Top 11 Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for counselors in the job market because they demonstrate a counselor’s level of expertise and knowledge. Employers want to know that their counselors have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to provide quality services to their clients. Certifications can also help counselors stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and greater job opportunities. Finally, certifications may be required by certain states or employers in order for a counselor to practice legally.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Counselors and explain how they can help advance a counselor's career.

What are Counselor Certifications?

Counselor certification is a process through which counselors can demonstrate their competency in providing counseling services. It involves passing an examination that tests knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the practice of counseling. The certification process is designed to ensure that counselors are qualified to provide counseling services in a safe and effective manner.

By obtaining counselor certification, counselors can demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence and demonstrate to clients that they have met rigorous standards of practice. Furthermore, many states require counselors to be certified in order to obtain licensure or work in certain professional settings. For example, many organizations such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies require counselors who are employed by them to be certified.

In addition to demonstrating commitment and meeting state requirements, counselor certification also helps counselors stay informed about changes in the field of mental health and current best practices for providing counseling services. Counselors must complete continuing education courses throughout the year in order to maintain their certification status, ensuring that they remain up-to-date on relevant topics such as diversity awareness and evidence-based therapy techniques.

Finally, counselor certification can help build trust with clients by demonstrating that the counselor has taken the time and effort necessary to become professionally certified. Clients may feel more confident knowing that their counselor meets high standards of practice set forth by a recognized national organization.

Pro Tip: When researching counselor certifications, make sure to check the requirements and regulations of the specific state in which you plan to practice. Each state may have different requirements for licensure and certification, so it’s important to be aware of these before beginning the process.

Related: What does a Counselor do?

Top 11 Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Counselors today.

1. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a credential issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is a nationally recognized professional certification that demonstrates a counselor’s commitment to providing quality services and meeting the highest standards of practice. The NCC credential is designed to recognize counselors who have met specific educational, training, and examination requirements.

In order to become an NCC, applicants must meet certain criteria including:

-Holding a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited institution

-Having completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience in counseling within the last 10 years

-Passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)

-Completing continuing education courses related to counseling each year

-Meeting NBCC's ethical standards for counselors

The process of becoming an NCC can take anywhere from one to two years depending on how quickly you complete all of the necessary steps. The first step is to apply for certification with the NBCC which requires submitting documentation such as transcripts, proof of supervised clinical experience, and passing scores on the NCE exam. Once your application is approved by NBCC, you will be granted temporary certification which allows you to use the designation “NCC” when providing services. After two years of practice under this temporary certification, you may then apply for full certification which requires additional documentation such as proof of continuing education credits and payment of an annual fee.

The cost of becoming an NCC varies depending on how quickly you complete all the necessary steps. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 in fees associated with applying for certification and taking the NCE exam. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with completing continuing education courses or obtaining transcripts from your school.

2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who has been trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They provide counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LPCs are licensed by their state or jurisdiction to practice independently and provide psychotherapy services.

It typically takes two years of post-graduate education and supervised clinical experience to become an LPC. Most states require that applicants have a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. In addition, they must complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. After completing the educational requirements, applicants must pass a licensing exam administered by their state board of licensure before they can become an LPC.

The cost for becoming an LPC varies depending on the state where you are applying for licensure. Generally, there is an application fee as well as fees for taking the licensing exam and any required continuing education courses. Additionally, some states may require additional fees for background checks or other administrative costs associated with obtaining licensure.

3. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping people with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to live independently. They provide counseling services to individuals and families as well as career development support. CRCs work with clients to develop plans for achieving their goals and help them access resources and services that will assist them in meeting those goals.

In order to become a CRC, one must complete an accredited master's degree program in rehabilitation counseling or a related field such as psychology or social work. Most states also require applicants to pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). The NCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and costs $195. Once all of these requirements are met, the individual must apply for certification through the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The application fee is $400 and there is an additional annual fee of $150.

The entire process of becoming a CRC can take anywhere from two to three years depending on the individual's educational background, experience level, and other factors.

4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a professional credentialing organization that provides certification and continuing education services to mental health professionals. NBCC was founded in 1982 and is recognized as the premier credentialing organization for counseling professionals.

