National Certification

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Counseling Language that Counts

National Certified Counselor (NCC) is the premier counseling certification. Earning national 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 an institutionally accredited or Council for Accreditation of Counseling and 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.

Benefits of Certification

Obtaining 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.

CCMHC Certification

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Become certified as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC).

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NCSC Certification

Autism boy with tutor walking back to school outside in sunrise. Autism child and back to school concept

Become certified as a National Certified School Counselors (NCSC).

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MAC Certification

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Become certified as a Master Addictions Counselor
(MAC)

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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.

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Questions About Certification?


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The information provided by the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC) on the nbcc.org website (site) is for general information purposes only. NBCC makes significant efforts to maintain current and accurate information on this site. We are not responsible for any information concerning NBCC or our programs, services, or activities that is published or displayed on any third-party website(s). These websites are maintained by third parties over which we exercise no control, and for which we have no responsibility. Individuals should verify any information obtained from third-party sources by referring to our official site or contacting our customer service team directly.

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