Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

• Education

  Requirements - Effective August 1, 2012

  Applies to:

  • Applicants for licensure or registration who began graduate study on or after August 1, 2012; OR
  • Applicants who began graduate study before August 1, 2012, and did not complete that study on or before December 31, 2018

  Refer to Business and Professions Code §4999.33 for details.

  Also see In-State Degree Program Certification Form B

  Requirements - No Longer Effective August 1, 2012

  Applies to:

  • Applicants who began graduate study before August 1, 2012 and completed before December 31, 2018.

  Refer to Business and Professions Code §4999.32 for details.

  Also see In-State Degree Program Certification Form A

• Register as an APCC

  Applicants cannot accrue supervised experience, without registering with the Board

  • Apply (In-State Degree)
  • Apply (Out-of-State Degree)
  • Subsequent Intern Registration (For existing registrants, after the 5th renewal)
• Live Scan
  • Live Scan available only in California
  • Results submitted to DOJ and FBI electronically
  • Live Scan Request Form and Instructions
  • Additional information
• Pass Criminal Background Check
  • Applicants are required to report all misdemeanor and felony convictions with a few minor exceptions
  • Applicants must disclose convictions, even if previously reported to the Board
  • Failure to report is considered falsification of an application, and is grounds for denial
  • Evaluation of the applicant’s criminal history is part of the application process
  • Additional information
• Take and Pass the California Law & Ethics Exam

  Exam must be TAKEN annually to renew Intern Registration; PASSED to receive or renew a Subsequent Intern Registration

  • Request Initial Examination
  • Law & Ethics Examination Candidate Handbook
  • Request Re-Exam
  • Schedule Exam with PSI
• Accrue Supervised Experience
  • All hours in California must be gained while registered
  • 3,000 total supervised hours, over 104 weeks (minimum)
  • Hours must be submitted with the Application for Licensure and Examination
  • LPCC In-State Experience Verification, Option 1
  • LPCC In-State Experience Verification, Option 2
  • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 1
  • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 2
  • APCC Weekly Summary of Experience Hours, Option 1
  • APCC Weekly Summary of Experience Hours, Option 2
  • See also:
  • Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions Relating to APCCs
  • APCC Guide to Supervision
• Apply for Licensure and Examination
  • Application for Licensure and Examination (In-State)
  • Application for Licensure and Examination (Out-of-State)
• Take and Pass the Clinical Exam (NCMHCE)

  Applicants must complete all the above requirements, before exam eligibility will be relayed to NBCC.

  • NCMHCE Candidate Handbook
  • Schedule Exam with NBCC (Requires BBS Approval)
• Obtain official LPCC license

  Applicants must request license after passing the NCMHCE

  • Request Initial License
• LPCC Assessment and Treatment of Couples and Families

  LPCCs must meet specific qualifications, in order to assess and treat couples and families

  • FAQs - LPCC Treatment of Couples and Families
  • Couples and Families (Qualifying Coursework)
  • Request for Confirmation to Assess and Treat Couples and Families

• Master's Degree Earned Out-of-State (OOS)
  • Must meet requirements stipulated in California Business and Professions Code §4999.62 and 4999.63
    • Minimum 48 semester/72 quarter units (hours) to qualify
    • Must complete 60 semester/90 quarter units total prior to approval of licensing application
  • California Law and Ethics Course Requirement
    • If Completed a 3 semester or 4.5 quarter Unit course within OOS degree program (an 18-hour California Law and Ethics course is required prior to issuance of registration)
    • If no Law & Ethics Course is completed, then a 3 semester or 4.5 quarter unit California Law & Ethics course is required prior to issuance of registration)
  • Practicum Requirement
    • 6 semester/9 quarter units of practicum, within degree program
    • 280 hours of face-to-face counseling (Refer to Guide for additional information)
    • Licensed out-of-state for more than 2 years

      Unit and Hour Requirements Waived

    • Licensed out-of-state for less than 2 years

      Units waived, must remediate 280 hours of face-to-face counseling while an APCC

    • Unlicensed

      Degree program must meet unit and hour requirement or will not qualify

• Additional Coursework

  The following courses may be taken from a regionally accredited school, a school approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), an approved continuing education (CE) provider, or a governmental entity. Coursework does not ever "expire," and may be gained at the undergraduate level.
  For specific content required of each course, see California Business and Professions Code §4999.62 and 4999.63.

