How long does it take to get my LPC in Arkansas?

Minimum 24 months. At 1,000 hours per year (standard full-time rate), you can complete the 3,000 hours in exactly 3 years. However, with the 24-month calendar floor, some candidates finish in 2 years if working full-time. The two-level structure (0–500 hours at 1:10, 500–3,000 at 1:20) affects your supervision load but not the calendar timeline.

Can I do supervision remotely or via telehealth?

Yes, technology-assisted supervision is allowed but capped at 50% of your Level 1 hours. In Level 2, tech-assisted supervision is permitted with no stated percentage cap, provided confidentiality is protected (passwords, firewalls, encryption, secure platforms). Your supervisor must be in Arkansas.

What happens if I'm deployed or on military leave?

Your license expiration extends 180 days after you return from deployment. If you're a deployed service member or military spouse, you're exempt from continuing education requirements until 180 days after return. This applies to both LAC and LPC.

Can I reduce my 3,000 hours by getting a doctoral degree?

Yes. For every 60 graduate semester hours beyond your master's degree (counseling-related), you gain 1,000 CCH equivalency. You can reduce up to 2,000 hours this way. Also, passing the NCMHCE reduces hours by 500. Combined, you could reduce from 3,000 to 2,500 hours, but must still work the minimum.

Do I have to report my hours every month?

No, but you must submit a six-month supervision evaluation and CCH report every 6 months. This is due regardless of how many hours you've accumulated. The Board allows a 30-day grace period; reports 30+ days late trigger case-by-case review and possible disciplinary action.

What's the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 in Arkansas?

Level 1 covers your first 500 hours with a stricter 1:10 supervision ratio (more supervision relative to hours). Indirect hours are not allowed. Level 2 covers the remaining 2,500 hours at a looser 1:20 ratio and allows up to 800 indirect hours total. You transition automatically once you hit 500 hours.

Can I transfer my LAC hours from another state?

Partially. If you have an out-of-state LAC or provisional counselor license, the Board reviews the hours you've completed and may apply some to Level 2 and 3 (if applicable to your state structure). You'll likely need to complete at least Level 1 (or a portion of hours) in Arkansas to ensure you meet the state's specific supervision requirements.

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Moderate ComplexityComing SoonLicensed Associate Counselor (LAC) → Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Arkansas LAC → LPC Supervision Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 3,000 supervised hours to earn your LPC license.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

175

Direct Hours Floor

2,200

Why This State Is Complex

Arkansas splits the 3,000-hour requirement into two levels with different supervision ratios (1:10 then 1:20), allowing indirect hours after 500 hours. The main complexity is tracking the 2,200-hour direct floor, managing the two-level structure, and ensuring timely six-month evaluations with your supervisor.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Master's degree in counseling or related field with 60+ graduate semester hours

3,000 total hours of post-master's client contact (2,200 direct, max 800 indirect)

175 hours of clinical supervision (50 hours in Level 1 at 1:10 ratio, 125 hours in Level 2 at 1:20 ratio)

Level 1 requires 500 direct hours with zero indirect hours allowed

LPC supervisor with 3+ years experience and Board-approved supervisor status required

Supervision agreement must be filed and approved by Board before client services begin

Six-month evaluations and hour reports required throughout supervised practice

Pass NCE or NCMHCE exam and Arkansas Jurisprudence exam before LAC licensure

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Counting more than 800 indirect hours (requires stopping indirect work once cap reached)

Starting client services before supervision agreement approved by Board

Missing six-month reporting deadlines (30-day grace period, then case-by-case review)

Supervisor exceeding 12 concurrent supervisees (contract invalid if over limit)

Not tracking direct vs. indirect hours carefully through Level 1 transition at 500 hours

Using supervisors without Board-approved supervisor status or proper credentials

Frequently Asked Questions

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