Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Pennsylvania. Most requirements such as earning your Master’s degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Pennsylvania counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Pennsylvania State Board of Professional Counselors at (717)-783-1389 to make sure you are on the right track.
I’m a High School Graduate
As a high school graduate, you are in great position to expedite your journey toward earning a Pennsylvania counseling certification. If you’re serious about counseling, you should take your momentum and push yourself into advancing your level of education.
The next step is to learn how you can enroll in an Associate’s degree program or Bachelor’s degree program.
Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs in psychology or counseling.
Once you have enrolled in a program, take advantage of your school’s career services department and learn how you can find employment or volunteer opportunities that are related to the counseling career path.
Already Received Bachelor’s Degree
Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking for schools offering a master’s or doctoral degree program in counseling. Get in touch with Counseling Schools in Pennsylvania to know more about acquiring the necessary educational qualifications.
Step One:
Complete 3 years or 3600 hours of supervised experience. More details about the hourly requirements and qualifying supervisors can be found on the Pennsylvania Code website.
Step Two:
Now, you can complete the Pennsylvania counseling license application and submit the application along with all the necessary supporting documents and required fees to the Pennsylvania State Board.
The application is available on the following Pennsylvania Board’s website.
Step Three:
The Pennsylvania Board is responsible for reviewing your application and notifying you if you are approved and eligible to sit for the licensure examination.
Registration information for the National Counselor Examination is available on the Pennsylvania Board’s website. Information about the exam can be found on the NBCC website.