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Vermont Professional Counselor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Vermont clinical mental health counselor licensure. Entry on the nonlicensed and noncertified psychotherapist roster is an applicant prerequisite for supervised practice, rather than a counselor license. The Counseling Compact is enacted but its practice privileges are not operational in Vermont on the evaluation date.

Licensing authority: Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners and Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Restoration of a revoked, suspended, limited or conditioned license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits the Board to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of licensure, renewal, or reinstatement. The permission alone does not establish that a particular examination is currently offered.
Board order
The Board may reinstate or deny reinstatement under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(4). The individual must satisfy the disciplinary order and any conditions imposed for resumption of practice under Rule 6.5(f); the statute supplies no identified currently offered counselor examination for this restoration decision.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement: substantially equivalent standards
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Regulatory equivalence
The Board must find the other United States or Canadian jurisdiction’s licensing requirements substantially equivalent to Vermont’s; this pathway invokes the Board’s examination waiver under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement: five year active practice pathway
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
At least five years of active clinical mental health counseling practice averaging more than 20 hours per week for 48 weeks per year; current January 2026 instructions apply this to the five years before application. No disciplinary history. The Board may grant this United States or Canadian pathway regardless of licensing standards.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
United states fast track
For a United States license holder, the newer 3 V.S.A. § 136a three-year endorsement process is also available and supersedes a mandatory five-year minimum for that process. The five-year Board pathway remains relevant to Canadian qualification and is not represented as the exclusive endorsement option.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement: complete the missing national examination
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Examination completion
Rule 3.23(b) requires successful completion of the national examination not required for the previous license. Both currently offered examinations remain leaves: one is part of the existing licensing qualification and the other completes Vermont’s requirement. The applicant need not automatically retake the previously passed examination.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Regulatory equivalence
The other United States or Canadian jurisdiction has substantially equivalent requirements except it required only one of NCE or NCMHCE.
Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the online application and fee and all requested documentation. Rule 1.5 expires an application after five years without a progress report. The pinned application page says: "Licensing requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date your application is submitted to the Office."
Compact status
The pinned September 2026 OPR application page states that the Counseling Compact is not yet active in Vermont and a Vermont license is still required. Enacted compact provisions are not treated as a currently implemented Vermont license route.
Education
An accredited master’s or higher degree in counseling or a related field; 60 graduate credits, either CACREP-approved preparation or a non-CACREP degree satisfying Rules 3.8-3.9. Non-CACREP preparation must include 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, 3-credit courses in at least five of the seven core areas within the degree, and completion of the remaining core areas, multicultural studies, research and evaluation, career development, and at least two additional areas listed in Rule 3.9(c).
Education review
The Board must approve education before examination registration. Submit official transcripts and requested course descriptions or syllabi. CACREP graduates do not need the education worksheet; qualifying MOU graduates submit Attachment E through their school.
Examination currency
For applicants not previously licensed, Rule 3.14(a) requires results within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 instructions say: "Exams must be completed within 5 years of the date of your application." The rule governs, and the implementing instruction is disclosed as the Board’s stated demand. NCE taken during graduate study remains an examination leaf; NBCC must send official verification.
Internship
700 hours of supervised internship, including at least 600 hours within the qualifying degree. A shortfall between 600 and 700 may be made up as allowed by Rule 3.12.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice currency
Rule 3.15(b) accepts supervised hours acquired within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 application instructions instead state: "Supervision must be completed within five years of the date of your application." Both statements are retained; the administrative rule governs the legal time limit.
Roster
Before any supervised practice in Vermont, register on the Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists; hours without roster entry are not accepted.
Supervised practice
3,000 post-master’s hours over at least two years, including 2,000 direct-service hours; the remainder may be direct or indirect. At least 100 face-to-face supervision hours, at least 50 individual; group supervision includes no more than six trainees; at least one supervision hour per 30 practice hours.
Supervisor
An eligible supervisor must hold an unencumbered license in a permitted profession and have held it for at least three years when supervision starts; excluded relationships and financial conflicts follow Rules 3.19-3.20. Supervisors submit supervision reports directly; non-Vermont supervisors must have their licensing authority verify licensure.
