Maintain Your License

Once you obtain a license and begin practicing your profession, you will have specific responsibilities that come with the license including:

Continuing Education (CE) requirements
Ethics code compliance

As your career advances and/or your life circumstances change, you may need to know about:

Advanced license opportunities
License requirements in other states

Continuing Education Requirements

Most states have continuing education (CE) requirements. A certain number of hours or credits must be completed every year or every few years in order to keep the professional license active. Your state board or professional association may offer classes and workshops for CE credit.

Ethics Code

All states have a Code of Ethics for each professional license. If these rules are not followed, the licensing authority can take action; up to license revocation. Be sure you know what the Code of Ethics requires and comply.

Renewals

Many professional licenses require renewal every few years. This generally means that CE credits must be reported and a fee paid. Be sure you understand the renewal process so you don't risk a lapse in licensure.

Advanced Licenses

Many states have advanced mental health profession licenses. The most common is a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). These are professional counselors who have been practicing for a certain period of time as a fully licensed professional counselor. In addition to a specified number of practice hours, some states require advanced coursework (i.e. doctoral or additional graduate level coursework). Also, many states require an advanced license to be an approved clinical supervisor.

Licensure in Other States/Provinces

If you are relocating, you need to research your new home's license requirements. If you are a fully licensed professional, currently practicing, most states reciprocity rules will allow you to apply for a license. However, for mental health related licenses, most states will still require that specific coursework and other requirements be met. In other words, your degree and field experience may not fulfill your new state's requirements. Be sure to complete all licensure research steps before deciding on a move.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.