How long does it take?

The LAPC phase is a fixed 24-month period. During this time, you must accumulate 400 direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours. Total timeline is approximately 24-26 months from LAPC approval to LPC licensure.

Can I do supervision remotely?

Yes. North Dakota allows supervision via secure, HIPAA-compliant video communications. Your supervision plan should clearly document the arrangement.

What if I can't find an LPC supervisor?

North Dakota's 2017 amendment allows up to 50 hours from other qualified master's-level MH professionals if you document a hardship. The remaining 50+ hours must come from an LPC/LPCC.

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

North Dakota LAPC → LPC Supervision Requirements

Everything you need to know about completing your 400 supervised hours in North Dakota.

Total Hours

400

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

100 hours (60 individual, max 40 group)

Direct Hours Floor

400

Why This State Is Complex

North Dakota's LAPC → LPC pathway is straightforward with clear 24-month and 400-hour minimums. Supervision requirements are well-defined (100 hours total, 60 individual minimum). The 2017 amendment allowing up to 50 hours of non-counselor supervision provides flexibility for rural practitioners facing supervisor shortages.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Complete Master's degree in counseling from regionally accredited program before supervision hours begin

Accumulate 400 hours of direct face-to-face client contact over 24-month LAPC period

Complete 100 hours of direct supervision (minimum 60 hours individual, up to 40 hours group)

Maintain contact with at least 10 separate clients per year; at least 5 must be new each year

Submit a detailed 2-year supervision plan to NDBCE before supervision hours begin counting

Pass the National Counselor Exam (NCE) administered by NBCC

Submit supervisor evaluations every 6 months documenting professional development

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Starting to accumulate hours before supervision plan is approved by NDBCE — hours before plan approval do not count

Assuming all supervision hours count the same — minimum 60 individual hours required

Not documenting client contact diversity — board requires 10+ separate clients/year with 5+ new each year

Forgetting 6-month supervisor evaluations — mandatory and must be submitted directly to NDBCE

Using supervisors outside counseling field for primary supervision — at least 50 hours must come from LPC/LPCC

Frequently Asked Questions

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