Pathway guide
Texas: LPC pathway
Step 1 · LPC-Associate registration
- Apply with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (TSBEPC) after completing a qualifying master's degree (60 semester hours).
- Submit application + supervisor agreement + jurisprudence exam confirmation.
Step 2 · Supervised clinical experience
- 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience required.
- Minimum 1,500 of those must be direct client contact.
- Weekly supervision required during the LPC-Associate period.
Step 3 · NCE or NCMHCE exam
- Texas accepts either the National Counselor Exam (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE).
- NCMHCE preferred if you anticipate practicing clinically across state lines.
Step 4 · Full LPC application
- Submit final application after hours and exam are complete.
- License typically issued within 30–60 days of approved application.
Texas TSBEPC contact
- Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors, 1801 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
- Phone: (512) 834-6658 · Web: bhec.texas.gov/lpc