How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon

Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oregon runs through the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT). You'll register as an Associate while completing supervised hours before applying for the full LPC.

Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Graduate Degree

You need a graduate degree from a CACREP- or CORE-accredited counseling program, or from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign program evaluated by a Board-recognized credentialing body. CACREP and CORE programs must include at least 2 semester (3 quarter) credit hours of coursework in diagnosis of mental disorders. Your program should also include a supervised clinical practicum or internship of at least 700 hours, including 280 hours of direct client contact.

Step 2: Register as a Professional Counselor Associate

Before accruing post-degree supervised hours, register with OBLPCT as a Professional Counselor Associate (PCA).

Step 3: Complete Your Supervised Experience

Oregon requires at least three years (36 months) of qualified supervised clinical counseling experience. Experience may be accrued through several combined methods, but all remaining hours after your degree must be earned as a Registered Associate under a Board-approved supervision arrangement with a graduate-level, state-licensed supervisor: a professional counselor, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or Board-approved equivalent.

Step 4: Pass Two Exams

Oregon requires a national competency exam plus the state's own exam:

• National Counselor Examination (NCE), National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE), or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Examination — any one qualifies

• Oregon Law and Rules Examination, taken after the Board confirms your national exam is passed

Step 5: Apply for Full LPC Licensure

Submit your LPC application to OBLPCT with the $125 application fee, your supervised experience attestations, and both exam results.

Apply for Your License

Start or continue your application directly with Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT), the official licensing authority. Applications submitted anywhere else won't be processed.

Apply on the Board's Website

A Note on Accuracy

This post reflects information from the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, including its education and experience requirements effective July 1, 2023. Licensing rules, fees, and statutes change. Verify current requirements directly at oregon.gov/oblpct before making any licensure decision.

Oregon's requirement that your supervisor hold a graduate-level, state-issued license (not just any mental health credential) is worth confirming before you finalize a supervision arrangement, since not every experienced clinician automatically qualifies.