LPCC - Out of State Applicants

Differences Between the Paths

Individuals who have any experience gained in another state (whether licensed in another state or not) may choose from the following licensure paths:

  1. Grandparenting Path for Non-BBS-licensed individuals "grandparented" license; or,
  2. Traditional Path (Individuals with out-of-state experience must meet specific requirements. Please refer to the information below).

The key distinctions between the "grandparenting" and traditional paths for out-of-state applicants are as follows:

EDUCATION
The "grandparenting" and traditional paths have different minimum degree requirements. The "grandparenting" education requirements do not differentiate between in-state and out-of-state degrees, whereas the traditional path includes variations in the education requirements depending on whether the degree was obtained in-state or out-of-state. Additionally, the law provides some flexibility for applicants to make up educational deficiencies. This flexibility varies for each path.

  • Practicum
  • "Grandparenting" Path:
  • Applicants with degrees issued prior to 1996 must have at least 3 semester or 4 and ½ quarter units of supervised practicum or field study.
  • Applicants with degrees issued in 1996 or after have the same practicum requirement as Traditional Path applicants.
  • Traditional Path:
  • In-State Education: Regardless of when the qualifying degree was issued, applicants must have 6 semester or 9 quarter units of supervised practicum or field study.
  • Out-of-State: Same as in-state (see above).
  • Degree Units
  • "Grandparenting" Path:
  • Degrees issued prior to 1996 must include a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter units and complete no less than 48 semester or 72 quarter units total.
  • Applicants with degrees issued in 1996 or after have the same practicum requirement as Traditional Path applicants.
  • Traditional Path:
  • In-State Education: Regardless of the degree issue date, degrees must include a minimum of 48 semester or 72 quarter units.
  • Out-of-State Education: If the degree is not substantially equivalent to the in-state requirements, then the applicant may remediate degree units outside of the degree program.
  • Core Contents
  • "Grandparenting" Path:
  • Degrees issued prior to 1996: Must include at least 6 or the 9 core content areas. The three deficient core content areas may be remediated outside of the qualifying degree program.
  • Degrees issued in 1996 or after: Must include at least 7 of the 9 core content areas. The two deficient core content areas may be remediated outside of the qualifying degree program.
  • Traditional Path:
  • In-State Education: Regardless of the degree issue date, degrees must include at least 7 of the 9 core content areas. The two deficient core content areas may be remediated outside of the qualifying degree program.
  • Out-of-State Education: Regardless of the degree issue date, degrees may be deficient in any number of the required core content areas. Any number of deficient core content areas may be remediated outside of the qualifying degree program.

EXAMINATIONS
All licensure paths require examinations.

  • "Grandparenting" Non-BBS-Licensed Applicants must pass the following examinations:
  • Either the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination;
  • National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination; and,
  • California Law and Ethics Examination.
  • Traditional Path Applicants must pass the following examinations:
  • California Law and Ethics Examination
  • National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination.

EXAMINATION TIME FRAMES:
Individuals applying under the traditional path do not face a strict deadline for successfully completing the examinations. Such applicants must attempt the examination at least once per year until all required examinations have been passed. Unlike the "grandparent" path, where passage of examinations within one year of receiving a deficiency notice from the Board is required in order to complete the application).

There are other differences between the "grandparent" and "out-of-state" paths, specifically in educational and experience requirements. Please review all qualifications carefully before deciding on the path that is right for you. The LPCC Licensure Pathway Overview may assist with this as well.

OUT-OF-COUNTRY DEGREES

If you have an out-of-country degree, you must have your education evaluated to determine equivalency to a qualifying master's or doctor's degree in California. The evaluation service must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

If you still have questions after reviewing the information on this website, please contact the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION FOR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELORS.

(Sources: Business and Professions Code Sections 4999.54, 4999.57, 4999.58 and 4999.59; California Code of Regulations (Title 16, Section 1806)

Application Paths for Out-of-State Individuals

Please click on one of the following links in order to access the Licensure Applications: