At a Glance
Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arizona requires a 60-credit graduate degree in counseling, a passing score on a qualifying national exam, and 3,200 hours of post-master’s supervised practice as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC). The Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE) administers the process. After graduate school, Arizona requires at least two years of supervised post-master’s experience before full LPC licensure. The total timeline from the start of undergraduate study commonly spans several years.
Mental health counseling is projected to grow faster than average nationally, according to recent BLS projections. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17 percent employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors from 2024 to 2034, well above the projected average for all occupations. In Arizona, the credential path runs through the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (AZBBHE), which issues both the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), the supervised practice credential you obtain after graduate school, and the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). This full license authorizes independent professional counseling practice within Arizona, subject to applicable laws and scope-of-practice rules.
Steps to Arizona Counseling Licensure
Most applicants follow a sequence that includes associate licensure, supervised experience, and application for full LPC licensure. Arizona requires supervised post-master’s experience of at least 24 months of supervised post-master’s experience before you can apply for the LPC. Here’s an overview of each step before we walk through the details.
Step 1: Earn a Qualifying Graduate Degree
You need a graduate degree in counseling of at least 60 semester credits, including a qualifying supervised counseling practicum. A degree from a CACREP-accredited program is the most straightforward way to satisfy this requirement. Non-CACREP degrees can also qualify if they meet specific coursework requirements set by the AZBBHE.
Step 2: Pass a Qualifying National Counseling Examination
The AZBBHE accepts three exams: the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), and the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE). After the appBoardion review, the Board provides examination authorization instructions in accordance with current procedures.
Step 3: Become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
After exam completion and Board review, eligible applicants may be issued the LAC credential. You can then work as a counselor under supervision while accumulating the experience hours required for full LPC licensure. Arizona requires at least 24 months of supervised post-master’s experience before you can apply for the LPC.
Step 4: Apply for LPC Licensure
After completing 3,200 post-master’s supervised hours, including at least 1,600 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision, you submit your LPC application to the AZBBHE. Your supervisor and employer verify your hours directly on the application, returning sealed documentation for you to include with your submission.
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
The LAC is the supervised practice credential that bridges your graduate education and full LPC licensure. It allows you to work as a counselor while building the experience required to apply for the LPC. Here are the application requirements set by the AZBBHE.
Step 1: Fulfill the Education Requirement
Earn a qualifying graduate degree in counseling that includes a supervised counseling practicum. Submit official transcripts, Board-ordered according to the Board’s current instructions, which may allow sealed paper or approved electronic submission. Some recent graduates may qualify for a temporary license under current Board eligibility rules. Temporary-license eligibility and practice limits should be verified directly with the AZBBHE before beginning supervised practice.
Step 2: Complete the Background Check Requirements
Applicants may need to submit a recent NPDB self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) as part of the background and disclosure process. The report must be no more than 90 days old at the time you submit your application. You’ll also need to complete a fingerprint background check through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Instructions and current fees are included in your application packet.
Step 3: Submit Your LAC Application
Submit your application for LAC licensure to the AZBBHE with a $250 application fee. On the application, indicate which national counseling exam you plan to take. After the appBoardion review, the Board provides examination authorization instructions in accordance with current procedures. You can track your application status online through the AZBBHE portal.
Step 4: Pass Your National Counseling Exam
After exam completion and Board review, eligible applicants may be issued the LAC credential. Arizona recognizes multiple Board-approved national examinations. Applicants should confirm the accepted exam pathway for their specific application type with the AZBBHE. See the Required Exams section below for specifics on each test format and length.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
The LPC is the full independent practice license in Arizona. The LPC permits independent counseling practice in Arizona within the scope authorized by state law. If you want a broader look at the role before committing to the licensure path, our Licensed Professional Counselor career overview covers what LPCs do day to day and where they work. There are two requirements to clear before you can apply for the license.
Step 1: Complete the Supervised Work Experience Requirement
You need 3,200 hours of post-master’s counseling experience accrued over at least two years. This must include at least 1,600 hours of direct client contact and at least 100 hours of direct supervision, with at least 50 of those supervision hours provided by a licensed LPC. Your supervisor and employer complete the relevant sections of your LPC application in sealed envelopes for you to submit to the AZBBHE.
Step 2: Submit Your LPC Application
Submit your application for LPC licensure to the AZBBHE with a $250 application fee and a fresh NPDB self-report. Once the Board approves your application, it issues your LPC license.
