· Academic Requirements
· Code of Ethics
· Complaints
· Continuing Education
· Directory
· Forms & Applications
· Licensed Counselors
· Licensing
· ND Century Code
· News
· Testing

ABOUT US

The NDBCE was established by the North Dakota Legislature in 1989 to regulate the practice of professional counseling in the state (NDCC 43-47). Presently, the NDBCE offers three counseling licenses (LAPC, LPC & LPCC) and maintains active files for some 330 licensed professional counselors in North Dakota. The board sets the requirements for these licenses, administers the examinations needed to qualify for licensure, develops and monitors continuing education for counselors, and manages the complaint procedure relative to professional counseling.

Counseling Law
Initially, the counselor license law set standards for two levels of counselors: the supervised Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) and the fully recognized Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In 1995, the state legislature passed legislation to allow the NDBCE to develop counseling specialty licensing. The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specialty license in clinical mental health was developed by the board in 1996.

Board Membership
By law, the five-member NDBCE consists of two practicing counselors, two representatives of the public at large, and one counselor educator. The members are appointed by the Governor for terms of three years. The board annually elects a chairperson and secretary-treasurer from its membership.

Board Meetings
The NDBCE meets at least three times a year to conduct the business of the board.

Board Office
The NDBCE maintains an office in Mandan, North Dakota. This is staffed by a part-time Executive Secretary who manages the daily operation of the board.