Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Missouri. 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 Missouri counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors at (573)-751-0018 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
Missouri counseling licensure requires candidates to possess at least a master’s level of education. Completing such a program may seem a long way off, but you can make a positive impact on being able to finish your master’s degree by first completing an associate or bachelor’s degree program.
Right now, you might be wondering how you can begin working toward completing a college degree program (and if you’re not, maybe you should consider it!) 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 your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for a school that offers a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Contact schools offering counseling programs in Missouri to learn more about how to acquire the mandatory educational qualifications.
Step One:
Earn 3000 hours of supervised counseling experience with a qualified supervisor. 1200 of those hours should be in direct client contact. A post-graduate supervision packet approved by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors should be completed before beginning.
You can find more details about the hourly requirements and qualifying supervisors on the following Missouri State website.
Step Two:
The state of Missouri requires a passing score on the National Counselor Examination which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. This exam can be taken any time after your masters degree has been earned by submitting an exam application.
Download the exam registration form here. More information about the National Counselor Examination is available on the NBCC website.
Step Three:
Now, you can download the Missouri counseling license application packet and submit the application to the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors.
The applicant is responsible for making sure the Committee receives the examination scores, supporting documents and necessary fees. You may download the Missouri counseling licensure application here.