To become certified through NBCC, an individual must meet certain requirements, including having a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field, completing an approved supervised clinical experience, and passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The process typically takes one to two years to complete.

Individuals interested in becoming certified through NBCC can begin by visiting the NBCC website where they can find information about the certification process, eligibility requirements, application materials, and more. Once all of the required materials have been submitted, applicants must take and pass the NCE exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification from NBCC.

The cost of becoming certified through NBCC varies depending on factors such as whether or not an applicant has already taken the NCE exam and if they are applying for any additional certifications. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 to become certified through NBCC.

5. American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of marriage and family therapy. It is the largest professional association for marriage and family therapists in the United States, with over 50,000 members worldwide. The AAMFT provides education, research, advocacy, and public awareness for marriage and family therapy professionals.

To become an AAMFT member, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass a national examination. Applicants must have earned a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution in marriage and family therapy or a related field such as counseling psychology or social work. They must also complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. After meeting these requirements, applicants can take the national exam administered by the AAMFT to become certified as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).

The cost of becoming an AAMFT member varies depending on the type of membership chosen. The basic annual membership fee is $150, while additional fees may apply for additional services such as continuing education credits or access to online resources. The cost of taking the national exam is $200, plus any applicable taxes or fees.

In total, it typically takes around two years to become an AAMFT member: one year to complete the educational requirements and another year to take the national exam and become certified as an MFT.

6. Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC)

Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) is a professional certification awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is designed to recognize mental health professionals who have met the highest standards of ethical and professional practice in the field of clinical mental health counseling.

To become a CCMHC, an individual must hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field, complete at least three years of full-time clinical experience, and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE). The NCMHCE is administered by the NBCC and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, professional ethics, and legal/regulatory issues.

The cost to take the NCMHCE varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining transcripts or other materials necessary to apply for certification.

Once certified as a CCMHC, individuals must maintain their credentials through continuing education and adherence to NBCC’s Code of Ethics. This typically involves completing 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

7. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is a professional designation that requires specialized training and experience in the field of mental health counseling. LMHCs are licensed by their respective state boards to provide mental health services to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

It typically takes a minimum of two years of graduate study in an accredited program to become an LMHC. This includes coursework in psychology, human development, psychopathology, assessment, diagnosis, counseling theories and techniques, group dynamics, research methods and statistics. In addition to coursework requirements, most states also require LMHCs to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours before they can apply for licensure.

In order to become an LMHC, you must first complete the educational requirements mentioned above. Once you have finished your studies and obtained your degree or certificate from an accredited institution, you must then apply for licensure with your state board. The application process will vary depending on the state board’s requirements but generally involves submitting proof of education and experience as well as passing a written exam.

The cost of becoming an LMHC varies depending on the state board’s requirements and fees associated with the licensing process. Generally speaking though, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 for application fees alone. Additionally there may be costs associated with taking any required exams such as the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

8. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a mental health professional who has completed a graduate degree in social work and has passed the necessary licensing exams. LCSWs provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups to help them cope with personal and social problems. These services may include psychotherapy, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and community education.

In order to become an LCSW, one must first complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) program from an accredited college or university. The MSW program typically takes two years to complete and includes coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling theory and practice, human behavior in the social environment, research methods, and clinical practice. After completing the MSW program, candidates must pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam in order to be licensed as an LCSW.

The cost for becoming an LCSW varies depending on the state in which you are located. Generally speaking, tuition costs for MSW programs range from $15-30K per year; however some states may offer reduced tuition rates for residents. In addition to tuition costs there are also fees associated with taking the ASWB exam which can range from $230-$260 depending on your state’s requirements.

Overall it can take up to four years or more to become an LCSW depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level prior to entering a MSW program.

9. National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

The National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) is a professional membership organization that provides education, resources, and advocacy for addiction professionals. It is the largest association of addiction-focused healthcare professionals in the United States.

NAADAC offers several levels of certification for addiction professionals, including Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and Clinical Supervisor Credential (CSC). To become certified, applicants must meet specific requirements related to their educational background and experience in the field.

To get NAADAC certification, applicants must first complete an application form and pay a fee. The fees vary depending on the type of certification sought. For example, the fee for CAP certification is $250 while the fee for MAC certification is $300. After submitting their application and fee, applicants must complete an exam administered by NAADAC or an approved testing center. The exam typically takes between two and four hours to complete.

