Become a Counselor in North Carolina

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in North Carolina. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the North Carolina counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors at (919)-661-0820 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

To earn your North Carolina counseling certification, you should eventually earn your master’s degree. This can seem like a heavy investment to some, but for many people, education is an investment that pays itself back in spades. You can start your journey towards earning a master’s degree by enrolling in an Associate’s degree program or Bachelor’s degree program.

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 should start looking for schools that offer master’s or doctoral degree programs in counseling. Get in touch with schools offering counseling programs in North Carolina and request information about degree programs that can help you acquire the necessary educational qualification.

Step One:

Once you have earned your degree, you can submit the North Carolina counseling license application to the North Carolina Board of Licensed Professional Counselors along with supporting documents and fees.

You may download the appropriate application from the following North Carolina Board’s webpage.

Step Two:

From the time you submit your application, you have two years to complete the remainder of the requirements. The next requirement is two years of post-masters, supervised counseling experience equaling 2000 hours. The supervisor needs to be Board approved by submitting a Verification of Arrangements form.

More details about the work experience and qualifying supervisors can be found on the following North Carolina Board’s webpage.

Step Three:

The Board should review your application and supporting documents to determine if you are eligible to take the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors. If you are approved, you should then receive an exam registration form and instructions.

Information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.

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