In order to achieve licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) counselors typically need to fulfill requirements in three areas: academic, national examination, and counseling hours.

• Academic--Usually at least a 48-hour master's degree in counseling or a counseling-related field is required, plus additional courses. For example, in Pennsylvania counselors need at least 60 academic credits. (See PA academic requirements.)
• Exam--You will need to pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) for licensure. The following links provide more information.

NBCC Registration Information
Exam Registration Form for State of PA

• Counseling hours--Usually 3000 or more post-graduation counseling hours are required. In Pennsylvania the requirement is 3600 post-graduation hours.

NOTE: Please review the specific code requirements for the state in which you wish to obtain licensure. Below is a helpful overview, but it cannot replace written state information. Go to your state's website for complete information. Links for a few states can be found below.

How can Biblical help?

Our 52-hour master of arts in counseling degree is designed for students who wish to pursue licensure in the Commonwealth of PA. In addition, many of the courses assist students and alumni in other states also pursue licensure. But a master's degree doesn't always fulfill the academic requirements. That is why Biblical also has a Certificate in Advanced Professional Counseling CAPC. The CAPC is a 10-credit/ five-course certificate with courses in the five specific areas usually required by the states and tested on the licensing exam. CAPC curriculum.

Acceptance into the CAPC program is by application after completion of a master's degree. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the application.

Links to State Websites

List of all State Boards

Commonwealth of PA

Requirements/PA Code- Chapter 49

Licensure Home page and application form

New Jersey

Professional Counselor Examiners Committee- Home page

Application/Exam Form

Delaware

Board of Mental Health Professional- Home Page

Maryland

Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists- Home Page

LCPC- Professional Counselor License Requirements

New York

Mental Health Practitioners-Home Page