Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Alabama. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Alabama counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling at (205) 458-8716 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
You’re in the right place to start mapping out your future career. Most people wait until they are in the process of completing their bachelor’s degree before seriously considering their career options.
Step One
Begin by requesting information from schools offering undergraduate programs in psychology. Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs you are currently qualified to begin!
Step Two
One way you can acquire experience in order to learn whether a career in counseling is right for you is by volunteering. Look into local, accessible organizations with counseling-related work environments. The following are a couple links to volunteer organizations in Alabama:
- Hands on Birmingham
- United Way of East Central Alabama
- Volunteer and Information Center of Montgomery
- Volunteer Mobile Inc.
Experience and formal education are two of the most important prerequisites for improving prospects for your future career. Put them together and you should be off to a great start!
Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, it’s time to start thinking about a school offering a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
Enroll for a Master’s or PhD programs in counseling or related field. You can request information from alabama counseling schools or get in touch with schools offering PhD programs in psychology.
Step Two:
You must first apply for certification as an associate licensed counselor (ALC). Follow the instructions on the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling website to acquire the correct application.
Step Three:
Once you have acquired your Associate Licensed Counselor title, you can begin earning the minimum of 3000 hours of supervised professional experience and 100 hours of supervised counseling. This is a process that can take one to three years depending on the individual, but also a process that can help prepare you for the National Counselor Exam. You can find more information regarding this process on the following Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling webpage.
Step Four:
The Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling accepts the National Counselor Exam (NCE) as it’s regulated exam. Once all work experience is met you can apply for eligibility to start the testing process. The questions counting towards your score and the scoring process is quite different from a standard test.
You can find a comprehensive outline of the exam, request a preparation guide, find information about registration, test dates and contents for the NCE on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.