Certifications

This page contains information about the four national certifications offered by NBCC. Because National Certification and State Licensure are often confused, please read the following explanation before you proceed to the applications.

National Certification vs State Licensure

What is National Certification?
National counselor certification from NBCC proves to the public and employers that the counselor has met the national standards set by the counseling profession. It is not a license to practice. In some states, holding a national certification can assist the counselor in obtaining a state license. National certification travels with you where ever you may go including outside the US. The basic national certification offered by NBCC is the NCC (National Certified Counselor). NBCC is the largest national counselor certification program in the world. Please see below for more information on the NCC and NBCC specialty certifications.
What is a State License?
A state license in counseling is literally permission from a particular state to practice counseling or to call yourself a licensed counselor. Some states have a single license and some have a two-tiered system. The names of state licenses vary from state to state. They include: LPC, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, LPCMH, LCMHC, LPC-MH. Please note that they all begin with the L for "Licensure." If you are interested in state licensure, click here.
 
Benefits of Becoming an NCC
 
National certification can be a continuing source of career enhancement and pride for you as a counseling professional.
 
What the NCC Credential Does for You
  • Generates client referrals for you through CounselorFind, NBCC's referral service linking potential clients to nearby NCCs.
  • Travels with you when relocate in or outside the US
  • Keeps you in touch with current professional credentialling issues and events through The National Certified Counselor, NBCC's newsletter.
  • Advances your professional accountability and visibility
  • Ensures a national standard developed by counselors, not legislators.
  • Supports the rights of NCCs to use testing instruments in practice through NBCC's participation in the National Fair Access Coalition on Testing (FACT)
  • Offers, through Lockton Affinity, liability insurance to NCCs at bargain rates.
  • Allows online access to verification of national certification through the NBCC Registry.