What is LPC?
LPC stands for licensed professional counselors.
The terms “licensed professional counselor” and “professional counselor” both refer to a person who holds a license authorizing the practice of professional counseling as defined by the Illinois Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act.
What is LCPC?
LCPC stands for licensed clinical professional counselors.
The terms “licensed clinical professional counselor” and “clinical professional counselor” both refer to a person who holds a license authorizing the independent practice of clinical professional counseling.
LCPC designations and definitions for Illinois are outlined in the Illinois Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing and Practice Act.
LCPC as a specific title and credential is used to designate counselors in seven states, the largest being Illinois.
What’s the difference between an LPC and an LCPC license?
Both LPC and LCPC licenses state your ability to provide counseling and therapy services to a variety of client populations. However, they have two main differences.
1. Career intent:
- An LCPC license is generally a more advanced designation for professionals who are interested in supervisory roles, research, development, or training staff.
2. Licensing requirements:
- The Illinois LCPC license has additional supervision and examination requirements.
How to become an LPC or LCPC therapist in Illinois
Different in LPC and LCPC Education Requirements
LPC Requirements
According to the Illinois General Assembly, individuals must first complete a master’s or doctoral degree in an area related to counseling. Courses should cover topics ranging from counseling theory, legal responsibilities (including Illinois law), individual appraisal, substance abuse, and more.
To qualify for licensure, your master’s or doctorate must be from a regionally accredited institution and meet specific degree and coursework requirements. The Chicago School’s M.A. Counseling Psychology is regionally accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). This ensures our science-based approach to psychology and counseling prepares graduates with practical training that is recognized and accepted within the region.
In addition to this course load, individuals must also have completed a practicum or internship experience. The Chicago School helps every student find a relevant and engaging field experience that meets the Illinois internship requirements for licensing. This hands-on experience trains students in the most updated, evidence-based practice, preparing them with clinical skills and awareness needed for a career in mental health.
LCPC Requirements
Examination (in Illinois)
ILLINOIS LPC REQUIREMENTS
To earn your LPC license, Illinois also requires the completion of the National Board for Certified Counselors’ National Counselor Examination (NCE).Once you’re ready to take the NCE, you must apply to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to get approval to take the exam.
Once approved, you must take the exam within a six-month window. The NCE is comprised of 200 multiple choice questions and will take approximately four hours to complete.
ILLINOIS LCPC REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the NCE exam, LCPC candidates must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE).This LCPC exam is more rigorous than the NCE. It includes 10 simulated clinical mental health counseling cases.
Clinical Supervision
LPC REQUIREMENTS
LCPC REQUIREMENTS
Individuals must work under supervision for two years. A single year must satisfy 960 hours of supervised, face-to-face, direct counseling experience within 48 weeks. During this period, you must meet with your supervisor for a minimum of one hour every week.
| Degree Requirements | Licensure Requirements | Clinical Requirements | Career Outcomes | |
| LPC | Master’s degree in a counseling-related field | National Counselor Examination (NCE) | Less than 18 hours of clinical supervision | Licensed Professional Counselor: mental health, guidance, substance abuse, marriage and family |
| LCPC | Master’s or doctoral degree in a counseling-related field | National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE) | 960 hours of clinical supervision | Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor: psychology, social work, psychiatry |
How to renew your LPC or LCPC license
With both LPC and LCPC licenses, you must go through the process of renewal every other year.
Renewal Requirements:
- Renew by March 31 every odd-numbered year
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education
- Renewal fee of $170
Out Of State Renewal Requirements:
If you’re coming from out-of-state, you have to apply for an Illinois LPC or LCPC license within 90 days of your old license’s expiration date. You’ll also have to show proof of:
- Your master’s or doctoral degree
- Passing the NCE/NCMHCE exam
- 2 years of supervised experience
Careers with an LPC or LCPC Certification
LPC CAREER PATH
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, your career path may also present you with opportunities to pursue careers such as:
- school guidance counselor
- marriage and family therapist
- mental health counselor
- substance abuse counselor
LCPC CAREER PATH
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, your career path may also present you with opportunities to become any of the following:
- licensed clinical social worker
- licensed clinical psychologist
- licensed clinical psychiatrist.
Becoming an LPC or LCPC: Accredited Degree Programs
Your first step to becoming an LPC or LCPC starts with a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling. The Chicago School offers accredited graduate-level degree programs in counseling psychology and clinical psychology, available in Chicago, Illinois. Each program builds the student’s knowledge and skills through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences.
Offering a master’s program in counseling psychology and an APA-accredited Psy.D. program in clinical psychology, our Chicago Campus provides diverse degree tracks perfect for helping you achieve your career goals as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. If you already have a degree but you need some help along your journey to LPC or LCPC licensing, we offer Continuing Education Credits (CEC) to current psychologists.