How to Do These Things

Every state has their own requirements but the licensing process is basically the same in all states. If you want to be a licensed counselor you are on the right path in life. Helping others is a noble profession and you should be proud of yourself for wanting to try.

The First Step is to find a College that has a Counseling Program that you can become certified in. If they don’t you may want to look into Social Work and branch off into a Counselor.  Read the curriculum carefully, you will have to fulfill the course and then take a test to become a licensed counselor. But first you must complete the college portion first.

Some Colleges have a LPC course (Licensed Professional Counselor) Make sure that the classes you are taking are going to meet with the LPC requirements you need. Every state is different and you will need to contact the LPC Licensing Board to get a copy of these requirements.

It would be smart to get the best grades you can, it may have nothing to do with whether or not you pass the licensing test but by getting great grades it will add to your resume and the more information you learn and understand the better you will do on the licensing.

Some states require a certain amount of hours of coursework be completed before you meet the requirements to take the test. Sometimes the hours range from 12 to 16 extra hours. Once you complete your classroom work, complete these extra classes as soon as possible.

If you are not planning to practice in the state where you live or went to college, it is important to do some research on the requirements you will need to certify and license in the state where you wish to go. The process may take some time but there is a lot of hard work when it comes to counseling other people. There is a lot of training and class work to be done.

If you are serious about becoming a LPC, do as much research as you can and if you are still in high school take some courses that may help you along the way. See if you could take some college classes while you are still in high school. See if you volunteer at a hotline or a Professional Counselors office. There is a lot you can do to prepare for your future.