Maryland LCPC Licensure: A Complete Guide for Counselors

Becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland

Maryland offers two levels of professional counseling licensure: the Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and the Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). The LCPC allows for fully independent clinical practice, including diagnosis and treatment. Both credentials are regulated by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists.

Education Requirements

You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling from an accredited program with at least 60 semester hours of graduate coursework. CACREP-accredited programs are strongly preferred. Required coursework areas include:

Counseling theories and techniques
Human growth and development
Social and cultural foundations
Group counseling
Career development
Appraisal and assessment
Research and evaluation
Professional ethics
Psychopathology and diagnosis
A supervised practicum and internship

Supervised Experience Hours

Maryland requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after earning your degree. At least 1,500 hours must be in direct client contact. This experience is completed while holding LGPC status. The supervised experience must be completed over a minimum of two years and no more than five years.

Your supervisor must be a board-approved supervisor holding an active LCPC, LCSW-C, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist credential in Maryland. You must receive at least 100 hours of face-to-face supervision during your LGPC period, with at least one hour of individual supervision per week during active practice.

Exam Requirements

Maryland requires two exams:

National Counselor Examination (NCE): Required for the LGPC. This is a 200-question multiple choice exam.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): Required for the LCPC. This clinical simulation exam tests diagnostic and treatment skills.

Each exam costs approximately $275. You take the NCE when applying for LGPC status and the NCMHCE when applying for LCPC status.

Application Process and Fees

Apply for LGPC status through the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. The LGPC application fee is approximately $200. After completing your supervised experience and passing the NCMHCE, apply for LCPC status with a fee of approximately $200. Submit transcripts, supervision documentation, and exam scores.

License Renewal

LCPC licenses in Maryland renew every two years. You must complete 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including at least 3 hours in ethics and 3 hours in a clinical topic related to your practice area. The renewal fee is approximately $200.

Reciprocity and Endorsement

Maryland offers endorsement for counselors licensed in other states. You must hold an active license with no disciplinary actions and demonstrate that your qualifications are equivalent to Maryland's standards. You must pass the NCMHCE if you have not already done so. Maryland evaluates endorsement applications individually.