Licensure Child and Adolescent Counseling

Licensure

In most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, a professional license may be necessary for:

• Access to employment: Allows you to work with students, parents, and families in PreK-12 schools.
• Protecting the public: Allows states to regulate the profession by establishing and enforcing standards relating to competency and ethical behavior. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits.
• Professional integrity: Ensures members of the profession are current in their knowledge and are competent by requiring continuing education coursework 

License Requirements

Each state educator licensing office or Board creates rules or regulations that provide the specific details governing the profession, including licensing requirements.

These requirements typically involve some or all of the following:

• Documenting specific educational components: Capella can help you complete this step, which includes coursework and a clinical supervised fieldwork (practicum/internship).
• Successful examination(s) completion: In some states, a national or state exam is required.
• Proving your fitness to practice: Many states have "fitness to practice" requirements. For example, if you have a medical condition that limits your ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety, chemical substance use within the past 2 years, past or current diagnosis of a sexual disorder, or criminal convictions, you may be prevented from obtaining a license.
• Licensure application and fees: This is between each individual applicant and the state educator licensing office. Capella supports all graduates by verifying completion of the degree and/or specific coursework.
• Continuing education: Once licensed, you may need to keep your license current through continuing education coursework.

Check your state or province’s educator licensing office or Board to understand specific requirements. The following resources may be helpful:

• Professional licensure terms [PDF] (80.02KB)
• Understanding statutes, regulations, and rules [PDF] (73.63KB)

Earning a Degree Out of State

Because Capella's main campus is located in Minnesota and we have students in all 50 states, we have designed our programs to meet national standards and accreditations recognized by many states.

For most Capella students, earning a degree from Capella is similar to earning a degree at a university outside of their state, and then moving back to their home state to pursue their professional license.

Capella Licensure Support

Capella's licensure team supports students and graduates through the license application process in your state. We’re up-to-date on the licensing requirements in all 50 states and have successfully established relationships with state licensing boards and offices.

Reciprocity and Transferring of Licenses

Most states have rules that address reciprocity and the transfer of licenses from another state, although some will require you to meet their state's educational requirements as if you were a new applicant. Capella's licensure team will be available as you relocate and seek new opportunities.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, endorsement, certification, authorization, other professional credential or salary advancement. State regulations and professional credential standards vary. It is the learner's responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states and professional associations.