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Best Licensed Professional Counselor certifications
Licensed professional counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an licensed professional counselor to employers. However, not all licensed professional counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a licensed professional counselor are Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Pastoral Counseling Certification.
Below is a list of the best licensed professional counselor certifications. Obtaining an licensed professional counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
10 best certifications for licensed professional counselors
Rank  | Licensed Professional Counselor certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 2 | National Certified Counselor (NCC) | NBCC |
| 3 | Pastoral Counseling Certification | Mt. Vision In... |
| 4 | Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor | NAFC |
| 5 | Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) | CRCC |
| 6 | Master Addictions Counselor | NAFC |
| 7 | Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC) | IC&RC |
| 8 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 9 | Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC) | InFRE |
| 10 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
Licensed Professional Counselor Jobs
10 best licensed professional counselor certifications
1. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
2. National Certified Counselor (NCC)
The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Pastoral Counseling Certification
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? No
4. Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) sets the standard for quality rehabilitation counseling services in the U.S. and Canada. As an independent, not-for-profit organization, the CRCC has certified more than 30,000 counselors with its widely recognized Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Canadian Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CCRC) designations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Master Addictions Counselor
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADC)
The International Examination for Alcohol & Drug Counselors is the first examination to test knowledge and skills about alcohol and drug counseling on an international level. It has been developed by IC&RC through the cooperation of its Member Boards and their strong desire to have an international exam that is based on current practice in the field.Alcohol & Drug Counselor is one of the five reciprocal certifications offered through IC&RC.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC)
This certification is designed for individuals in the benefits, human resources and/or finance departments of government agencies (federal, state, municipal) and private corporations whose responsibilities include advising employees concerning their retirement planning. Financial services professionals and employees of retirement plan sponsors and service providers who assist the American worker in making retirement planning decisions will also benefit from this certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
Licensed Professional Counselor Jobs
What is the best certification for a licensed professional counselor?
The best licensed professional counselor certification is Certified Professional Counselor. The Certified Professional Counselor is awarded by the American Psychotherapy Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this licensed professional counselor certification:
- To become a certified Certified Professional Counselor, you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for licensed professional counselors?
The most in-demand licensed professional counselor certification is Certified Professional Counselor based on all active job postings. Having this licensed professional counselor certification will give you access to more licensed professional counselor jobs with higher salaries.
The most common combination of licensed professional counselor certifications include: Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Pastoral Counseling Certification.
Online courses for licensed professional counselors to earn certifications
1. [Accredited] Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Counselor
Learn DBT in depth, start conducting sessions with ready to use templates, and set up counseling practice within weeks!...
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): The Complete Course
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)...
3. Addiction & Mental Health (Dual Diagnosis) Integrative 12hrs
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Interventions: Drug & Alcohol Addiction & Mental Health - Integrative Holistic Approach...
4. Professional Certification in Counseling - Fully Accredited
Become Professional Counselor (Counsellor)...
6. Abnormal Behavior & Clinical Psychology (Certificate)
Guiding students into the field of mental health services for either personal and/or professional development...
7. Metacognitive Therapy
Learn MCT, a cognitive psychotherapy based on CBT, that helps clients tackle the root of their anxiety and depression...
8. Professional Cupping Therapy & Massage
Professional and comprehensive course of cupping techniques and applications...
9. CBT4PANIC. Overcome Panic & Anxiety attacks fast
A complete professional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorder...
10. Crisis Intervention Seminar
The emphasis is on the development of fundamental clinical skills in the area of crisis intervention...