1. + STATE LICENSURE What is it? How can I get it?

2. + What is a state license? Permission from a particular state to practice counseling

3. + What will my credential look like? Depending on the particular state, the name of your state license may look like: LPC, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, LPCMH, LCMHC, LPC-MH

4. + Do I need to take an exam? Yes; you will need to take the NCE and/or NCMHCE in order to get licensed State licensure boards contract with NBCC to use one or both of those exams

5. + Are there any other requirements? Yes but the exact requirements vary from state to state. You will need some combination of counseling experience and supervision in addition to a Master’s degree and a passing score on the NCE and/or NCMHCE.

6. + Requirements to obtain state licensure in Vermont 60 credits of graduate level work in MH counseling Master’s in MH counseling 1000 hours of supervised internship experience Pass the NCE and NCMHCE

7. + And then I’m licensed in Vermont? Not quite. You also need 3000 hours of supervision after you graduate (2000 of those hours must be direct service hours obtained over a period of no less than two years).

8. + How do I legally practice counseling between the time I graduate, and the time when I finish my 3000 hours of post-graduate supervision? In order to practice counseling after graduate but before you meet the post-graduate supervision requirement for licensure you need to apply to be on what’s called “the roster” The “roster” is The Roster for Non-licensed Noncertified Psychotherapists *IMPORTANT- No supervised practice may occur within the state of Vermont until the prospective licensee has been entered on the roster of nonlicensed and noncertified psychotherapists (see Rule 3.18 (d) of the counseling bylaws)

9. + How do I get in the roster of non-certified non- licensed psychotherapists? Remember that the application for “the roster” and the application for licensure are separate processes. Information about the roster can also be found on the Counseling Website at the following address: https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional- regulation/professions/allied-mental-health/frequently-asked- questions/nonlicensed-noncertified-psychotherapists.

10. + When do I apply for state licensure? As soon as graduation requirements have been met…and BEFORE post-graduate supervision It’s a good idea to apply for licensure as soon as you graduate

11. + How do I begin the application process? Go the the website of the State licensure board which is: https://www.sec.state.vt.us/media/323240/Mental- Health-Counselor-Application-2013-0524.pdf

12. + Download the application and then… Complete page 1,2,3, and 4 of the application Attach syllabi and verification of 1000 internship hours to the application Submit the application with $125.00 to the Counseling Board Request that official transcripts be sent to the Counseling Board

13. + When do I take the exams? You can take the NCE before you graduate (see information on NCE on our website) and the NCMHCE once the Board approves your education credentials. For more information go to: http://www.nbcc.org/Exam/StateLicensureExamRegistration

14. + FAQ’s about Licensure The Counseling Board website contains a helpful list of FAQs with answers. https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional-regulation/frequently-asked-questions