Once applicants have passed their exam, they will receive their NAADAC certification within four to six weeks. With this certification, addiction professionals can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality services and gain access to additional resources from NAADAC such as continuing education opportunities and networking events.

10. International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium-Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (IC&RC-AODA)

The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium-Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (IC&RC-AODA) is an international organization that provides certification and reciprocity for professionals in the fields of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. It is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have met high standards of knowledge, experience, education, and training in the field of alcohol and other drug abuse.

The IC&RC-AODA offers three levels of credentialing: Certified Prevention Professional (CPP), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). Each level requires specific educational requirements as well as supervised work experience.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the certification process. The first step is to review the requirements for each level of certification and determine which best fits your qualifications. Once you have determined which level you are eligible for, you must then apply for the certification by submitting an application along with all required documentation including transcripts, references, work history, etc.

Once your application has been approved by IC&RC-AODA, you will be scheduled to take an exam that covers topics related to addiction counseling. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will be awarded your certification.

The cost of obtaining IC&RC-AODA certification varies depending on which level you are applying for and what state or country you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 USD to apply for each level of certification.

11. American School Counselor Association Certification Program (ASCA-CP).

The American School Counselor Association Certification Program (ASCA-CP) is a voluntary certification program for school counselors. It is designed to recognize school counselors who have met the highest standards of professional practice and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their field. The ASCA-CP is a three-year program that requires the completion of coursework, supervised practicum experiences, and an assessment process.

To get certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having a master's degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university, at least two years of full-time experience as a school counselor, and current membership with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). Applicants must also complete the required coursework and supervised practicum experiences before they can apply for the certification exam.

The cost of the ASCA-CP varies depending on individual circumstances but typically includes fees for application processing, coursework and practicum experiences, and the certification exam. The total cost can range from $500 to $2,000 or more depending on how many courses are taken and other factors.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants can take the ASCA-CP exam which consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as ethics, professional practice standards, legal issues, research methods, and student development theory. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs around $250. Upon passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their ASCA-CP certification.

Do You Really Need a Counselor Certificate?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. If you are looking to become a professional counselor, then yes, you will need a counselor certificate or degree. A counseling certificate is a formal recognition of the completion of all the necessary requirements for becoming a professional counselor. Depending on what type of counseling you’d like to pursue, there are different types of counseling certificates available.

For example, if you want to work as a clinical mental health counselor, then you will need to obtain a master’s degree in mental health counseling and pass state licensing exams. In some cases, additional training may be required in order to become board certified in the field. On the other hand, if you wish to pursue school counseling or career counseling, then typically only an undergraduate degree is required.

In addition to formal education and certification requirements, counselors should also have certain personal qualities that enable them to practice effectively and ethically. These include strong communication skills, empathy and understanding of human behavior, problem solving abilities, and excellent listening skills.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a counselor certificate depends on your specific goals and objectives within the field of counseling. It is important to research your options thoroughly before making any decisions about pursuing formal training or certifications in order to ensure that your career path aligns with your interests and aspirations.

Related: Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Counselor Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a certified counselor?

Answer: The exact requirements may vary depending on the certifying body, but generally speaking, counselors need to hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and complete a certain amount of supervised clinical experience. Some certifications also require passing an exam.

2. Do I need to be certified to practice as a counselor?

Answer: It depends on the state you live in and the type of counseling you plan to offer. In most states, licensure is required for professional counselors, but certification may be voluntary or required depending on the specialty area.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a counselor?

Answer: Again, this depends on the certifying body and your particular situation. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one year to several years to become certified, depending on how quickly you complete all of the necessary steps (e.g., completing supervised clinical hours).

4. What are the benefits of being certified as a counselor?

Answer: Certification can give you credibility and demonstrate your commitment to professional excellence in counseling practice. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement or specialization in certain areas (e.g., addictions counseling). Additionally, some employers may prefer or require that their counselors have specialized certifications in order to be eligible for employment or promotion within the organization.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a counselor?

Answer: The cost will vary depending on which certifying body you choose and any additional training programs or exams you may need to take in order to meet their requirements. Generally speaking, expect costs such as application fees, exam fees, and training program costs (if applicable).