  Course	Content Hours
  Child Abuse Assessment and Reporting	7 hours*
  Human Sexuality	10 hours
  Spousal/Partner Abuse Assessment, Detection and Intervention	15 hours
  Aging and Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse Assessment and Reporting	10 hours
  Mental Health Recovery Oriented Care and Methods of Service Delivery	3 semester units / 4.5 quarter units / 45 hours
  California Cultures, and the Social and Psychological Implications of Socioeconomic Position	15 hours

  (*) Course must be based on California law

  Refer to Guide for additional information.

• Master's Degree Earned Out-of-Country
  • An out-of-country degree must be evaluated to determine equivalency to a qualifying degree in California. The evaluation service must be a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
• Supervised Experience Gained Out-of-State
  • Application for Licensure and Examination
    • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 1; or
    • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 2
  • Verification of Supervisor's Out-of-State License
  • Refer to Guide for additional information
• Licensed Out-of-State
  • Application for Licensure and Examination – Must Include:
  • Verification of Out-of-State License
  • Refer to Guide for additional information
• LPCC Assessment and Treatment of Couples and Families

  LPCCs must meet specific qualifications, in order to assess and treat couples and families

  • FAQs - LPCC Treatment of Couples and Families
  • Couples and Families (Qualifying Coursework)
  • Request for Confirmation to Assess and Treat Couples and Families

• 6-year Life Span
  • Registrations issued by the Board are valid for a 6-year period (five renewals)
  • Registrants who have not attained licensure with the 6-year life span, must apply for a subsequent registration number, to continue the path toward licensure
  • Many registrants apply for a second (or third, etc.) registration number to gain additional supervised work experience or for employment purposes
• Private Practice Settings
  • Registrants cannot work in a private practice setting with a subsequent registration number.
• Examination Requirements
  • Applicants must PASS the California Law and Ethics Exam before a subsequent registration can be issued.
• APCC Subsequent Registration Application

The list below identifies California schools with LPCC Programs which have been evaluated by the Board. These programs meet the LPCC licensure requirements, pursuant to California Business and Professions Code (BPC) §4999.33, for students who began graduate studies on or after August 1, 2012. The Board does not publish a list of schools with LPCC programs, which are based outside of California, online or otherwise.

Since Schools occasionally change program curriculum and course descriptions, the list below may not reflect these changes. Please contact the school directly to ensure that the degree program meets the educational requirements for licensure. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the applicant to comply with all requirements for registration and licensure.

