reporting. Any education-verification NCE must also be passed.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Initial licensure — rehabilitation education; failed exam supervised practice alternative

All of the following:

Additional practice: Before starting the alternate pathway, submit the signed supervisor association form; complete 500 additional direct client care hours under one supervisor including at least 25 direct supervision hours and at least five direct observation hours.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Exam attempt: Document a failed NCMHCE attempt; the alternate pathway rule requires the qualifying attempt after May 1, 2024. An education-verification NCE attempt cannot substitute for this qualifying attempt.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Recommendations: Provide recommendations from the direct clinical supervisor and another licensed mental health therapist who directly observed the work, with the content required by R156-60e-303.1.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Initial licensure — rehabilitation education; passing examination

All of the following:

Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Board supervision statement: The Board application page states: NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor License was issued prior to May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1000 hours of Direct Client Care, and 75 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision. NOTE: If your Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor was issued as of May 1, 2024, you must complete the following hours: 3000 total hours, including 1200 hours of Direct Client Care, and 100 hours of Direct Clinical Supervision (25 of which must include Direct Observation). The controlling current 58-60-405 qualifications govern this survey; the page statement is retained as implementation information.
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Passing score: Pass the NCMHCE and arrange direct NBCC score reporting. Any education-verification NCE must also be passed.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Military extension and renewal/reactivation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Exclusions: Does not apply to annual training, in-state Guard/reserve orders, or orders not requiring relocation outside Utah.
Fees: No cost to the qualifying service member.
Qualifying service: National Guard or reserve license expiration during qualifying active duty, or service-member expiration during deployment; license extends through 90 days after discharge or the deployment order's last date.
Renewal request: Request renewal within 90 days after activation/deployment orders terminate, provide orders calling to and discharging from service, and meet renewal requirements other than continuing education/training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code 71A-8-103
71A-8-103(1)-(5), military extension and renewal
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-104, renewal requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Activate inactive counselor license

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Submit verified activation application, appropriate fee and documentation of current renewal requirements.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Prior license: Inactive clinical mental health counselor license.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-305(2)-(4), inactive and activation requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education

Reinstatement — 31 days through two years after expiration.

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Expiration window: 31 days through two years after expiration.
Prior standing: License was active and in good standing when it expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308g(2), thirty-one days through two years
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education

Reinstatement — continuous government or licensed out of state practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Continuous practice: Continuously active in the profession while in full-time US government employment or licensed practice in another US state/territory.
Examination waiver: 58-1-308(6)(b) expressly permits reinstatement without taking an examination.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Timing: Submit within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or terminating full-time government service; document practice and renewal qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(6)(b), active practice exception without examination
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Reinstatement — unencumbered license expired two to five years

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Board review: Upon Division request, meet the Qualification and Professional Development Advisory Committee; if recommended with Board concurrence, complete a clinical supervision plan that may require up to 1,200 direct client care hours under associate licensure, or up to 40 hours of specified CE.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Expiration window: Unencumbered license expired between two and five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-403.1(5), reinstatement after two to five years
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education

Reinstatement — Within 30 days after expiration.

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Expiration window: Within 30 days after expiration.
Prior standing: License was active and in good standing when it expired.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308g(1), within thirty days
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education

Relicensure after voluntary surrender in good standing

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Prior standing: License was active and in good standing when surrendered.
Renewal qualifications: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Review: R156-1-308k(1) applies R156-1-308a through R156-1-308l; satisfy applicable renewal/restoration timing and qualifications. If lapse requires new initial qualifications, use the separately recorded restoration route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308k, relicensure after surrender
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-305(2)-(4), inactive and activation requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Timely renewal

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-104, renewal requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-402.1(1), renewal education
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Restoration after adverse surrender — accredited education

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after adverse surrender — equivalent education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after adverse surrender — rehabilitation education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after after discipline — accredited education

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after after discipline — equivalent education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after after discipline — rehabilitation education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after long lapse — accredited education

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after long lapse — equivalent education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after long lapse — rehabilitation education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after revocation — accredited education

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after revocation — equivalent education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Restoration after revocation — rehabilitation education

All of the following:

