Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Ohio. 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 Ohio counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Ohio Counseling Board at (614)-466-6462 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
As an Ohio high school graduate looking into Ohio counseling certification requirements, you should be commended for your efforts to stay ahead of the curve. Stay motivated! To become eligible for Ohio counseling certification, you should hold a master’s degree in counseling, and that is a goal that can require a lot of hard work to complete. Start off with learning how you can enroll in an Associate’s degree program or Bachelor’s degree program in psychology, counseling, or a related subject.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.
Once you have enrolled in an accredited 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.
I’ve already received my Bachelor’s degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can look for schools offering a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Ohio.
Step One:
After completing the required coursework and practicum or internship, provide a written request to the Ohio Board in order to take the National Counselor Examination developed by the National Board of Certified Counselors. When the Board approves your request, you should be able to take the exam.
Information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.
Step Two:
Once you have passed the exam, you can download the Ohio counseling license application for professional counselors and submit the application to the Ohio Board including all supporting documents and fees. The Board is responsible for reviewing your application and notifying you of your licensure.
You may download the application from the following Ohio Board’s webpage.
Step Three:
As a licensed professional counselor, you can continue on to earn your professional clinical counselor license by submitting a letter to the Ohio Board of your intentions. You can also apply to be a Clinical Resident (CR) by downloading the application and submitting it to the Ohio Board.
The application is available here.
Step Four:
Complete 3000 hours of supervised work experience. You are limited to clocking no more than 1500 hours per year.
More details about hourly requirements and qualifying supervisors can be found in the Laws and Rules section of the Ohio Board’s website.
Step Five:
Submit a written request to the Ohio Board for approval to take the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination.
Information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.
Step Six:
After you have passed the examination, submit the Ohio counseling license application to the Board for the clinical level licensure. With the application, include all supporting documents along with the necessary fees. If your application is approved, you should receive notification of your licensure.
You may download the application off the following Ohio Board’s webpage.