How to become a Counselor in Maryland

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Maryland. 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 Maryland counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors at (410)-764-4732 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

Maryland counseling licensure requires all candidates to have completed at least a master’s level of education. Hold onto the motivation that’s inspired you to research Maryland counseling certification requirements; it can prove very helpful for earning an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field, which is an important step for earning that master’s degree further down the line.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or 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 earned your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for schools that offer a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from schools offering counseling programs in Maryland.

Step One:

Earn supervised work experience. If you have earned a master’s degree, 3 years or 3000 hours of supervised experience is the usual requirement. If you have earned a doctoral degree, the requirement drops to 2 years or 2000 hours of experience. Some of these hours can be completed while still working towards your graduate degree.

For more details about the supervised work experience, check out the Maryland Department of Health webpage.

Step Two:

Now, you can download the Maryland counseling license application and submit the application along with all supporting documents and fees to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.

You may download the application off the following Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene webpage.

Step Three:

The Board should send you a Licensure Examination Registration form once your application has been evaluated and you have been approved to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Submit the approval letter and fee to the NBCC.

More information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.

Step Four:

After passing the national examination, you can contact the Maryland Board for more information about the State Law Test.

Click here for the Maryland Board’s contact info.

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