Alternate exam pathway: The statutory failed-NCMHCE practice alternative remains available if the Division accepts the required additional practice and recommendations; an educational NCE is separate.
Application: Submit the Division-approved application and pay the required fee (58-60-405(1)(a)-(b)).
Background check: Consent to and complete the 58-1-301.5 background check, meet Division standards, and disclose requested criminal history (58-60-405(1)(h)).
Cms supervision: If required under federal law for Medicare eligible-professional status, document at least 3,000 clinical supervision hours or at least two years of clinical supervision (58-60-405(1)(d)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Direct client care: Complete at least 1,200 post-education direct client care hours including at least 100 direct clinical supervision hours, at least 25 direct observation hours, and no more than 25 hours of group supervision concurrently with more than one other applicant (58-60-405(1)(e)).
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate rehabilitation counseling degree with 60 semester or 90 quarter hours and a passing NCE score under 58-60-405(3).
Graduate credits: Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter hours of qualifying coursework.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.
Suicide prevention: Complete at least two Division-approved suicide-prevention training hours after completing the education requirement.
Supervision context: R156-60e-304.1 requires qualifying post-degree supervision in a public agency or private clinic while holding the applicable associate license or lawful equivalent, with the stated statutory exemption exceptions.

Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern

Temporary externship for a completed qualifying graduate degree with limited coursework deficiencies.

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing, with the Utah Behavioral Health Board

Extern extension — additional three year term

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Application: Submit the application and pay the required fee.
Education: Any NCE already needed for equivalent-field education remains an educational applicant qualification of the initial route; this additional-term rule identifies the profession-specific exam attempt.
Exam attempt: Attempt the profession-specific NCMHCE at least once while holding the previous extern license; the exam must not be replaced by an educational NCE.
Existing license: Previous extern license; Division may grant one additional three-year term.

Initial externship licensure — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Board deficiency statement: The lower-ranked Board page states: ATTENTION: The externship license is available for individuals who are deficient in no more than 12 quarter credit hours of a Master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field. At a minimum, applicants must have completed their clinical practicum, an Ethics course, and a course that thoroughly covers the current DSM. The current rule's 12-semester/18-quarter deficiency limit governs.
Board exam statement: Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern There is NOT an examination requirement for this license classification. This general classification statement does not displace the equivalent-field educational NCE requirement when that field is used.
Course completion: Complete missing coursework post-degree for full credit through one institution and the qualifying program described in R156-60e-302.4(2).
Deficiency: Completed qualifying graduate degree with no more than 12 missing semester credits or 18 missing quarter credits, while meeting the specific DSM/ethics and practicum requirements of R156-60e-302.4(1).
Degree: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Employment and supervision: Practice only as an employee of a public/private mental health organization under licensed supervision; extern hours do not count toward the required practicum/internship or associate-level licensure.
Standing: No pending or effective disciplinary action relating to mental health therapy.
Term: Expires upon issuance of the applied-for license or three years, unless extended for good cause under 58-60-117(2).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-117(1), externship qualifications
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-102.4(4), educational deficiency
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(2), post-degree courses
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(3), supervised practice and hours restriction
Utah DOPL extern page
ATTENTION, Board page educational deficiency
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern, exam requirement statement

Initial externship licensure — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Board deficiency statement: The lower-ranked Board page states: ATTENTION: The externship license is available for individuals who are deficient in no more than 12 quarter credit hours of a Master's program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling or a related field. At a minimum, applicants must have completed their clinical practicum, an Ethics course, and a course that thoroughly covers the current DSM. The current rule's 12-semester/18-quarter deficiency limit governs.
Board exam statement: Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern There is NOT an examination requirement for this license classification. This general classification statement does not displace the equivalent-field educational NCE requirement when that field is used.
Course completion: Complete missing coursework post-degree for full credit through one institution and the qualifying program described in R156-60e-302.4(2).
Deficiency: Completed qualifying graduate degree with no more than 12 missing semester credits or 18 missing quarter credits, while meeting the specific DSM/ethics and practicum requirements of R156-60e-302.4(1).
Degree: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Employment and supervision: Practice only as an employee of a public/private mental health organization under licensed supervision; extern hours do not count toward the required practicum/internship or associate-level licensure.
Standing: No pending or effective disciplinary action relating to mental health therapy.
Term: Expires upon issuance of the applied-for license or three years, unless extended for good cause under 58-60-117(2).

