IMHCA Header Logo

To Become A Licensed Professional Counselor

  1. Apply through the IDFPR (link)
  2. If you have not taken the NCE, you will indicate this in your application as it is required
  3. You will then be approved to sit for the exam
  4. Once approved, you will schedule your exam through the NBCC (link)
  5. Once you pass the exam, your scores will be sent directly to the IDFPR
  6. If you fail, you can take the exam up to 3 times in 2 years (rules link)


To Become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

  1. Apply through the IDFPR (link)
  2. If you need take the NCE and/or the NCMHCE, you will indicate this in your application
  3. You will also need to complete the VE-LCPC form highlighting your supervision experience
  4. You will then be approved to sit for the necessary exam(s)
  5. Once approved, you will schedule your exam through the NBCC (link)
  6. Once you pass, your scores will be sent directly to the IDFPR
  7. If you fail, you can take the exam up to 3 times in 2 years


Types of Application Methods

  1. Examination (Pre-Exam Approval)
    1. For individuals who want or need IDFPR approval to sit for the required counseling exams (NCE or NCMHCE)
  2. Acceptance of Examination
    1. For individuals who are not currently licensed but have completed the required counseling exams (NCE/NCMHCE)
  3. Endorsement 
    1. For individuals who are actively licensed as an LPC or LCPC (or equivalent license) in another state
    2. Some states don't require you to take the NCE or NCMHCE for licensure. If you have not taken either of these exams, you must take and pass them. For LPC, the NCE and for LCPC, the NCMHCE.
  4. Restoration
    1. For individuals who want to restore a license that has been inactive or not reenewed for 5 years or more (restoration form link)


Application Timelines

  • To receive approval to take the counselor exam(s)
    • Approximately 8 weeks (to be approved to sit by the IDFPR)
  • For Registrations to process with NBCC once your fee clears
    • Approximately 4 weeks (exam registration is valid for six months)
  • For Scores to be sent to the IDFPR
    • Approximately 4 weeks after the last day of the testing week
  • To receive license after passing exam(s)/Total Timeline
    • 16 weeks (4 months)