Required Education and Degrees
The most direct way to meet Arizona’s education requirement is to earn a CACREP-accredited graduate degree in counseling with at least 60 semester credits. Programs accredited by the Council on the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) are generally designed to align with Arizona’s counseling education and practicum requirements. Arizona has CACREP-accredited counseling programs; applicants should verify current program listings, formats, and online availability directly with CACREP and each school.
You can also meet the education requirement through a non-CACREP-accredited program, as long as the institution is regionally accredited through a body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). That degree must be at least 60 semester credits and include at least 24 credits across these subject areas:
- Ethical practice and professional orientation
- Program evaluation and research
- Group work
- Assessment
- Career development
- Helping relationships
- Cultural and social diversity
- Human growth and development
If your transcript is short in any of these areas, you can fill the gap with additional post-graduate coursework. When qualifying through a non-CACREP program, you also need to confirm your degree includes a qualifying supervised counseling practicum. The AZBBHE maintains a list of self-designated qualifying education programs on its website for programs that fall outside either accreditation framework. Applicants with rehabilitation counseling degrees or historically CORE-accredited programs should confirm current treatment under Arizona Board rules, as the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) merged with CACREP in 2017.
Required Exams
The AZBBHE accepts three qualifying national counselor examinations. Arizona recognizes multiple Board-approved national examinations. Applicants should confirm the accepted exam pathway for their specific application type with the AZBBHE. All three are computer-based, and you register through the sponsoring Board of Registration after the Board provides examination authorization.
- National Counselor Examination (NCE), sponsored by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): 200 multiple-choice questions, 3 hours and 45 minutes. NCE candidate handbook.
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), sponsored by the NBCC: candidates should verify the current format, timing, and scoring details in the latest NCMHCE candidate handbook.
- Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE), sponsored by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counseling Certification (CRCC): 175 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours. CRCE certification guide. This exam is commonly used by counselors pursuing a rehabilitation or substance use focus. See our guide to Arizona substance abuse counselor certification for related credential information.
Renewing Your License
Arizona counseling licenses are renewed on the schedule established by the Board. Applicants should verify the current renewal cycle and fees directly with the AZBBHE before renewal. You can renew by submitting a renewal form to the AZBBHE or by renewing online. The Arizona Board sets renewal fees and may change them over time.
To be eligible to renew, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year cycle. That requirement includes three specific areas: three hours in Arizona statutes and regulations (delivered in a tutorial format), three hours in behavioral health ethics, and three hours in cultural competency and diversity. The AZBBHE provides a CE tracking form to help you log completed hours throughout the cycle.
Reciprocity
Out-of-state counselors may qualify for Arizona licensure by endorsement if they meet current Board requirements. You can apply using this application.
In addition to the standard application materials, the AZBBHE needs to receive:
- Official verification of your LPC license from your home state licensing board
- Official exam scores from a qualifying national counselor examination from the sponsoring organization
A temporary license may be available for qualifying endorsement applicants under current Board rules, allowing you to practice under supervision while the AZBBHE processes your full LPC application. Contact the AZBBHE directly to confirm current fees and eligibility requirements.
Practicums and Internships
Whether you take the CACREP or non-CACREP route, your degree must include a qualifying supervised counseling practicum. Arizona requires a practicum of at least 700 hours total, with at least 240 of those hours spent in direct client contact. CACREP-accredited programs are generally designed to align with Arizona’s practicum requirements; verify specifics with the AZBBHE when applying.
If you’re pursuing licensure with a doctoral degree that includes a clinical internship, up to one year of that internship can be credited toward the LPC’s 3,200-hour supervised work experience requirement.
Counseling Salaries in Arizona
Salaries for licensed counselors in Arizona vary by practice specialty. The table below shows national median annual wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. For Arizona-specific figures, refer to the BLS state occupational data for Arizona.
| Counseling Occupation |
National Median Annual Wage (May 2024) |
Projected Growth (2024–2034) |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors |
$59,190 |
17% |
| Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors and Advisors |
$65,140 |
— |
| Marriage and Family Therapists |
$63,780 |
— |
| RUSilitation Counselors |
$46,110 |
1% |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures shown. Actual earnings vary by employer, practice setting, years of experience, and location within Arizona.
