Do you aspire to become a counselor? Whether you dream of working as a career counselor, substance abuse counselor, family counselor, or any other specialization within the field, the fact remains that you will need to be licensed.
So, what does it take to become licensed and a counselor, how can you prepare for your licensing exam, and how can you keep your license current as your career progresses? We're getting into all of this and more below.
The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to getting licensed as a counselor is that each state sets its own specific requirements for doing so. With this in mind, you'll need to research and follow the specific requirements for the state in which you live and intend to work.
The specific exam that you'll need to pass to become licensed as a counselor may also vary depending on your state's requirements. In general, most states accept one of the two following examinations for licensure, which include:
Again, the specific requirements for counseling licensure can vary by state, so it's imperative that you do your own research. However, most states require that counselors have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field (although some states may require a master's degree), as well as a certain amount of internship or practicum experience in the field.
From there, those applying for licensure must have proof that they have passed the exam required by their state (either the NCE or the NCMHCE). Some states may also require that applicants submit to a background check, provide fingerprints, or submit copies of college transcripts.
Now that you have a better understanding of counseling licensure requirements, you may be wondering how you can increase your own chances of passing the NCE exam or the NCMHCE exam. Here are a few active learning strategies that could help you succeed.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about passing your licensure exam is to start studying sooner rather than later. You can register for your exam date months in advance, so use this time to create a structured study plan that you'll realistically be able to follow. Waiting until the last minute to "cram" before the exam can lead to increased stress and, in many cases, reduced performance.
Depending on how much time you have to study for your exam, it's a good idea to set some concrete goals for yourself and track your progress as you work toward them. For example, you might choose one of the NCE's core content areas to focus on each week in the two months leading up to your exam. Specifically, the core content areas covered in the NCE include:
If you have other responsibilities on your plate, time management for exam preparation will also be key to your success. This will mean being very deliberate about the time you set aside for studying around other obligations in your schedule. Many people preparing for their counseling examinations find it helpful to actually write their study time into their weekly planner or schedule, treating it as any other important task or appointment,
Whether you'll be taking the NCE or the NCMHCE, there are some tried-and-true study strategies you can keep in mind as you craft your own study plan.
Take advantage of practice tests to see where you stand and get a better feel for which areas you may need to focus on most in your study sessions. Ideally, practice tests should mimic the format and content of the real test as much as possible. For the NCE, for example, this means your practice exam should consist of 200 multiple-choice questions.
Active learning strategies can be especially useful in improving recall and retention, especially when studying for a larger exam. Some specific active learning techniques to work into your study sessions may include:
Studying for a huge exam on your own can feel isolating. Consider forming a study group with peers from your degree program as a means of making the process more enjoyable and increasing your own accountability. You can even share study guides and other materials as a means of collaborative learning.
Looking for more help as you prepare to take your counseling exam? Here are some resources to consider.
There are many study guides, practice exams, and similar resources specifically written for students preparing to take the NCE or NCMHCE. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) has published its own list of examination study guides and other materials directly on its website.
It may also be possible to enroll in dedicated online courses or one-time workshops that can help you prepare for counseling licensure exams. Often, these courses and workshops will meet on set dates and times, providing students with insights and strategies to help with test-taking.
You might also consider some mobile apps and other digital tools to help you study for the NCE or NCMHCE. For instance, a digital notecard app can be a great way to memorize different counseling terminology on-the-go without the need to carry physical index cards with you.
Looking for some practical advice from graduates who have taken the NCE and NCMHCE tests for themselves? Here are some tips from newly licensed counselors from a Reddit thread on the topic of "What's something you wish you knew before taking the NCE exam?"
Some study tips offered in this Reddit thread include:
When it comes to overcoming anxiety around licensing exams and maintaining confidence, previous test-takers shared the following advice:
Ready to register for your NCE or NCMHCE test? There are a few things to keep in mind.
Remember that not just anybody can register to take the NCE or NCMHCE. You will need to first create an account on the NBCC website and meet all requirements for registration before scheduling your exam either online or over the phone.
Once you have passed your NCE or NCMHCE exam, the next step is to apply for your counseling license through your state.
While all states have their own unique requirements for licensure application, all will require you to submit a list of documents along with your formal application. Some examples of official documents that you may need to send along include:
Even after you're licensed, your state will require you to renew your license every so often. Most states require continuing education for counselors as a stipulation for renewal, so be sure to research your state's specific continuing education requirements. Professional development for counselors can help you stay up to date on industry trends and innovations while providing your clients with the best possible care.
Working as a counselor can be an extremely rewarding profession, especially if you're the type of person who enjoys helping others and making a difference. Now that you have a better understanding of the counseling licensure requirements, you'll need to meet to start working in the field, you can move forward with confidence.
Still looking for the right counseling degree program to meet your needs? Indiana Wesleyan University 's Division of Counseling offers a number of programs at the undergraduate and graduate level to help you prepare for a future in this dynamic field. Get in touch to request more information today, or get the ball rolling with your online application for admission.