Telehealth registration
OPR permits an active, good-standing out-of-state healthcare license holder, including LCMHCs, to provide telehealth-only services under Interim Telehealth Registration. This registration does not permit in-person services and is not a counselor license or certification. OPR states permanent Telehealth Registration and Telehealth License options are not in effect until rules are adopted; no permanent telehealth-license credential is asserted here.
Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and nonrefundable application fee and request direct official license verification. The January 2026 Fast Track section lists these steps without requiring NCE or NCMHCE.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice
3 V.S.A. § 136a requires an endorsement process using not more than three years of practice in good standing, irrespective of substantially similar licensing requirements; the Director may waive the practice requirement under subsection (c).
United states licensure
Independent license or certification in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for three or more years immediately preceding application; verification must show continuous good standing for those three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply online and pay the renewal fee by the scheduled biennial expiration date; licensees remain responsible even without a courtesy notice.
Board discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits the Board to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of licensure, renewal, or reinstatement. The permission alone does not establish that a particular examination is currently offered.
Continuing education
Complete 40 credits during the renewal period: at least 4 in professional ethics, at least 1 related to systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice, and 35 in clinical mental health counseling theory and practice; upload certificates. Qualifying synchronous virtual training is accepted as live training.
First renewal
Rule 3.26 requires continuing-education documentation with the first renewal after two years of licensure and subsequent renewals; licenses first issued within 90 days before the set renewal date follow 3 V.S.A. § 123(a)(12)(B).
Hardship
The Board may grant an extreme-hardship extension to complete continuing education under Rule 3.31; military continuing-education adjustments may apply under 3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(12).
Records
Retain continuing-education records for four years. No more than 28 of 40 hours may be individualized learning under Rule 3.32; other limits and documentation requirements apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after extended absence: Director requires a new application pathway
Absence
At least five years away from practice; the Director finds that all required competencies have not been retained and elects reapplication in like manner to a new applicant under 3 V.S.A. § 135(b)(2).
Application
Submit the online application and fee and all requested documentation. Rule 1.5 expires an application after five years without a progress report. The pinned application page says: "Licensing requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date your application is submitted to the Office."
Education
An accredited master’s or higher degree in counseling or a related field; 60 graduate credits, either CACREP-approved preparation or a non-CACREP degree satisfying Rules 3.8-3.9. Non-CACREP preparation must include 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, 3-credit courses in at least five of the seven core areas within the degree, and completion of the remaining core areas, multicultural studies, research and evaluation, career development, and at least two additional areas listed in Rule 3.9(c).
Education review
The Board must approve education before examination registration. Submit official transcripts and requested course descriptions or syllabi. CACREP graduates do not need the education worksheet; qualifying MOU graduates submit Attachment E through their school.
Examination currency
For applicants not previously licensed, Rule 3.14(a) requires results within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 instructions say: "Exams must be completed within 5 years of the date of your application." The rule governs, and the implementing instruction is disclosed as the Board’s stated demand. NCE taken during graduate study remains an examination leaf; NBCC must send official verification.
Internship
700 hours of supervised internship, including at least 600 hours within the qualifying degree. A shortfall between 600 and 700 may be made up as allowed by Rule 3.12.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice currency
Rule 3.15(b) accepts supervised hours acquired within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 application instructions instead state: "Supervision must be completed within five years of the date of your application." Both statements are retained; the administrative rule governs the legal time limit.
Roster
Before any supervised practice in Vermont, register on the Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists; hours without roster entry are not accepted.
Supervised practice
3,000 post-master’s hours over at least two years, including 2,000 direct-service hours; the remainder may be direct or indirect. At least 100 face-to-face supervision hours, at least 50 individual; group supervision includes no more than six trainees; at least one supervision hour per 30 practice hours.
Supervisor
An eligible supervisor must hold an unencumbered license in a permitted profession and have held it for at least three years when supervision starts; excluded relationships and financial conflicts follow Rules 3.19-3.20. Supervisors submit supervision reports directly; non-Vermont supervisors must have their licensing authority verify licensure.
