Recertification

Recertification Information for National Certified Counselors (NCCs)

 
The information below pertains only to requirements for recertification of NBCC credentials. Be requirements for renewal of any other credentials including a state counselor license must be obtained by contacting the board that administers that credential.
 
Number of CE Hours Required
All NCCs are required to complete 100 continuing education clock hours in each five-year certification cycle. Any NCC who also holds the NCSC, CCMHC, or MAC is also is required to obtain a percentage of the 100 hours in the specialty area. NBCC counts continuing education credit in clock hours, also known as “hour for hour” credit. If you feel confused about how to count your clock hours please contact the NBCC Recertification Department at recertification@nbcc.org.
 

One academic semester hour/credit = 15 clock hours

One academic quarter hour/credit = 10 clock hours

Recertifying by Examination

NCCs are allowed to recertify by taking the National Counselor Examination (NCE) in lieu of taking the 100 clock hours of continuing education. Please note that the exam should be requested within the last 12 months of the five year certification cycle. Download the request form.

Code of Ethics & Annual Fee Payment
 In addition to the continuing education requirement, NCCs are required to maintain adherence to the NBCC Code of Ethics and pay all annual fees. An important part of adherence to the NBCC Code of Ethics is prompt reporting of any violations, charges, or infractions of any kind to the NBCC Ethics Office. You are required to report any such violations, charges, or infractions within 60 days of the event. Reports must be made in writing, with all supporting documentation, to the NBCC Ethics Office.
 
Eight Methods for Earning Continuing Education Credit Accepted by NBCC
 For any NBCC credential, there are eight methods of earning continuing education credit. They are listed below along with required documentation and any limit on the number of clock hours permitted for each method. You may click here to go to the “Eight Methods” page for detailed information on what is included in each method.
 
College/University Courses
Copy of Transcript/Grade Report
(no limit)
Seminar, Workshops, Conferences
Copy of Certificate or Letter of Attendance
(no limit)
Publications, Presentations &
New Program Development
See detail page for documentation requirement (limit 20 hours for this category)
Supervision/Consultation
Letter from Supervisor
(limit of 25 hours)
Dissertations
Copy of Transcript
(limit 45 hours)
Leadership
Letter of Confirmation
(limit 20 hours)
 
Approved CE Content Areas for Each NBCC Credential
 Please click on the credential to see more detailed information of the requirements for each credential.
 

NCC

NCSC

CCMHC

MAC

Counseling Theory and Practice and the Helping Relationship

Appraisal of Individuals

Counseling psychotherapy Theory and Practice

Drug Information and Terminology

Human Growth and Development

Group Counseling

Abnormal psychology And Psychopathology

Theories of Addictions

Social and Cultural Foundations

Cultural Diversity in Counseling

Testing and Appraisal

Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Addictions

Group Dynamics, Processing and Counseling

Career Development

Group Counseling and Psychotherapy

Addictions Assessment

Career Development and Counseling

Fundamentals of School Counseling

Issues in Treatment of Addictions

Assessment

Supervised Practicum in School Counseling

Addictions Group Counseling

Research and Program Evaluation

Family Addictions Counseling

Counselor Professional Identity and Practice Issues