State Licensure

Registration

State Exam Registration Deadlines and Admission Letters

NBCC administers the testing programs for all of the state counselor licensure boards in the US. Below you will find registration information for this process.
 

NBCC examinations are given in two formats: Computer-based Testing (CBT) and paper and pencil. Registration information is specific to these two formats. Please read the following instructions to locate registration information for your state.

The following states use CBT:

AL, AR, AZ, CO, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, MN, MT, NE, NH, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV

If you need to test for counselor licensure in any of the above states, click here to be directed to the State Boards Directory page where you can then select your state.

Nevada is in the process of finalizing their testing procedures. Testing is not yet available in NV. Please watch this page for updated information.

All other states presently use paper and pencil examinations. For those states, please read the instructions below.

Click here for a table of Registration Deadlines for State NBCC Examinations.
 
Examination Registration Information for Specific States
Many states have allowed NBCC to post their examination registration forms on their state information page on our website.  If you don't see the exam registration form on the state's page, you will see a link to "Information specific to this state" which will tell you how to obtain an exam registration form from the state board.  If you do not see either of these links on your state's page, contact the state board directly for exam registration information.  Click here to go to the State Boards Directory for exam registration information for your state.
 
 
 

Admission Letters and Directions

Registered candidates for NBCC examinations should receive admission letters and location directions two weeks prior to the examination date.

If you have not received your admittance letter to the examination by the Monday prior to the examination, contact NBCC's Examination Department at examinations@nbcc.org.

Identification to Enter Exam

You must bring your NBCC admission letter and two forms of identification - one of which includes a picture (e.g., driver's license) - to the testing site. Examples of acceptable IDs include a driver's license or picture ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles, passport, or military ID.

Taking the Examination

  • NBCC examinations are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. local time. You are requested to report to the examination location at 8:30 a.m. local time.
  • NBCC urges you to leave early for the examination to allow yourself adequate time to locate the test center and present yourself for admission. No candidate will be admitted after testing has begun.
  • Beepers, cellular phones, calculators, food and drinks are NOT allowed in the examination room.
  • Smoking, eating, and/or drinking are prohibited in the examination room before, during and after the administration of the examination. You may use restroom facilities during the examination.

When to Expect Your Scores (see IV-C)

Scores cannot be released until all answer sheets have been verified. In some cases, this means a manual review of answer sheets to ensure accuracy.

You can expect to receive your score reports via first class mail approximately six to eight weeks after the exam date. Please don't call about your scores as it slows the scoring process. For your protection and confidentiality, NO scores are released by telephone.

Retaking an Examination

If you applied to take an NBCC examination for a credential to practice in a state, and you failed or did not sit for the exam, please contact your state credentialing board for re-registration information.

PLEASE NOTE:  State licensure examination fees are subject to change.