How to become a Counselor in Tennessee

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Tennessee. Most of these requirements, such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the Clinical Mental Health Counseling examination, are likely to continue to be mandatory in the Tennessee counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors and Marital and Family Therapists at (615) 532-3202, ext. 25138 to make sure you are on the right track.

I’m a High School Graduate

As a high school graduate researching Tennessee counselor certification requirements, you’re displaying a great amount of discipline and motivation, both of which ought to serve you well in a professional counseling career. But how can you get started on the path to such a career? That’s what you’re here to research, right?

Well, one of the better ways to start is by advancing your level of education. Tennessee counseling certification requires that all candidates possess a master’s degree, either in counseling or in an area associated with your desired counseling field. You can begin by enrolling in a two-year associate’s degree program or instead start off by gunning for a four-year bachelor’s degree program.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering psychology and counseling degree programs!

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

Congratulations, you’re almost there! Tennessee counseling certification requirements state that all professional counselors must possess a minimum of a masters level of education. Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Tennessee to get started.

Make sure the schools you contact provide the appropriate experience requirements for Tennessee counseling licensure. Information regarding supervision requirements can be found on the following Tennessee Board of Professional Counselors Rules document.

Step One:

After receiving your master’s degree, acquire 2 years of supervised work experience that include a minimum of 1000 direct client contact hours. Your supervisor needs to have one of a list of designations indicating their experience and expertise in the field.

You can find more information on the requirements of supervisors and the particulars of supervised experience requirements for Tennessee counseling certification on the following Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors document.

Step Two:

Pass the National Counselor Examination, which is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Register directly with the NBCC in order to take the exam. Contact information and details about the exam can be found here.

Step Three:

Once you have passed the National Counselor Examination, the NBCC should send your scores directly to the Tennessee Board for Professional Counselors and Marital and Family Therapists. Submit an application including all supporting documents, a passport photo, a copy of your birth certificate, 2 letters of recommendation and fees to the Board. Also, have your transcripts sent directly to the Tennessee Board from your educational institutions.

More information about all necessary materials necessary for the Tennessee counseling licensure application can be found on the actual application. You can download the application here. After reviewing your application packet, the Board should notify you of your licensure status.

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