Considering moving states? What could that look like for your licensure.

One of the most concerning possibilities for counselors has been moving licensures from one state to another. While a new change is exciting, each state has mandated counseling standards that may differ on several levels including school accreditation, required supervision hours, and examination requirements. To ensure that work does not stop, counselors should know all the steps needed to successfully transfer their license. 

To begin with, first study the state’s official licensing board website to find out the complete list of requirements such as supervised training hours, national exams (NCMHCE, NCE, etc), CE credits needed, and school accreditation. Print an application packet and carefully fulfill each requirement as stated. If you are confused about certain steps, don’t hesitate to email or call the license board to help gain personalized assistance. 

Certain states have reciprocity (the highest level of independent practice licensure - held for at least 2 years- in one state is considered valid and transferable to a corresponding state without additional paperwork) and counseling compacts (counselors can provide their services to clients in states other than their residential state for a certain period, via telehealth or in-person because of a legal arrangement between corresponding states) with each other, thus it is important to assess if your current licensure can be valid and transferred to the state you are planning to move to, or if you will be required to do additional steps. 

One of the most tedious processes to apply for licensure is the accumulation of different kinds of paperwork needed to prove authenticity. Start collecting official proof of hours, supervision contracts, and passing results of required tests months before the actual transfer application. Since processing times differ from one state to the other, it may take months for approval. Thus, it is important to prepare in advance to avoid a break in your practice. While it is not common for states to give provisional licenses to practice, some boards may allow you to continue your practice while the application is processing. It is a good idea to speak to a representative who works at the counseling licensing board of the state to clear all your doubts before the move.

If you are joining a new role, making networks and professional connections in your new company will help you gain practical tips and suggestions based on how the new company helps transitioning counselors. For a smooth move to a new state, it is beneficial to plan ahead and keep all your documents aligned for the licensure application. It will also help you move hassle-free and focus on personally getting you set up in a new state. Once you have applied to the new licensure board before your official move, you can also continue working as a counselor without any professional breaks or career setbacks.