How long does it take?

Minimum 24 months. Most applicants complete within 2 years. You must accumulate 3,000 post-master's clinical hours during this period.

What counts as a clinical setting?

Community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, inpatient rehab, substance abuse programs, specialized outpatient clinics. Private practice, EAP, and school counseling do NOT count.

Can prior graduate training reduce the 3,000 hours?

Up to 12 semester hours of documented clinical training may count toward the 60-credit requirement (potential 180-hour equivalent reduction, board discretionary).

CredentialTraxLicensure Compliance

Very High ComplexityComing SoonLicensed Professional Counselor (LPC) → Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

North Dakota LPCC Clinical Counselor Licensure

Master advanced clinical practice with North Dakota's rigorous LPCC supervision requirements.

Total Hours

3,000

Calendar Minimum

24 months

Supervision

100 hours (60 individual, max 40 group)

Direct Hours Floor

3,000

Why This State Is Complex

North Dakota's LPCC pathway is one of the most rigorous in the nation, requiring 3,000 hours of post-master's clinical work in a defined clinical setting. Applicants must secure specialized supervisors, submit videotaped sessions for board review, and complete the NCMHCE exam.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Hold active LPC license in North Dakota (prerequisite)

Master's degree in counseling with 60+ semester hours including clinical coursework

Accumulate 3,000 hours of post-master's clinical experience in a clinical setting

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

Pass National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)

Submit videotaped clinical counseling session (minimum 30 minutes)

Submit clinical supervision plan to NDBCE for approval before beginning hours

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Accumulating hours in non-clinical settings — board requires hospital, clinic, or agency; private practice doesn't qualify

Using supervisor without sufficient clinical credentials — must be LPCC, clinical psychologist, or equivalent with 2+ years experience

Starting hours before clinical supervision plan is approved — all hours before approval do NOT count

Recording poor-quality videotaped session — the 30+ minute video is a critical competency demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

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