Best Certifications for Counselors

The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Those seeking to become NCCs must complete specific education and training requirements, as well as demonstrating an ongoing professional commitment to the field by adhering to various continuing education standards.

In order to obtain NCC certification, candidates must hold a master’s, education/educational specialist certificate of advanced study, or doctoral degree in counseling. Only CACREP-accredited and institutionally accredited education institutions are acceptable. The graduate-level coursework completed must cover nine key content areas including human growth and development theories in counseling, helping relationships in counseling, career counseling and lifestyle development, assessment in counseling, and professional orientation to counseling. A total of at least 100 hours of postgraduate counseling supervision is also required, as is endorsement from a professional colleague who holds a graduate degree in the mental health field. Additionally, candidates must complete at least 3,000 hours of postgraduate counseling work experience and adhere to NBCC’s Code of Ethics. Finally, certification-seekers are required to obtain a passing score on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

The Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Those seeking to become CCMHCs must have already earned their board certifications and have met the stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements necessary. These professionals offer the highest standards of practice in clinical mental health counseling.

In addition to completing the NCC certification requirements and obtaining this credential, CCMHC candidates must complete at least 60 semester hours of graduate-level academic credit in counseling from an institutionally accredited program.

Requirements include a class covering Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment, as well as at least three of the following six content areas:

Nine semester hours of a clinical training in supervised field experience is also necessary, though alternatives are available.

The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). These professionals offer high-standard services to schools and students at various academic levels. Those seeking to become NCSC must meet stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements related to school counseling. Only current NCCs can become NCSCs.

In addition to the NCC certification requirements mentioned above, NCSC candidates must pass graduate-level courses in specific content areas.

Requirements include a class in the Foundations of School Counseling, as well as at least three of the following five content areas:

Six semester hours of supervised school field experience is also necessary, though alternatives are available.

The Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) credential is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) but was co-created with the International Association of Addiction and Offenders Counseling (IAAOC) division of the American Counseling Association (ACA). MACs have already earned their board certification and are qualified to offer high-standard services in addictions counseling. Those with this credential are eligible to seek Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) status through the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Candidates must meet stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements.

In addition to the NCC certification requirements mentioned above, MAC candidates must have documentation of a minimum of 12 semester hours of graduate coursework in addictions counseling and a passing score on the Examination for Master Addictions Counselors (EMAC).

The Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) credential is administered by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). These professionals are qualified to evaluate government employees who have violated the DOT drug and alcohol program regulations. They are responsible for making recommendations concerning violators’ education, treatment, follow-up testing, and aftercare.

SAP candidates must be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). It’s important to note that state alcohol and drug abuse counselor credentials and licenses are not sufficient to earn this credential.

The Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) credential is administered by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). This is an entry-level certification that covers the basics of addiction counseling. It is not available in all jurisdictions and requirements, application processes, and fees vary as they are set by local boards.

ADC candidates will need to take and pass the ADC examination, which consists of 150 questions answered over a three-hour period. Items in the exam include screening, assessment, engagement, treatment planning, referrals, counseling, and professional and ethical responsibilities.

The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential is administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This is the only certification for professionals with graduate degrees who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to serve individuals with disabilities across a wide range of disabling conditions. These professionals offer highly specialized services that evaluate, determine, coordinate, and manage the rehabilitation process.

CRC candidates must be enrolled in or graduates from master’s-level CACREP-accredited academic programs. Evidence of the completion of a 600-hour supervised internships is also required. Notably, there are alternatives for those working on or graduated from programs not accredited by CACREP. Applicants with master’s or doctoral degrees in related fields of study may also be considered.

The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). This certification signifies the meeting of required academic preparation qualifications, as well as the successful passing of a competency-based examination. These professionals practice within varied settings and serve as valuable assets to the career field.

CHES candidates must take and pass the CHES Examination. This competency-based tool is used to measure the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in eight key areas. It consists of 165 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must have at least 25 semester hours of relevant coursework prior to taking the exam. Once certified, continuing education requirements must be maintained.

The Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) credential is administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). This certification signifies the meeting of required academic eligibility with courses in health education, experience requirements, and the successful passing of a comprehensive written examination. These professionals also maintain an ongoing commitment to advanced-level continuing education and professional development.

MCHES candidates must take and pass the MCHES Examination. This competency-based tool is used to measure the possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in eight key areas. It consists of 165 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must have a minimum of five continuous years in active status as a certified health education specialist or a master’s degree or higher in health education, public health education, school health education, or a related major.

