When it comes time to renewing their state license, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) must meet the requirements of the state in which they practice. Choosing the right LPC continuing education courses and school then becomes important. Failure to do so could mean non-compliance with the state obligations. In turn, the LPC would not be able to renew his or her license.
First Steps to take
It is imperative an LCP gets it right from the beginning. This means knowing the specific governing bodies and their requirements for the state in which he or she practices. Go online and Google your state name and your profession title. Be aware that some states refer to the occupation as licensed mental health counselors. Other terms considered applicable are marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). Professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) can also provide information on such things as state licensing requirements.
Hours Required
States differ from each other in terms of how many hours they require before they will allow you to renew your license. In Texas, for example, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors Renew Your License sets, for every 2-year renewal cycle, a prerequisite of 24-hours of LPC continuing education. Of these hours, 1 must be set aside for a Texas Jurisprudence Exam. In North Dakota, the Board of Counselor Examiners states the number of hours is 40 with no more than 15 for each event, method and/or topic.
Specific Course Work
Finding out exactly what course work is compulsory and what is not, is another aspect of choosing the correct LPC continuing education courses. Some states are very specific on what they request; others grant a larger amount of freedom in making the selection. Of the 24-hours required, Texas demands 4-hours be given over to the study of ethics. In North Dakota the course work must come from a specific set of CE activities that “must focus on increasing knowledge and/or skills in [the following] qualifying areas:
1. Counseling Theories/Practice
2. Human Growth/Development
3. Social/Cultural Foundations
4. Group Counseling
5. Career Counseling
6. Assessment
7. Research and Evaluation
8. Counseling Ethics
A LPC continuing education course can fall outside of these parameters but the Board will ask for a written explanation.
Last But Not Least
When it comes to choosing the right LPC continuing education courses, one other factor merits serious consideration. This is the facility offering the course. It must have accreditation within your state and from the appropriate boards, associations or government bodies. If it does not, you will not have your license renewed until you correct the error.
Choosing the right LCP continuing education course is an undertaking not to be considered lightly. If you want to continue practicing, it is essential you get everything right. First, check the state requirements for hours. Next, pick the courses in accordance with the requirements. Finally, make sure the education facility is accredited. If you pay attention to these details, you will get it right in one.