Career Opportunities
Arizona has public, nonprofit, and healthcare employers that hire licensed behavioral health professionals across the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas and the state’s rural regions. A few notable employers for licensed counselors include:The
Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS) provides behavioral health and public health services to Arizona residents through statewide programs, including addiction services and mental health recovery support.
COPE Community Services operates nine clinics and centers across the Tucson area, offering integrated physical and behavioral health services, including therapy, youth programs, and substance use treatment.
Friendship Community Mental Health Center was founded in 1995 and is based in Phoenix. It provides tailored outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization services to children, adults, and seniors.
Interfaith Community Services has served the Tucson community from three office locations since 1985, focusing on health advocacy, health education and outreach, end-of-life care, and mental health services.
Terros Health operates 10 Phoenix-area locations, including two dedicated to counseling. The organization has specialized in mental health and substance abuse treatment since 1969, combining primary care with behavioral health services.
Professional Resources
Arizona Counselors Association (AZCA): A professional association serving counselors in Arizona through training, networking, and advocacy resources since 1950. The AZCA maintains a job directory, internship links, and sponsors annual professional events across the state.
Arizona School Counselors Association (AzSCA): Supports school counselors through legislative advocacy, professional development resources, and annual networking events at the state and national level.
Mental Health America (MHA) of Arizona: Promotes mental health and well-being through advocacy, education, and public policy, including an annual conference and opportunities to get involved across the state.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Arizona: Works to reduce the stigma around mental illness through education and peer support, including a peer leadership council and annual events.
Arizona Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors: The NAADAC state affiliate for Arizona, offering certification resources and professional development focused on advancing substance use disorder counseling practice and policy in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed professional counselor in Arizona?
The process from the start of undergraduate study commonly spans several years. A bachelor’s degree takes four years. A qualifying master’s in counseling adds at least two more. After that, Arizona requires at least 24 months of supervised post-master’s experience before you can apply for the LPC. The total timeline varies based on full-time versus part-time enrollment and how quickly you complete your supervised hours.
What is the difference between an LAC and an LPC in Arizona?
The Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) is a supervised practice credential. You can work as a counselor with it, but only under the supervision of an approved professional. The Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a full, independent license. It lets you practice anywhere in Arizona without supervision. The LAC is a required step on the way to the LPC, not a permanent alternative to it.
What exams are accepted for Arizona counseling licensure?
The AZBBHE accepts three qualifying exams: the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), and the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam (CRCE). National certification bodies sponsor all three, and passing any one of them satisfies the exam requirement for both the LAC and LPC.
Can I get an Arizona LPC license if I’m already licensed in another state?
Out-of-state counselors may qualify for Arizona LPC licensure by endorsement if they meet current Board requirements. You’ll need official verification of your current license from your home state’s licensing board and official exam scores from the sponsoring organization. A temporary license may be available for qualifying applicants while the AZBBHE reviews the endorsement application. Verify current fees and eligibility requirements directly with the AZBBHE.
What continuing education is required to renew an Arizona counseling license?
Both the LAC and LPC must complete 30 CE hours every two years to renew. That includes three hours in Arizona statutes and regulations, three hours in behavioral health ethics, and three hours in cultural competency and diversity. The Arizona Board sets renewal fees and may change them. Verify the current amount directly with the AZBBHE before submitting.
Key Takeaways
- The AZBBHE issues both the LAC (supervised practice credential) and the LPC (full independent license). Most applicants must complete associate licensure, supervised experience, and Board approval before qualifying for the LPC.
- Full LPC licensure requires at least 3,200 post-master’s supervised hours over a minimum of two years, including 1,600 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision.
- A CACREP-accredited graduate degree in counseling of at least 60 semester credits is the most direct way to meet the education requirement, as these programs are generally designed to align with Arizona’s practicum requirements.
- Three national exams are accepted for licensure: the NCE, NCMHCE, and CRCE. You choose one and register after the AZBBHE approves your LAC application.
- The total timeline from undergraduate enrollment to full LPC licensure commonly spans several years, depending on full-time versus part-time status and how quickly you accumulate supervised hours.
Prospective students can compare accredited counseling programs aligned with Arizona licensure requirements.
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Laura Bennett, MPH is a public health professional with over 12 years of experience in community health education and program coordination. She specializes in helping aspiring professionals explore flexible education pathways, including online and hybrid public health degree programs. Laura is passionate about making public health careers more accessible through practical, accredited training