• California State Universities (CSU)
  • California State University, Bakersfield
    • M.S. in Counseling Psychology
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills
    • M.A. in Clinical Psychology
  • California State University, East Bay
    • M.S. in Counseling: School Counseling
    • M.S. in Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
  • California State University, Fresno
    • M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Clinical Mental Health Counseling
    • M.S. in Counseling with an Option in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • California State University, Fullerton
    • M.S. in Clinical Psychology
    • M.S. in Counseling
  • California State University, Long Beach
    • M.S. in Counseling with an Option in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • California State University, Los Angeles
    • M.S. in Counseling: with an Option in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • California State University, Northridge
    • M.S. in Counseling
  • California State University, Sacramento
    • M.S. in Counseling: School Psychology and Counselor Education
    • M.S. in Counselor Education: Marriage and Family Therapy
  • California State University, San Bernardino
    • M.S. in Counseling and Guidance
  • San Diego State University
    • M.A. in Child and Family Development
    • M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
  • San Francisco State University
    • M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health
    • M.S. in Clinical Psychology
    • M.S. in Counseling
    • M.S. in Counseling, Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Concentration
  • San José State University
    • M.A. in Education/Counseling and Student Personnel
  • California State University, Stanislaus
    • M.A. in Education: Counselor Education
  • Sonoma State University
    • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Marriage & Family Therapy & Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling
• Alliant International University
  • Alliant International University, Fresno
    • M.A. in Clinical Counseling
  • Alliant International University, San Francisco
    • M.A. in Clinical Counseling
• Antioch University
  • Antioch University Los Angeles
    • M.A. in Clinical Psychology
  • Antioch University Santa Barbara
    • M.A. in Clinical Psychology
• Argosy University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Azusa Pacific University
  • M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • M.A. in Education: Educational and Clinical Counseling with Embedded School Counseling Credential
• Bastyr University (CA)
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Bethel Seminary, San Diego
  • M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
• Brandman University
  • M.A. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling
• California Baptist University
  • M.S. in Counseling Psychology
• California Institute of Integral Studies
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Community Mental Health
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Drama Therapy
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Integral Counseling Psychology
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Somatic Psychology
• California Lutheran University
  • M.S. in Counseling Psychology
• California Southern University
  • M.A. in Psychology with an Emphasis in MFT and LPCC
• Cambridge College
  • M.E. in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Chapman University
  • M.A. in Counseling, Emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • M.A. in Forensic Psychology: Professional Counselor Licensure Track
• Concordia University
  • Master of Arts in Counseling
• Dominican University of California
  • M.S. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling
• Eisner Institute for Professional Studies
  • M.A. in Psychology
• Fuller Theological Seminary
  • Fuller Theological Seminary
    • M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
  • Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena Campus)
    • M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy
• Golden Gate University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Holy Names University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Hope International University
  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • M.S. in Counseling Psychology
• John F. Kennedy University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Specialization in Professional Clinical Counseling
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology Expressive Arts/Depth Psychotherapy
• La Sierra University
  • M.A. in Counseling
• Loma Linda University
  • M.S. in Counseling
• Loyola Marymount University
  • M.A. in Counseling
• Meridian University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Psychology
  • Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
• Mount St. Mary's University
  • M.S. in Counseling Psychology
• National University
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
• Notre Dame De Namur University
  • M.A. in Art Therapy
  • M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
• Pacific Oaks College
  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Pacifica Graduate Institute
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Palo Alto University
  • M.A. in Counseling
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Pepperdine University
  • M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy with Latinas/os
  • M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Phillips Graduate Institute
  • M.A. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Point Loma Nazarene University
  • M.A. in Clinical Counseling
• Ryokan University
  • M.A. in Professional Clinical Counseling
• Saint Mary's College
  • M.A. in Counseling
  • MFT and LPCC
  • College Student Services and Professional Clinical Counseling
• Santa Clara University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Saybrook University
  • M.A. in Counseling
• Simpson University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Sofia University
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology
• Touro University Worldwide
  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
• University of La Verne
  • M.S. in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy
• University of Phoenix
  • M.S. in Counseling/Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy
• University of Redlands
  • M.A. in Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Specialization
• University of San Diego
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
• University of San Francisco
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
• University of Southern California
  • Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Vanguard University of Southern California
  • M.S. in Clinical Psychology
• Western Institute for Social Research
  • M.S. in Psychology
• Western Seminary, Sacramento, San Jose
  • M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
• The Wright Institute
  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Forms

  Military Expedite

  • Military Veteran Expedite Request
  • Military Spouse/Domestic Partner Expedite Request

  Associate Registration Applications

  • APCC Registration Application IN-STATE
  • APCC Registration Application OUT-OF-STATE
  • APCC Subsequent Registration Application

  Supervision Forms

  • APCC Weekly Summary of Experience Hours, Option 1
  • APCC Weekly Summary of Experience Hours, Option 2
  • LPCC In-State Experience Verification, Option 1
  • LPCC In-State Experience Verification, Option 2
  • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 1
  • LPCC Out-of-State Experience Verification, Option 2
  • Supervisory Plan (In-State Hours Only)
  • LPCC Supervisor Responsibility Statement (In-State Hours Only)
  • Sample Letter of Agreement – Volunteer Supervision (In-State Hours Only)
  • Sample Verification of Employment as a Volunteer (In-State Hours Only)

  Licensure and Examination Applications

  • Application for Licensure and Examination (IN-STATE)
  • Application for Licensure and Examination (OUT-OF-STATE)
    • Verification of Out-of-State License

  Exam Requests and Info

  • Application for INITIAL Law and Ethics Exam (First-time Applicants ONLY)
  • Application for Re-Examination (Law and Ethics Exam Only)
  • Schedule Law and Ethics Exam with PSI
  • Schedule NCMHCE with NBCC (Requires BBS Approval)

  Initial License Request

  • Request for Initial License Issuance

  Assessment and Treatment of Couples and Families

  • FAQs - LPCC Treatment of Couples and Families
  • Couples and Families (Qualifying Coursework)
  • Request for Confirmation to Assess and Treat Couples and Families
• Publications

  Supervision

  • Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions Relating to APCCs
  • APCC Guide to Supervision

  Exams

  • Law and Ethics Examination FAQs
  • Law and Ethics Examination Candidate Handbook
  • NCMHCE Candidate Handbook