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LPC vs. LCPC: Illinois Licensing Requirements

Interested in becoming an LPC or an LCPC in Illinois? Learn about the difference between LPC and LCPC and how we can help you can earn your license.

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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.
 

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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.
 

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What’s the difference between an LPC and an LCPC license?

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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

In Illinois, LPC and LCPC licensure requirements include three main categories: education, exam, and clinical experience.
The Illinois LCPC requirements are more time-intensive than the Illinois LPC process. However, you won’t need to earn an LPC license to become an LCPC, and many of the LPC requirements are the same as LCPC licensing requirements.
Click through to discover what you need to become an LPC or LCPC therapist in Illinois.

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.

In addition to this course load, individuals must also have completed a practicum or internship experience. No matter the program, The Chicago School helps every student find relevant, engaging field experience to fulfill the Illinois internship requirement for licensing.

LCPC Requirements

Like the LPC, the LCPC education requirements include the completion of a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology or a related field from an accredited program, according to the Illinois General Assembly.

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

Clinical supervision is the final piece of the LPC license process. You’ll need 18 hours of clinical supervision to fulfill this requirement.

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.

How to renew your LPC or LCPC license

 

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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

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

 

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Careers with an LPC or LCPC Certification

LPC CAREER PATH

With an LPC license, you can become 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

With an LCPC license, you can become 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: Degree Programs

Your first step to becoming an LPC or LCPC starts with a master’s or doctoral degree.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Chicago Campus offers a wide variety of degrees to prepare you for your future as an LPC or LCPC.

From a Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology to our APA-accredited Psy.D Program in Clinical Psychology, our Chicago campus provides diverse degree tracks perfect for helping you achieve your career goals. Explore all TCSPP Chicago Campus programs here.

If you already have a degree, but you need some help along your journey to LPC or LCPC licensing, we offer Continuing Education credits (CE) to current psychologists.

 

Want more information? Fill out the form below.

Your first step to becoming an LPC or LCPC starts with a master’s or doctoral degree.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Chicago Campus offers a wide variety of degrees to prepare you for your future as an LPC or LCPC.

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