Board Certification
National Certified Counselor (NCC) is the premier counseling board certification. Earning board certification demonstrates to your colleagues and the public that you have voluntarily met high national standards for the practice of counseling.
Those standards include demonstrating a mastery of counseling knowledge and skills by completing a graduate degree from a regionally accredited or Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) counseling program, passing a rigorous national examination, the documentation of work experience and supervision requirements, and subscribing to the highest ethical and practice standards.
What Does Board Certification Mean for You?
Obtaining board certification through NBCC:
- Shows the public and employers that you have met high national standards for education, training, and experience. You can display these through a digital badge.
- Enhances your professional reputation and credibility, and provides you with a sense of personal accomplishment.
- Offers both you and your clients the protection of an enforceable Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrates your commitment to continued professional development and skills expansion.
- Increases your opportunities for career advancement and increased earnings.
- Provides opportunities for you to contribute to advocacy efforts for the counseling profession.
Board Certification
and Licensure
Confused about the difference between board certification and licensure?
Are You Eligible for a Specialty Certification?
NBCC offers additional certifications for you to enhance your professional credentials.
Do You Have an Eligible Degree?
To become board certified, you must have a degree that meets NBCC’s minimum requirements.
What is the process for becoming an NCC?
To become a National Certified Counselor, you must have an eligible degree and have earned a passing score on either the NCE or the NCMHCE, meet supervision and work experience requirements, and comply with conduct standards.
