How to become a Counselor in Maryland
Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in MD
Additional Information
Click on the link that best describes your current situation...
Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Maryland. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Maryland counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors at (410)-764-4732 to make sure you are on the right track.
I'm a High School Graduate...
Maryland counseling licensure requires all candidates to have completed at least a master's level of education. You will need to use the motivation you've shown researching Maryland counseling certification requirements to also learn how you can enroll in a college degree program. Regardless of whether you end up becoming a counselor or entering another professional field, a college education is always necessary and a great investment of your time.
The next step is to learn how you can enroll in an Associate's degree program or Bachelor's degree program.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.
Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school's career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.
I've already received my Bachelor's degree...
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.
- Capella University - Master's of Science in Human Services (HS) - Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
- Adler School of Professional Psychology - Master's in Counseling Psychology
- Argosy University - EdD in Counseling Psychology
- Grand Canyon University - Master's in Addiction Counseling and Master's in Professional Counseling
- Liberty University - Master's and PhD programs in Professional Counseling and Pastoral Counseling
Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Maryland.
Step Two:
Next, you will need to gain supervised work experience. If you have your masters degree, you will need 3 years or 3000 hours of supervised experience. If you have your doctorate degree you will need 2 years or 2000 hours of experience. Some of these hours can be done while still working towards your graduate degree.
For more details about the supervised work experience can be found on the Maryland Department of Health webpage.
Step Three:
Now, you can download the Maryland counseling license application and submit the application along with all supporting documents and fees to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.
You may download the application off the following Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene webpage.
Step Four:
The Board will send you a Licensure Examination Registration form once your application has been evaluated and you have been approved to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). You will need to submit the approval letter and fee to the NBCC.
More information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.
Step Five:
After passing the national examination, you can contact the Maryland Board for more information about the State Law Test.
Click here for the Maryland Board's contact info.