Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Delaware. 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 Delaware counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Delaware State Division of Professional Regulation at (302) 744-4500 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
As a Delaware high school graduate, you should be well-situated for gaining further education and learning more about the Delaware counseling career.
The first step to take is to enroll in a college or university and begin earning your associate or bachelor’s degree program. A degree in psychology is a great way to go regardless of whether you eventually end up earning your Delaware counseling licensure or heading down a different career path. The skills and knowledge gained through the study of psychology can be highly valuable in everything from psychotherapy to management to business.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology and 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.
Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you should start looking for schools that offer a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from schools offering counseling programs in Delaware to know more about how you can acquire additional necessary educational qualifications.
Make sure you examine the educational requirements for Delaware counseling licensure and then speak with your college’s advisor to make sure they offer all the required coursework.
Step One:
After completing your degree, you can start acquiring professional counseling experience of 3200 hours, which should be done in no more than 4 years. 1600 of these hours need to be under direct supervision approved by the Delaware Board of Professional Counselors of Mental Health.
You can find more information on these Delaware Counseling Licensure requirements on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation webpage.
Step Two:
Once the supervision experience requirement is completed, you can download and complete the Delaware counseling certification application.
You can download the application form and other necessary forms on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation webpage.
Step Three:
Submit your application to the Delaware Board of Professional Counselors of Mental Health for review. If it is approved, you become eligible to take the standardized exam through the National Board for Certified Counselors.
You can find information regarding the examination content, dates and locations in addition to contact information on the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation webpage.