Reinstatement or reactivation: retained competence after five or more years away
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Absence
An expired or lapsed license and five or more years of absence from practice.
Board discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits the Board to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of licensure, renewal, or reinstatement. The permission alone does not establish that a particular examination is currently offered.
Director approval
The Director determines that required professional competencies have been retained and grants an unencumbered license under 3 V.S.A. § 135(b)(1), notwithstanding contrary rules.
Rule context
Rule 3.36(d) otherwise describes roster entry, six months and at least 750 supervised hours, and the Vermont statutes and rules examination when a license has lapsed more than five years without practice under a United States or Canadian license. The Director’s higher-ranked statutory competence determination governs this particular route.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement or reactivation: fewer than five years away from practice
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the renewal application, fees and applicable continuing education.
Board discretion
3 V.S.A. § 129(a)(13) permits the Board to administer a Vermont statutes and rules examination as a condition of licensure, renewal, or reinstatement. The permission alone does not establish that a particular examination is currently offered.
Competence
Under 3 V.S.A. § 135(a), readiness is inferred from the continuing education that continuous licensure would have required or a less burdensome showing in the rules or permitted by the Director.
Previous license
Hold an expired, lapsed, or inactive Vermont clinical mental health counselor license and have been absent from practice for fewer than five years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Provisional Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Ninety-day provisional counselor license under 3 V.S.A. § 130; the underlying full-license qualifications remain applicable.

Licensing authority: Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health Practitioners and Office of Professional Regulation · Application information

Pending background check completion: Endorsement with substantially equivalent standards
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Eligibility remains contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2).
Regulatory equivalence
The Board must find the other United States or Canadian jurisdiction’s licensing requirements substantially equivalent to Vermont’s; this pathway invokes the Board’s examination waiver under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pending background check completion: Five year active practice endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
At least five years of active clinical mental health counseling practice averaging more than 20 hours per week for 48 weeks per year; current January 2026 instructions apply this to the five years before application. No disciplinary history. The Board may grant this United States or Canadian pathway regardless of licensing standards.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Eligibility remains contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2).
United states fast track
For a United States license holder, the newer 3 V.S.A. § 136a three-year endorsement process is also available and supersedes a mandatory five-year minimum for that process. The five-year Board pathway remains relevant to Canadian qualification and is not represented as the exclusive endorsement option.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pending background check completion: Endorsement completing a missing national examination
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Examination completion
Rule 3.23(b) requires successful completion of the national examination not required for the previous license. Both currently offered examinations remain leaves: one is part of the existing licensing qualification and the other completes Vermont’s requirement. The applicant need not automatically retake the previously passed examination.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Eligibility remains contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2).
Regulatory equivalence
The other United States or Canadian jurisdiction has substantially equivalent requirements except it required only one of NCE or NCMHCE.
Pending background check completion: Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the online application and fee and all requested documentation. Rule 1.5 expires an application after five years without a progress report. The pinned application page says: "Licensing requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date your application is submitted to the Office."
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Education
An accredited master’s or higher degree in counseling or a related field; 60 graduate credits, either CACREP-approved preparation or a non-CACREP degree satisfying Rules 3.8-3.9. Non-CACREP preparation must include 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, 3-credit courses in at least five of the seven core areas within the degree, and completion of the remaining core areas, multicultural studies, research and evaluation, career development, and at least two additional areas listed in Rule 3.9(c).
Education review
The Board must approve education before examination registration. Submit official transcripts and requested course descriptions or syllabi. CACREP graduates do not need the education worksheet; qualifying MOU graduates submit Attachment E through their school.
Examination currency
For applicants not previously licensed, Rule 3.14(a) requires results within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 instructions say: "Exams must be completed within 5 years of the date of your application." The rule governs, and the implementing instruction is disclosed as the Board’s stated demand. NCE taken during graduate study remains an examination leaf; NBCC must send official verification.
