Here’s the process from graduation to obtaining your LPC-Intern license in Texas (this is not to say it won’t change), but as of the beginning of 2015, here is what we know.
Before you complete your Practicum, ask your supervisor to sign the Practicum Documentation form, as you can count your Practicum hours above and beyond the required 300 towards the required hours up to a maximum-so keep copies of all of your logs from all of your practicum classes. The board determines how many of the extra hours will count towards direct and how many towards indirect.
Request official sealed transcript from your university after you graduate. Ask for 2 or 3 for future applications and an extra in case you make a mistake. You have to graduate before you can apply to take the NCE. Your transcripts must say “graduated”.
Apply for the NCE. Aplication is found at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/lpc_forms.shtm. Go to “Texas Registration Forms for the NCE Examination for Licensure and Certification.”
Before you submit your packet to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, you need to apply to take the NCE and pass the exam. Send the application in along with a check for $185, and your official sealed transcript (degree and graduation must be complete). Registration processing time is four weeks from the time your payment is processed. Make a copy of the application and check for yourself in case it gets lost in the mail. We recommend sending the application certified mail so you get a confirmation receipt upon delivery.
You will then receive a letter that you are approved to take the exam with instructions on how to schedule. You must schedule your exam within 6 months of notification.
Study materials for the NCE:
Encyclopedia of Counseling by Howard Rosenthal (also audio version)
NBCC Preparation Guide
You PASSED the NCE!
Take the Jurisprudence Exam for Professional Counselors found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/lpc_jurisprudence.shtm. The exam costs $40. After completion, print 2 to 3 copies of your certificate (just in case).
After you pass the exam and take the Jurisprudence Exam, you need to find an LPC Supervisor and fill out “#F75-10967 Supervisor Agreement Form.” Your supervisor needs to sign this form. Make sure you have a copy of the supervisor’s renewal card.
LPC-Intern application are found at: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/counselor/lpc_forms.shtm. Go to Texas Registration Forms for the NCE Examination for Licensure and Certification and #F75-13346 LPC Application Packet.
Mail the packet (we recommend certified mail), your Jurisprudence Certification of Completion, official sealed transcript, Practicum Documentation form, Supervisor Agreement Form, and the $200 LPC-Intern application fee to:
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
Mail code 1982
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
If you have questions, you may contact NBCC at 336.547.0607 and the LPC Board at 512.834.6658. Be sure to write down the date, time, and name of person to whom you spoke! Also, make copies of everything. Only send originals when asked to do so.
Once you have submitted your application for license, expect about 2 months to get your license number. You check online under license verification, before you actually get the license in the mail.
You can do your LPC Supervision this way: up to 50% group (3 or more interns) and up to 50% using Skype.
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