Table of Contents
Table of Contents
'How do I transfer my LPC license to another state?'
You don’t transfer your LPC license. But there is a better solution anyway.
You would apply for a license in the other state— then you would hold two licenses. I provide services for navigating the maze when you need help obtaining more LPC licenses.
You can also choose to terminate your LPC license in your home state.
Terminate your license properly. States usually have processes for terminating 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. You may need to complete a form notifying the board you will not be practicing in that state.
Options for Obtaining an LPC License In Another State
Licensed as an LPC license for many years and can't become licensed in other states?
First, licensees are encountering difficulties becoming licensed in new states because their LPC is old.
The reasons for the application denials are generally the same across states.
For example, if an LPC was licensed long ago with a 48 hour master’s degree, their applications are often denied.
This is a real problem, right?
Thousands of LPC’s with ‘legacy licenses’ are denied simply because their license is old.
However, states are addressing the problem of legacy licenses. For example:
Georgia’s Composite Board is working to issue licenses to out-of-state legacy licensees through policy and rule changes and the LPC endorsement applications process.
The overwhelming number of Georgia endorsement applications are likely a factor in the long delays you may be experiencing in all issues related to your license–not only applications. In Georgia, LPC LCSW and MFT committees are all faced with resolving out-of-state licensee endorsement problems.
As of this writing, none of these changes have been officially approved by Georgia’s board. It is becoming apparent the mechanism for issuing licenses will be through licensure by endorsement.
The main obstacles and roadblocks are:
1) deficiencies in NBCC exam completion.
2) deficiencies in completing a 60 hour master’s degree program.
3) Not completing an eligible degree program.
Licensees may also be deficient in clinical supervision and work experience requirements.
But many of these problems with legacy licenses will be eliminated or reduced when the Counseling Compact becomes operational.
It is critical that you present a proper and clean LPC application if you have an old license and are attempting to apply through Georgia.
But generally, states most likely solve these problems through grandfathering, policies and rule change and licensure by endorsement.
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. For example, many aren’t aware that the TX counseling board does not have reciprocity with any other state. The PA Counseling Board does not have reciprocity with any other state.
An LPC license cannot be transferred. But you would be issued a second license.
Which States Have LPC Endorsement
Endorsement is the process by which you’ll seek multiple LPC licenses The counseling compact is currently not effective for any state that has passed compact law. We hav
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.
Step 1 : All 50 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
Arkansas LPC– scroll to “rules”
Arizona LPC– direct link
California LPCC– detailed guide
Colorado LPCC– CCE-Global now handles
education equivalence
Delaware LPCMH -rules page.
Step 2: Review The LPC Endorsement Application
Can An Associate Level Counselor (APC) Become Licensed By Either Transfer or Endorsement?
In most states, the LPC board will not issue a license by endorsement to an associate level counselor. Most states will only endorse a fully licensed LMHC/LPC.
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.
You can usually only transfer associate level LPC training experience.
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
- 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, view the menu bar at the top of the page or the left or 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 contact from that licensing board.
Tips For LPC Endorsement Applications
The greatest ethical concerns are that laws and rules vary widely amongst states so you are required to know the nuance off all of those laws. It is wise to learn how to manage multiple state licenses through a telemental health training workshop.
Provide only what that board requests.
Generally, it can be counterproductive to send letters explaining how experienced you are. Doing so will often delay the LPC/LMHC application process since it confuses the board. The board will request additional information if they need it.
