Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Arizona. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3200 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Arizona counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners at (602)-542-1882 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
First of all, great work keeping your head down and taking care of business even when that Arizona sun continues to shine out your front door. By exploring the counseling career now, you are setting yourself up to expedite the process toward certification as well as learn quickly whether a career in counseling is right for you.
Step One
It’s up to you to get the ball rolling with regard to higher education. A good place to start is by requesting information from schools that offer undergraduate programs in psychology.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs that might be of interest to you!
Step Two
Secondly, you should look to earn experience, which can have two helpful advantages for you:
- Experience can be featured on your resume, which can increase your chances for being accepted into master’s degree programs, career openings or other opportunities such as internships.
- Experience can help you learn whether a career in a counseling field is the right fit for you.
The following are a couple links to organizations offering volunteering opportunities in Arizona.
I’ve Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have earned your bachelor’s degree, you can look for schools offering master’s or doctoral degree programs in counseling. To earn the required educational qualifications, request information from counseling schools in Arizona.
Step One:
A Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) does not need work experience in order to apply for the examination and licensure. Once licensed you can only practice under direct supervision. You can download your application on the following Arizona Board of Health Examiners webpage.
Step Two:
As an Arizona Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), you can begin your mandatory work experience after completing your degree. A qualified supervisor must oversee the 3200 hours which should take at least 2 years. 1600 of those hours should be working directly with clients. There are certain hours that must be met regarding supervision, you can review this information at the following link.
Step Three:
Now you can download and complete an application. Each applicant needs to submit a General Licensure Application and the Counseling License Supplement. You can download both applications at the following Arizona Board of Health Examiners webpage.
Step Four:
Successfully complete the required examination. The Arizona examination committee approves exams through the National Board of Certified Counselors and Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.