ArizonaLicensed Professional Counselor Requirements

CACREP-accredited programs are pre-approved and automatically meet all education standards; non-CACREP programs must demonstrate equivalent coursework

Required Coursework Areas

All states require a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. The number of required credit hours varies — some states require 48 semester hours while others require 60. CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accreditation is increasingly required or preferred.

Accepted Exams

Retake Policy

90-day waiting period between attempts

Most states require passing the NCE (National Counselor Examination) or NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination). Some states accept either exam, while others specify one. A jurisprudence exam on state laws and ethics may also be required.

Supervisor Qualifications

Board-approved clinical supervisor; must hold independent behavioral health license (LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or licensed psychologist) for at least 2 years

Supervision Ratio

Individual or group supervision; 1 hour per week minimum during active practice

After completing a master’s degree, aspiring counselors must accumulate supervised clinical experience (typically 2,000–4,000 hours) before qualifying for full licensure. Most states offer an associate or provisional license during this period. Supervision must be provided by a board-approved supervisor.

Treatment Modalities

Individual, group, couples, and family counseling; crisis intervention; psychoeducation; assessment and appraisal

Restricted Activities

Cannot prescribe medication; cannot conduct neuropsychological testing reserved for psychologists

Licensed professional counselors provide mental health services including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Scope varies by state — some allow independent diagnosis while others restrict certain activities. Counselors do not prescribe medication.

Required CE Topics

Regulatory Board

Counselor licenses must be renewed on schedule, typically every 2 years. Continuing education requirements vary by state but commonly include ethics, cultural competency, and clinical topics. Some states require specific hours in ethics or supervision.

Endorsement Requirements

• •Active license in another state in good standing
• •Verification of all credentials
• •Background check and fingerprinting
• •Completion of Arizona statutes/regulations tutorial

The Counseling Compact is an interstate agreement that allows licensed counselors to practice across state lines. Member states participate in this compact to improve access to mental health services. Endorsement processes for non-compact states vary in their requirements.