Internship
700 hours of supervised internship, including at least 600 hours within the qualifying degree. A shortfall between 600 and 700 may be made up as allowed by Rule 3.12.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice currency
Rule 3.15(b) accepts supervised hours acquired within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 application instructions instead state: "Supervision must be completed within five years of the date of your application." Both statements are retained; the administrative rule governs the legal time limit.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Eligibility remains contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2).
Roster
Before any supervised practice in Vermont, register on the Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists; hours without roster entry are not accepted.
Supervised practice
3,000 post-master’s hours over at least two years, including 2,000 direct-service hours; the remainder may be direct or indirect. At least 100 face-to-face supervision hours, at least 50 individual; group supervision includes no more than six trainees; at least one supervision hour per 30 practice hours.
Supervisor
An eligible supervisor must hold an unencumbered license in a permitted profession and have held it for at least three years when supervision starts; excluded relationships and financial conflicts follow Rules 3.19-3.20. Supervisors submit supervision reports directly; non-Vermont supervisors must have their licensing authority verify licensure.
Pending background check completion: Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and nonrefundable application fee and request direct official license verification. The January 2026 Fast Track section lists these steps without requiring NCE or NCMHCE.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice
3 V.S.A. § 136a requires an endorsement process using not more than three years of practice in good standing, irrespective of substantially similar licensing requirements; the Director may waive the practice requirement under subsection (c).
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Eligibility remains contingent upon completion of a background check under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(2).
United states licensure
Independent license or certification in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for three or more years immediately preceding application; verification must show continuous good standing for those three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Extension of an existing provisional license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Agreement
The provisional agreement and material-accuracy requirements remain applicable.
Existing license
Hold a provisional counselor license for a reason under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(1)-(3).
Unresolved reason
The original statutory reason remains unresolved and the Director elects to extend the provisional license beyond its initial 90-day period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Active duty service member or spouse: Endorsement with substantially equivalent standards
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Vermont or the spouse of such a member, under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).
Regulatory equivalence
The Board must find the other United States or Canadian jurisdiction’s licensing requirements substantially equivalent to Vermont’s; this pathway invokes the Board’s examination waiver under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Active duty service member or spouse: Five year active practice endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
At least five years of active clinical mental health counseling practice averaging more than 20 hours per week for 48 weeks per year; current January 2026 instructions apply this to the five years before application. No disciplinary history. The Board may grant this United States or Canadian pathway regardless of licensing standards.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Vermont or the spouse of such a member, under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).
United states fast track
For a United States license holder, the newer 3 V.S.A. § 136a three-year endorsement process is also available and supersedes a mandatory five-year minimum for that process. The five-year Board pathway remains relevant to Canadian qualification and is not represented as the exclusive endorsement option.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Active duty service member or spouse: Endorsement completing a missing national examination
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Examination completion
Rule 3.23(b) requires successful completion of the national examination not required for the previous license. Both currently offered examinations remain leaves: one is part of the existing licensing qualification and the other completes Vermont’s requirement. The applicant need not automatically retake the previously passed examination.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Vermont or the spouse of such a member, under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).
Regulatory equivalence
The other United States or Canadian jurisdiction has substantially equivalent requirements except it required only one of NCE or NCMHCE.
Active duty service member or spouse: Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the online application and fee and all requested documentation. Rule 1.5 expires an application after five years without a progress report. The pinned application page says: "Licensing requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date your application is submitted to the Office."
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Education
An accredited master’s or higher degree in counseling or a related field; 60 graduate credits, either CACREP-approved preparation or a non-CACREP degree satisfying Rules 3.8-3.9. Non-CACREP preparation must include 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, 3-credit courses in at least five of the seven core areas within the degree, and completion of the remaining core areas, multicultural studies, research and evaluation, career development, and at least two additional areas listed in Rule 3.9(c).
Education review
The Board must approve education before examination registration. Submit official transcripts and requested course descriptions or syllabi. CACREP graduates do not need the education worksheet; qualifying MOU graduates submit Attachment E through their school.
Examination currency
For applicants not previously licensed, Rule 3.14(a) requires results within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 instructions say: "Exams must be completed within 5 years of the date of your application." The rule governs, and the implementing instruction is disclosed as the Board’s stated demand. NCE taken during graduate study remains an examination leaf; NBCC must send official verification.