The Certified Forensic Social Work (CFSW) credential is administered by the National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC). This certification is available at both the clinical and non-clinical levels. CFSWs are mental/behavioral health and/or addictions professionals who work with adults and/or juvenile criminal offenders.

CFSW candidates must meet all NAFC requirements before becoming certified. While no online or on-site courses and trainings are included in the application process, certification training courses are available. Passing the NAFC certification examination is also necessary. Membership applications should be submitted with a non-refundable $40.00 fee. Prospective CFSWs will provide information regarding their current employment, previous work experience, education, and state licensure and/or certification status.

The Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC) credential is administered by the National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC). This certification is available at the clinical level only. CDVCs are professionals who work with adults and/or juvenile criminal offenders in the domestic violence field.

CDVC candidates must meet all NAFC requirements before becoming certified. While no online or on-site courses or trainings are included in the application process, certification training courses are available. Passing the NAFC certification examination is also necessary. Membership applications should be submitted with a non-refundable $40.00 fee. Prospective CDVCs will provide information regarding their current employment, previous work experience, education, and state licensure and/or certification status.

The Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA) credential is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). A graduate-level certification, it is the leading credential for independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services to patients. Those with doctoral training may be referred to as Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (BCBA-Ds).

There are four pathways to apply for BCBA certification. All pathways require candidates possess an applicable degree, supervised fieldwork, and passing scores on the BCBA certification examination. Applicants need either 2,000 Supervised Fieldwork hours or 1,500 Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork hours to meet the fieldwork requirement. Once all applicable eligibility requirements are met and the application approved, candidates must take and pass the BCBA certification examination, which assess knowledge consistent with that of an entry-level behavior analyst.

The Certified Case Manager (CCM) credential is administered by the Commission for Case Manager Certification (CCMC). CCMs have the knowledge, expertise, and professional experience needed to serve patients in emerging models of care. The certification ensures the competency to practice independently, as well as promote quality and safety.

The certification process consists of a rigorous review of candidates’ case management knowledge and case management experience. Applicants must have current, active, and unrestricted licenses or certifications in a health or human services discipline that allows independent assessment. Alternatively, baccalaureate or graduate degrees in health or human services fields that promote the physical, psychosocial, and/or vocational wellbeing of the persons being served may suffice.

Graduate certificate programs in community mental health administration are available to those with bachelor’s degrees. The purpose of these programs is to help students become more effective and impactful leaders within the mental health field. Those enrolled can expect to examine key facets of motivation, supervisory skills, and communication that are necessary to succeed as a professional.

Graduates are prepared to pursue meaningful work in hospitals, non-profit groups, wellness facilities, and social service agencies. They may also qualify for employment related to research or public policy advocacy. It’s important to realize that not all of these programs will lead to clinical licensure, which is required by some employers.

Graduate certificate programs in grief and bereavement are available to those with bachelor’s degrees. The purpose of these programs is to help students expand their career by gaining knowledge and an in-depth understanding of dying, death, loss, and bereavement within the context of mental health and wellness. Those enrolled can generally expect to study concepts of human nature, as well as best practices with working with the bereaved and those impacted by loss.

Graduates working as therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and health professionals will be prepared to help individuals cope with the personal loss of loved ones in healthier ways. These professionals often serve as highly skilled support systems, guiding patients through the grieving process.

Graduate certificate programs in mental health and wellness are available to those with bachelor’s degrees. The purpose of these programs is to help students gain the knowledge and skills needed to work with individuals, families, and/or groups with mental or behavioral health conditions. Those enrolled should expect instruction related to principles in behavioral analysis, psychotherapy, and crisis intervention.

Graduates are generally prepared to apply for jobs within social and human services agencies. It’s important to know that students can choose from a wide variety of related sub-fields in mental health and wellness.

Some of the most common options available include:

Post-master certificate programs in counseling are available to those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The purpose of these programs is to prepare candidates for specialized areas of practice in the field. Students should anticipate coursework to be based on scientific learning, with research-based content meant to provide an evidence-based overview of the profession.

Graduates are generally prepared to apply for clinical counselor licenses and students can choose from a wide variety of related sub-fields in counseling.

Some of the most common options available include:

A Licensed Drug Abuse Counselor (LDAC) is a professional who has been credentialed by the state to provide counseling and therapy services to those struggling with drug abuse issues. The LDAC credential requires successful completion of an accredited substance abuse counseling program and passage of a state exam. To maintain licensure, LDACs must complete continuing education requirements.

The role of the LDAC is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety by providing individual and group counseling, as well as educational programs on drug abuse prevention. LDACs also work with families affected by drug abuse and provide referrals to other community resources as needed.