Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Alaska. 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 Alaska counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors at (907) 465-2551 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
Kudos for being ahead of the curve! Early research into career options is a good way to start heading down the right path. Right now is a great opportunity to speak with individuals who already hold an Alaska Counseling Certification. Learn about the pros and cons of becoming a Counselor in Alaska.
Get the ball rolling with regard to higher education. Begin 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!
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.
Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for schools that offer a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling.
Step One:
To get started you can request information from additional counseling schools in Alaska.
Make sure the graduate program you are enrolled in is either regionally accredited or includes specific coursework you can find on the Alaska Counseling Licensure application. Download an application off the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors website.
Step Two:
Make sure your coursework requirements are met, either through your counseling degree program or through professional development courses. Required coursework is listed on the licensure application you can download from the following webpage.
Step Three:
After completion of your counseling degree program, you can begin acquiring supervised mental health counseling experience. You should aim to accumulate 3000 hours over the course of 2 years.
Step Four:
Successfully complete required examination, The National Counselor Examination (NCE).
You can find information about registration, test dates and contents on the National Board for Certified Counselors website.
Step Five:
Lastly, acquire 2 letters of recommendation from professional counselors or professionals in a related profession (psychologist, social worker, etc.) who know you on a professional level.
Finally, download an application for Alaska Counseling Certification from the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors website.