Military extension and renewal/reactivation

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Exclusions: Does not apply to annual training, in-state Guard/reserve orders, or orders not requiring relocation outside Utah.
Fees: No cost to the qualifying service member.
Qualifying service: National Guard or reserve license expiration during qualifying active duty, or service-member expiration during deployment; license extends through 90 days after discharge or the deployment order's last date.
Renewal request: Request renewal within 90 days after activation/deployment orders terminate, provide orders calling to and discharging from service, and meet renewal requirements other than continuing education/training.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code 71A-8-103
71A-8-103(1)-(5), military extension and renewal
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-104, renewal requirements
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Reinstatement — continuous government or licensed out of state practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Complete renewal or reinstatement documentation and pay the applicable fees.
Continuing education: 40 ongoing professional development hours per two-year cycle for graduate-degree licensees, including six ethics/law/technology-ethics hours and two approved suicide-prevention hours; R156-60e-402.1 controls formats, documentation, proration, carryover and permitted waivers.
Continuous practice: Continuously active in the profession while in full-time US government employment or licensed practice in another US state/territory.
Examination waiver: 58-1-308(6)(b) expressly permits reinstatement without taking an examination.
Existing license: Existing licensure; no initial education or exam qualification is asserted anew by this renewal route.
Timing: Submit within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or terminating full-time government service; document practice and renewal qualifications.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(6)(b), active practice exception without examination
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308c(5), renewal completion certification

Extern reinstatement — additional three year term

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination

Application: Submit the application and pay the required fee.
Education: Any NCE already needed for equivalent-field education remains an educational applicant qualification of the initial route; this additional-term rule identifies the profession-specific exam attempt.
Exam attempt: Attempt the profession-specific NCMHCE at least once while holding the previous extern license; the exam must not be replaced by an educational NCE.
Existing license: Previous extern license; Division may grant one additional three-year term.

Restoration after adverse surrender — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308k, relicensure after surrender
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-117(1), externship qualifications
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-102.4(4), educational deficiency
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(2), post-degree courses
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern, exam requirement statement

Restoration after adverse surrender — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License surrendered while not in good standing under the written surrender agreement.

Restoration after after discipline — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308i, reinstatement after discipline
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-117(1), externship qualifications
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-102.4(4), educational deficiency
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(2), post-degree courses
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern, exam requirement statement

Restoration after after discipline — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: After the specified suspension term or expiration in restricted, suspended or probationary status, unless the disciplinary order provides otherwise.

Restoration after long lapse — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308g(3)(a), new license requirements
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-117(1), externship qualifications
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-102.4(4), educational deficiency
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(2), post-degree courses
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern, exam requirement statement

Restoration after long lapse — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: Long lapse beyond the applicable two-to-five-year unencumbered-license reinstatement exception; applicant does not qualify for continuous-government/out-of-state practice reinstatement without examination.

Restoration after revocation — accredited education

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: CACREP-accredited graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, clinical rehabilitation counseling, or counselor education and supervision.
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-308(5)(a), renewal qualification reinstatement
Utah Administrative Code R156-1
R156-1-308j, relicensure after revocation
Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 60
58-60-117(1), externship qualifications
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-102.4(4), educational deficiency
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(2), post-degree courses
Utah Administrative Code R156-60e
R156-60e-302.4(1)
Utah DOPL exam page
Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor Extern, exam requirement statement

Restoration after revocation — equivalent education

National Counselor Examination

Application: Division-approved application, fee and requested criminal-background documentation under 58-60-405(2).
Cms supervision: Comply with 58-60-405(1)(d) as incorporated by subsection (2), if its federal-law Medicare qualification condition applies.
Coursework: Three semester or four quarter hours each in mental status/DSM psychopathology and professional counseling ethics; at least 700 practicum/internship hours including 240 direct clinical therapy hours under an educational institution (R156-60e-302.4(1)).
Current qualifications: Supply a new-license application and supporting documents, applicable fees, current qualification and competency evidence, and any required fines or order-compliance information. Existing valid exam scores may satisfy the current qualifications; this route does not assert that every applicant must retake an examination.
Deficiency: Meet the current externship educational deficiency limit and post-degree coursework requirements, with qualifying supervised employment under 58-60-117.
Education: Graduate clinical mental health counseling or equivalent-field degree from a CHEA-recognized institution; equivalent-field preparation must meet R156-60e-302.4(1) and be demonstrated by passing the NCE under R156-60e-102.4(5).
Practice: Work in a qualifying public agency or private clinic under a qualified clinical supervisor; independent practice is prohibited.
Restoration trigger: License previously revoked.

