'How do I transfer my LPC license to another state?'
First, you don’t transfer your LPC license. There is no such animal.
You would apply for a license in the other state— the primary reason being to deliver telemental health across state lines. I’ll teach you how to do it live one-on-one— then you’ll have two LPC state licenses. Or you can learn how below.
You can also choose to terminate your LPC license in your home state.
Be careful how you handle this termination. States usually have processes for that and you don’t want a bad mark on your license. In some states, you can’t just let your LPC license lapse or fail to renew as they could formally discipline you for an ethics violation for unlicensed practice of professional counseling.
Options for Obtaining an LPC License In Another State
Reciprocity
Sometimes organizations have agreements in which privileges granted are honored by both entities. But they are written reciprocal agreements hence the term, reciprocity.
True LPC reciprocity is rare.
Some states recognize other states LPCs licenses but only because they have determined the LPC licensing requirements are similar. They may use the term reciprocity, but it is misnomer.
In any case, reciprocity is not a transfer. A transfer of an LPC does not exist. You are issued a second license and do what you want with your home state license.
LPC License by Endorsement
Aha! Endorsement is most likely the process by which you’ll seek multiple LPC licenses. We have answered the question of whether a LPC license transfer equals reciprocity. A state LPC license transfer does not exist.
Endorsement is very different than LPC reciprocity.
Endorsement is a comparison of what you had to do to get licensed in your home state. If the state in which you are applying believes the requirements you met in your state are similar, they can issue an LPC License by Endorsement.
One last point before we begin with the 5 steps:
When in doubt... Apply!
Can An Associate Level Counselor (APC) Become Licensed By Either Transfer or Endorsement?
In almost all cases, an associate level counselor cannot be issued a license by endorsement. Most states will only accept a fully licensed applicant. There are exceptions.
Some states will permit you to “transfer associate professional counselor supervised hours and work experience and continue. You would work toward for full unrestricted license. So you can transfer associate level LPC experience.
Let’s get right into the 5 steps:
Step 1 : Find Each State's LPC Endorsement Application.
I’ve made that part easy for you. Below are direct links to every state LPC Endorsement application or instructions. The pages will open in a new browser window.
The term used differs, but Out-Of-State, Endorsement and License By Credential are the same.
I want to make this even easier for you. Here is graphical representation of locating endorsement rules for an example state.
All 50 States LPC Licensure By Endorsement
Step 2: Review The LPC Endorsement Application
After you have reviewed the application, you’ll have a basic understanding of that LPC board’s endorsement requirements.
You may also find there are requirements you cannot meet. For example, some states disqualify specific states from endorsement.
Review Rules and Regulations
In many instances you need to understand the LPC Board Rules in order to apply for a licensure by endorsement. It’s not as difficult as locating the applications. Locate that state’s actual endorsement rules and regulations.
Here’s how to do that:
- Google, “(any state) counseling board endorsement reciprocity”.
- Find the .gov link. Be sure you are on a state government website. It should be near or at the top of the Google results.
When you arrive at the page, look at the menu on the left sidebar. Look at the menu on the right sidebar.
- Locate the link, “Rules and Regulations”. If you can find that page, do a CTRL F and search the page for reciprocity or endorsement.
If you are unsuccessful, do another search for “(any state) counseling board.” Locate the link to the state government website. Don’t rely on information from “every-state-lpc-license-in the world.com. Use government sites only.
If you absolutely need help, you can message me in the chat box below. If I don’t reply in the chat, I’ll respond via email in the order received.
Step 3: Gather Old LPC Documentation
LPC Licensure By Endorsement requires you to demonstrate you have met substantially similar requirements as your home state.
Prior to applying for a license by endorsement it is a good idea to assemble the documents most boards will require you submit:
- Try to obtain the original application that was approved by your board. This is very useful since it will contain proof of your supervision, supervisors credentials, number of hours/years in an acceptable work setting, and so on.
If you can’t obtain your original LPC application, gather douments taht prove you have completed their post master’s requirements.
Step 4: Submit Your LPC Endorsement Application.
You will submit either a paper or online application.
Wait for a response from the board.
That state board will likely contact you requesting additional information. At this point, you will have now jumped through your first hoop since you know your application has been accepted and filed.
- The state board will request graduate transcripts to be sent directly from the university.
- They will request either NCE or NCMHCE exams scores be sent directly from NBCC. *Some states only accept the NCMHCE*.
- Proof of a ‘clean’ LPC license sent directly from your home state.
- On your endorsement application, they’ll ask you to disclose criminal background, any other state board disciplinary actions, whether an impairment would impact your ability to practice, other state licenses you hold. The state may also request some of these documents be sent directly to the board.
- They may require you to pass a jurisprudence exam prior to considering you for licensure by endorsement. A jurisprudence exam tests your knowledge of board laws and rules. Fortunately, they often are not that difficult and are ‘no-fail’ exams i.e. you can retake it until you pass.
- Other documents.
Step 5: Provide Final Documentation and Await Response.
As soon as your file is received, request your NBCC scores, transcripts, and state board verification of your clean LPC application as they may take a long time to be processed.
Request documents from your prior employers and supervisors if necessary.
Await a final decision.
Eric's Tips For LPC Endorsement Applications
Before embarking on accumulating licenses, it is wise to learn in a good telemental health training workshop.
Provide only what that board requests.
For example, don’t send letters explaining how experienced you are. Doing so will often delay the LPC/LMHC application process since it is only more paperwork for the board to shuffle through. The board will request additional information if they need it.
Apply even if you think you may not meet all of the qualifications. Licensing boards have discretion to waive certain requirements. So don’t hesitate to apply.
