1. An applicant for PC licensure must satisfy the following criteria:
2. An applicant for PCC licensure must satisfy the following criteria:
3. How do I know if my degree will be accepted in Ohio?
4. What examination is required?
5. How do I request the examination materials?
6. Where are the examination locations?
7. How long can I remain a counselor trainee?
8. What if I am licensed in another state?
9. What are the changes in the examinations for counselor?

1. An applicant for PC licensure must satisfy the following criteria:

Has earned a masters degree in Counseling from an accredited institution of higher education, which includes a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate coursework with 20 semester or 30 quarter hours in the clinical content areas. As part of the education requirements, an applicant must document a 100 hour practicum with 40 hours direct service. They must also have a 600 hour internship with 240 hours of direct service. Practicum must be documented on the Practicum Report Form and the Internship must be reported on the Supervisor Evaluation Rating Form. Site supervisors for any practicum or internship must hold the supervising counselor designation with the Ohio Board. All experience received out of the state of Ohio must be provided by a supervisor with a MA in Counseling. Passes an examination as adopted by the Ohio Board, currently the NBCC NCE Examination. Have an official college transcript, showing conferred degree(s), sent directly to the Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Student copies are not acceptable.
Submit a complete application.

2. An applicant for PCC licensure must satisfy the following criteria:

An applicant for PCC licensure must satisfy the following criteria: Has earned a masters degree in Counseling from an accredited institution of higher education, which includes a minimum of 60 semester hours of graduate coursework with 20 semester or 30 quarter hours in the clinical content areas. Must complete 3000 hours of post PC experience (2 years) under the supervision of a PCC who holds the supervising counselor with the Board. This supervision must include the diagnosis and treatment of mental & emotional disorders at least 50% of the PCs time. At the end of the experience you and your supervisor will need to report the hours on the evaluation and verification form. Must have one Clinical Field Evaluation Form completed by the supervisor who best knows your clinical skills. Previously have passed the - Professional Counselor Licensure Exam - PCLE. Effective February 1, 2006 pass the NBCC NCMHCE Examination. Submit a complete application.

3. How do I know if my degree will be accepted in Ohio?

You may submit a copy of your transcript, showing degree(s) conferred, and ask that it be reviewed. If you graduated from a college or university that has CACREP (Council on Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs) or CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education) accreditation and meets the Board's current standards, your degree is acceptable. If not, the transcript and a course catalog must be reviewed by the Board to determine if it is an acceptable counseling degree.

4. What examination is required?

The Board has contracted with the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to administer the NNCE and NCMHCE. The Board does not endorse any examination preparation courses. However, there are several companies who have indicated that they have materials. Please call the board office (614) 466-0912 for current companies offering these materials.

5. How do I request the examination materials?

A written request should be submitted to the Board office along with a photocopy of your transcript showing your degree conferred. If you are enrolled in your final coursework, you may request an examination packet to be mailed by having a letter forwarded to the board from your school stating you are enrolled in your final coursework. Once you have been approved to take the examination an eligibility letter will be mailed to you which will expire six months from the date it was issued.

6. Where are the examination locations?

Tests are offered the 1st week of every month in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus.

7. How long can I remain a counselor trainee?

The title counselor trainee may only be used by individuals enrolled in a practicum or internship or seeking licensure under rule 4757-13-04.

8. What if I am licensed in another state?

The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board has no reciprocal agreements with any other state board. If you are licensed in another state and wish to become licensed in Ohio, you must satisfy all of the requirements for Ohio.
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