Temporary license — Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Temporary counselor licensure under the generally applicable Division Licensing Act, distinct from the separately regulated externship license.

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing, with the Utah Behavioral Health Board

Temporary issuance — emergency

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Division and board: Division, in collaboration with the appropriate Board, must find the statutory justification for temporary issuance.
Prior license: Licensed in another US state under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements when the other license was issued.
Purpose: Local or national emergency or governmental action materially jeopardizing public health, safety or welfare without temporary issuance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-303(1)(c), emergency, service shortage or monitored practice

Temporary issuance — monitored practice

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Division and board: Division, in collaboration with the appropriate Board, must find the statutory justification for temporary issuance.
Prior license: Licensed in another US state under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements when the other license was issued.
Purpose: Need to observe the applicant in monitored or supervised practice before granting or denying regular licensure.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-303(1)(c), emergency, service shortage or monitored practice

Temporary issuance pending counselor examination

All of the following:

Division discretion: The Division may grant this temporary authorization.
Limit: At most three consecutive temporary licenses in the three-year period following the first issuance.
Next exam: Take the next available required examination; the temporary license expires upon release of results if the applicant fails.
Qualifications: Meet all current counselor license requirements except examination passing. NCE applies only when the qualifying education pathway requires it; NCMHCE is the profession examination.

Temporary issuance — service shortage

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Division and board: Division, in collaboration with the appropriate Board, must find the statutory justification for temporary issuance.
Prior license: Licensed in another US state under requirements equal to or greater than Utah requirements when the other license was issued.
Purpose: Lack of necessary local services materially jeopardizing public health, safety or welfare.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-303(1)(c), emergency, service shortage or monitored practice

Temporary issuance for teaching or assisting Utah licensee

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Division discretion: Division may issue the temporary license.
Prior license: Licensed in another state or country.
Purpose: Temporarily in Utah to teach or assist a Utah resident licensed in the profession.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-303(1)(b), temporary teaching or assistance

Temporary telemedicine authorization while endorsement is processed

No examination is required for this applicant pathway.

Endorsement application: Complete an endorsement application; Division determines it cannot process that application within 15 days.
Practice: Only telemedicine services within the scope of the nonresident license for a Utah patient and otherwise consistent with Utah law. This temporary permit itself adds no identified examination; the endorsement route is separate.
Prior license: Nonresident US health care license in good standing.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 1
58-1-302.1(3), temporary telemedicine

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

NBCC, The National Counselor Examination (NCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Job Analysis and Content Outline
NBCC, The National Counselor Examination (NCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Table 1 lead-in
NBCC, The National Counselor Examination (NCE) Content Outline
p. 10, Table 3 lead-in
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
p. 7, CACREP domains
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
p. 7, Examination Purpose, Content, and Form
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
p. 20, Pass/Fail Score Determination
NBCC, The National Counselor Examination (NCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Exam Form
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
p. 9, Registering for the Examination — Registration Process
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Counselor Examination (NCE)
p. 9, Test authorization
NBCC, National Counselor Examination (NCE) Examination Specifications
p. 1, title block
NBCC, About the National Counselor Examination (NCE) web page
Page tabs

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

NBCC, The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Job Analysis and Content Outline
NBCC, The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Table 1 lead-in
NBCC, The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Content Outline
p. 2, Table 1 footnote 1
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
p. 8, Examination Format
NBCC, The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Content Outline
p. 9, Scoring and Equating
NBCC, The National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Content Outline
p. 9, Case Studies
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
p. 9, Registering for the Examination — Registration Process
NBCC, Candidate Handbook for State Licensure: National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
p. 9, Test Authorization Window
NBCC, National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Examination Specifications
p. 1, title block
NBCC, About the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) web page
Page tabs