LPCC-Preparation Information - For students who began the EDCO program BEFORE 8/1/2012

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aladdin

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) preparation information for San José State University students who began the EDCO program before August 1, 2012. The packet explains terminology (LPCC, APCC, practicum/field study, internship, direct and indirect hours), outlines why licensure is beneficial, and provides step-by-step requirements: completing the 48-unit EDCO master’s degree, applying for APCC, finishing post-degree internship hours, and passing two exams, plus education, exam, internship, and FAQ guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Terminology

How is being licensed beneficial?

Steps to become an LPCC

Education requirements

Applying to become an APCC

Exams

Internship requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional memberships/Networking

San José State University Department of Counselor Education Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)-Preparation Information *For students who began the EDCO program BEFORE 8/1/2012* The Counselor Education Department (EDCO) has been reviewed and accepted by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) which has verified that our program is currently (as of August 2020) in compliance with California State law. In this informational packet, you will find: • Terminology • Why being licensed is beneficial? • Steps to become an LPCC • Education Requirements • Applying to become an APCC (post master’s graduation) • Exams • Internship Requirements • Frequently Asked Questions • Professional Memberships/Networking TERMINOLOGY • LPCC – Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-a CA state licensure program administrated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) • APCC-Associate Professional Clinical Counselor-obtained after completion of EDCO master’s degree program through application to the BBS to commence clinical internship hours • Practicum or Field Study – Supervised counseling (fieldwork – EDCO 292) completed before degree that includes clinical counseling of individuals, groups, or families • Internship – Supervised counseling completed after degree • Direct Client Hours – Hours spent face-to-face with clients • Indirect Hours – Hours spent not with clients-case management, supervision, completing notes, planning for sessions, communicating with other professionals about clinical work HOW IS BEING LICENSED BENEFICIAL? 􀀡 Broader scope of practice integrating socioemotional, academic, and career 􀀡 Can practice in a variety of settings including schools, mental health agencies, VA facilities, jails, private practice, hospitals, and many more; not where you practice it’s how you practice 􀀡 Eligible for jobs comparable to LMFTs, LCSWs 􀀡 Reimbursement by Medi-Cal and insurance 􀀡 Lends credibility to you as a mental health professional 􀀡 Competitive for jobs in medical and nonprofit sectors (provides job stability amidst budget concerns) 􀀡 Transferable between states (may need to take additional steps, but being licensed in one state often expediteslicensure in other states) STEPS TO BECOME AN LPCC 1. Complete 48-unit Master’s degree through EDCO 2. Apply to become an APCC 3. Complete post-degree Internship hours 4. Pass 2 Exams EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Minimum Requirements-48-unit Master’s degree including: | Content Areas EDCO
Courses | | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1) Core Content Areas A. | | | | Counseling and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques | EDCO 215 | | • 9 Core Content areas | | B. | | Human growth and development across the lifespan | EDCO 268 | | • 7 Areas MUST be completed in | | C. | | Career development theories and techniques | EDCO 266 | | degree program | | D. | | Group counseling theories and technique | EDCO 219 or | | • All 9 areas must be completed before education can be approved | | E. | | Assessment, appraisal, and testing of individuals | EDCO 279
EDCO 283 | | | | F. | | Multicultural counseling theories and techniques | EDCO 244 or
EDCO 280 | | | | G. | | Principles of the diagnostic process | EDCO 282 | | | | H. | | Research and evaluation | EDCO 221 | | | | I. | | Professional orientation, ethics, and law in counseling | EDCO 232 | | 2) Supervised Fieldwork: Minimum 6 units | | | | | EDCO 292,
EDCO 292 | | 3) Advanced Coursework: Minimum 12 units | | | | | | | 4) Additional Content
Missing “Additional Coursework” can be | • | | Alcoholism and other chemical substance dependency (15 hours) | | EDCO 293 | | taken online:
- [http://calpcc.org/ceu-course-providers](http://calpcc.org/ceu-course-providers)
- [http://www.jfku.edu/Programs-and](http://www.jfku.edu/Programs-and)Courses/Continuing-ExtendedEducation/OnlineCourses.html | •
•

FAQs

What do LPCC and APCC mean in this program information packet?

LPCC refers to a California state licensure program administered by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). APCC is an associate status obtained after completing the EDCO master’s degree and applying to BBS to begin clinical internship hours.

What are the high-level steps to become an LPCC?

Complete the 48-unit master’s degree through EDCO, apply to become an APCC, finish post-degree internship hours, and pass 2 exams.

Which exams are required, and what is the required order?

The California Law and Ethics Exam is taken during the first year of having the PCCI number, and the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) is taken after all 3000 hours are completed. The packet states you must first pass the California Law and Ethics exam before taking the NCMHCE.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aladdin