South Carolina LPC License: A Practical Guide for Counselors
Navigate the process of earning your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or LPC/A credential in South Carolina, with details on the Board of Examiners requirements and steps.
Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina
South Carolina licenses professional counselors through the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The state offers the LPC for independent practice and the LPC/A (Associate) for supervised practice.
Education Requirements
You must hold a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program must include at least 48 semester hours (60 semester hours recommended) of graduate coursework. CACREP-accredited programs are strongly preferred. Required coursework includes:
- Counseling theories and practice
- Human growth and development
- Social and cultural foundations
- Group counseling
- Career and lifestyle development
- Appraisal and assessment
- Research and evaluation
- Professional orientation and ethics
- A supervised practicum and internship
Supervised Experience Hours
South Carolina requires at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience completed after your degree over a minimum of two years. During this period, you practice as an LPC/A. Your experience must include direct counseling with individuals, groups, couples, or families.
Your supervisor must hold an active South Carolina LPC with board-approved supervisor status. You must receive at least one hour of individual face-to-face supervision per week. Additional group supervision may supplement individual supervision but cannot replace it.
Exam Requirements
South Carolina requires passage of the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The exam fee is approximately $275. You may take the NCE once your degree has been conferred. South Carolina does not require a state-specific exam.
Application Process and Fees
Apply for LPC/A status through the Board of Examiners. The application fee is approximately $100. After completing your supervised hours and passing the NCE, apply for full LPC status with a fee of approximately $100. Submit transcripts, supervision logs, exam scores, and a criminal background check.
License Renewal
LPC licenses in South Carolina renew every two years. You must complete 40 hours of continuing education per cycle, including at least 6 hours in ethics. The renewal fee is approximately $100.
Reciprocity and Endorsement
South Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for counselors holding active licenses in other states with substantially equivalent requirements. You must have passed the NCE and provide verification of your education and experience. South Carolina's 1,500-hour requirement is lower than many other states, which can make endorsement easier for those relocating to the state.
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