How to become a Counselor in Mississippi

Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in MS

Click on the link that best describes your current situation...

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors at (662) 716-3932 to make sure you are on the right track.

I'm a High School Graduate...

At this point, there is only one issue you should focus on, and that is education. Mississippi counseling certification requires candidates to have a master's level of education. A master's degree may seem a long way off, but you have already shown a high level of motivation by doing career research as a high school graduate. Now, you just need to keep up your momentum.

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.

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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.

Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Mississippi.

Step Two:

Once you have completed the educational requirements up to the bachelor level, you can begin acquiring 3500 hours of supervised work experience. However, no more than 1750 hours can be earned while still in your masters program.

More details about experience requirements and qualifying supervisors can be found on the Mississippi State Board of Examiners of Licensed Professional Counselors website.

Step Three:

After meeting the supervised work requirements, you can download the Mississippi counseling license application and submit the application along with all other supporting documents and fees to the Mississippi State Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors.

The Mississippi counseling licensure application may be downloaded off the following Mississippi Board's webpage.

Step Four:

The Board will review your application and notify you once you are approved to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

More information about the Mississippi counseling licensure exam can be found on the NBCC website.

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