Internship
700 hours of supervised internship, including at least 600 hours within the qualifying degree. A shortfall between 600 and 700 may be made up as allowed by Rule 3.12.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice currency
Rule 3.15(b) accepts supervised hours acquired within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 application instructions instead state: "Supervision must be completed within five years of the date of your application." Both statements are retained; the administrative rule governs the legal time limit.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Vermont or the spouse of such a member, under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).
Roster
Before any supervised practice in Vermont, register on the Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists; hours without roster entry are not accepted.
Supervised practice
3,000 post-master’s hours over at least two years, including 2,000 direct-service hours; the remainder may be direct or indirect. At least 100 face-to-face supervision hours, at least 50 individual; group supervision includes no more than six trainees; at least one supervision hour per 30 practice hours.
Supervisor
An eligible supervisor must hold an unencumbered license in a permitted profession and have held it for at least three years when supervision starts; excluded relationships and financial conflicts follow Rules 3.19-3.20. Supervisors submit supervision reports directly; non-Vermont supervisors must have their licensing authority verify licensure.
Active duty service member or spouse: Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and nonrefundable application fee and request direct official license verification. The January 2026 Fast Track section lists these steps without requiring NCE or NCMHCE.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice
3 V.S.A. § 136a requires an endorsement process using not more than three years of practice in good standing, irrespective of substantially similar licensing requirements; the Director may waive the practice requirement under subsection (c).
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Applicant is an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces assigned to duty in Vermont or the spouse of such a member, under 3 V.S.A. § 130(a)(3).
United states licensure
Independent license or certification in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for three or more years immediately preceding application; verification must show continuous good standing for those three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pending official license verification: Endorsement with substantially equivalent standards
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Acceptable verification of another-jurisdiction licensure remains outstanding; current counselor instructions require every other qualification, including applicable examinations and Board review, to be complete.
Regulatory equivalence
The Board must find the other United States or Canadian jurisdiction’s licensing requirements substantially equivalent to Vermont’s; this pathway invokes the Board’s examination waiver under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23(a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pending official license verification: Five year active practice endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Active practice
At least five years of active clinical mental health counseling practice averaging more than 20 hours per week for 48 weeks per year; current January 2026 instructions apply this to the five years before application. No disciplinary history. The Board may grant this United States or Canadian pathway regardless of licensing standards.
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Acceptable verification of another-jurisdiction licensure remains outstanding; current counselor instructions require every other qualification, including applicable examinations and Board review, to be complete.
United states fast track
For a United States license holder, the newer 3 V.S.A. § 136a three-year endorsement process is also available and supersedes a mandatory five-year minimum for that process. The five-year Board pathway remains relevant to Canadian qualification and is not represented as the exclusive endorsement option.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Pending official license verification: Endorsement completing a missing national examination
Board decision
A waiver-based grant under 26 V.S.A. § 3268 and Rule 3.23 is subject to Board approval; applicants not qualifying for endorsement must satisfy the examination pathway under Rule 3.4.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Examination completion
Rule 3.23(b) requires successful completion of the national examination not required for the previous license. Both currently offered examinations remain leaves: one is part of the existing licensing qualification and the other completes Vermont’s requirement. The applicant need not automatically retake the previously passed examination.
Good standing
Hold an independent clinical mental health counselor license or certification in good standing in the qualifying jurisdiction. Request direct license verification from the licensing authority for initial and most recent licensure; provide the statutes and rules requested in the application instructions.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Acceptable verification of another-jurisdiction licensure remains outstanding; current counselor instructions require every other qualification, including applicable examinations and Board review, to be complete.
Regulatory equivalence
The other United States or Canadian jurisdiction has substantially equivalent requirements except it required only one of NCE or NCMHCE.
Pending official license verification: Licensure by examination
Application
Submit the online application and fee and all requested documentation. Rule 1.5 expires an application after five years without a progress report. The pinned application page says: "Licensing requirements must be completed within 5 years from the date your application is submitted to the Office."
