How to become a Counselor in Hawaii

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Hawaii. 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 Hawaii counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Hawaii Board of Professional and Vocational Licensing at (808) 586-3000 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

Congratulations! Being a high school graduate already researching Hawaii counseling certification requirements shows motivation and initiative that can serve you well throughout your life.

If you’re intending to become a counselor, it’s a good idea to start off by earning your associate’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. In order to be eligible for Hawaii counseling licensure, a Master’s degree or higher is generally required, so start with an undergraduate degree and work your way up.

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, start looking for schools that offer a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from counseling schools in Hawaii to get started.

Be sure to speak with your university’s designated advisor and learn whether the school provides the supervisory experience requirements necessary for Hawaii counseling certification.

To learn more about specific requirements, download the pdf file found on the following Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.

Step One:

While you were working towards your degree, you should have completed 2 supervised academic terms of internship experience including 300 hours of direct client contact. If you have not, contact your university and investigate alternate ways of satisfying this requirement.

You can find more information on the internship requirements on the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.

Step Two:

Next, complete the required 3000 hours of mental health counseling experience including 100 hours of direct supervision. This process should not take less than two years and no more than four. The supervisor must also be Board approved.

You can find more information regarding supervision requirements for Hawaii counseling certification or licensure at the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs webpage.

Step Three:

At this point, you can download the Hawaii Counseling Licensure application and submit it to the Hawaii Licensing Board. Once your application is evaluated and approved, you should then be eligible to take the National Counselor Examination for Licensure.

You can download the application on the following Hawaii DCCA webpage. You can also find more information about Hawaii counseling licensure examination such as dates, locations and contents at the following NBCC webpage.

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