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Education
An accredited master’s or higher degree in counseling or a related field; 60 graduate credits, either CACREP-approved preparation or a non-CACREP degree satisfying Rules 3.8-3.9. Non-CACREP preparation must include 3 graduate credits in Diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment, 3-credit courses in at least five of the seven core areas within the degree, and completion of the remaining core areas, multicultural studies, research and evaluation, career development, and at least two additional areas listed in Rule 3.9(c).
Education review
The Board must approve education before examination registration. Submit official transcripts and requested course descriptions or syllabi. CACREP graduates do not need the education worksheet; qualifying MOU graduates submit Attachment E through their school.
Examination currency
For applicants not previously licensed, Rule 3.14(a) requires results within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 instructions say: "Exams must be completed within 5 years of the date of your application." The rule governs, and the implementing instruction is disclosed as the Board’s stated demand. NCE taken during graduate study remains an examination leaf; NBCC must send official verification.
Internship
700 hours of supervised internship, including at least 600 hours within the qualifying degree. A shortfall between 600 and 700 may be made up as allowed by Rule 3.12.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice currency
Rule 3.15(b) accepts supervised hours acquired within five years of the final licensing decision. January 2026 application instructions instead state: "Supervision must be completed within five years of the date of your application." Both statements are retained; the administrative rule governs the legal time limit.
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Acceptable verification of another-jurisdiction licensure remains outstanding; current counselor instructions require every other qualification, including applicable examinations and Board review, to be complete.
Roster
Before any supervised practice in Vermont, register on the Roster of Non-Licensed, Non-Certified Psychotherapists; hours without roster entry are not accepted.
Supervised practice
3,000 post-master’s hours over at least two years, including 2,000 direct-service hours; the remainder may be direct or indirect. At least 100 face-to-face supervision hours, at least 50 individual; group supervision includes no more than six trainees; at least one supervision hour per 30 practice hours.
Supervisor
An eligible supervisor must hold an unencumbered license in a permitted profession and have held it for at least three years when supervision starts; excluded relationships and financial conflicts follow Rules 3.19-3.20. Supervisors submit supervision reports directly; non-Vermont supervisors must have their licensing authority verify licensure.
Pending official license verification: Fast Track Endorsement
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the online application and nonrefundable application fee and request direct official license verification. The January 2026 Fast Track section lists these steps without requiring NCE or NCMHCE.
Duration
Initial provisional term is 90 days; the Director may extend it when the statutory reason remains unresolved. The January 2026 counselor instructions specifically implement the verification-pending form; the other two bases are the statutory alternatives.
Jurisprudence adoption
Rule 3.3(c) states: "(c) In addition, in either case: Statutes and Rules Examination: All applicants must successfully complete, after one is adopted, the Board’s jurisprudence examination before a license will be issued.". The January 2026 instructions additionally say: "If applicable, complete and upload the specific VT State Jurisprudence exam answer sheet. This is found within the online application." The adoption-dependent instruction is retained as an applicant condition. These sources do not establish a currently offered examination with an independently identifiable registration and scoring boundary. This survey makes no finding that such an examination does not exist.
Military support
Under 3 V.S.A. § 123(g), qualifying transferred military spouses receive expedited processing, and the Office recognizes qualifying military education, training, or service toward licensing requirements.
Practice
3 V.S.A. § 136a requires an endorsement process using not more than three years of practice in good standing, irrespective of substantially similar licensing requirements; the Director may waive the practice requirement under subsection (c).
Provisional agreement
Complete an application for full licensure, attest to facts consistent with its material requirements including other-jurisdiction standing, criminal and disciplinary history, and enter a voluntary provisional agreement allowing summary withdrawal if representations are inconsistent or inaccurate.
Provisional eligibility
Acceptable verification of another-jurisdiction licensure remains outstanding; current counselor instructions require every other qualification, including applicable examinations and Board review, to be complete.
United states licensure
Independent license or certification in good standing in another United States jurisdiction for three or more years immediately preceding application; verification must show continuous good standing for those three years.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

National Counselor Examination

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

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