Kristie Overstreet Ph.D., LPCC, LMHC, LPC, CST
Congratulations, you’ve made it this far. You have completed your master’s program, you’re gathering your hours towards licensure, and preparing for the Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) exam. This next step towards your journey to becoming an LPCC can feel overwhelming but no need to fear.
There are many tips, strategies, and information that will help you prepare for the exam. Make sure you talk with others who have taken the exam and get their feedback on what helped them. The following will help you prepare to take your examination and move forward toward your licensure.
The LPCC exam
The Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) is the California state regulatory agency that is responsible for licensing, examination, and enforcement of standards for LPCCs, LMFTs, LSCWs, LEPs.
To become an LPCC in the state of California, there are several requirements including two examinations.
- The BBS uses the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) as the clinical examination for California LPCCs.
- The BBS administers the California LPCC Law and Ethics Examination.
These two exams must be passed as part of the requirements to become an LPCC practicing in California. If you are an out-of-state applicant working towards your LPCC licensure in California and you have already taken the NCMHCE you also have to pass the Law and Ethics Examination.
Preparing for the exam
The most important thing you can do to prepare for the exam is to create a plan. Your plan needs to include scheduling time to study, mock exams, and proven study aids.
Keeping a healthy mindset will be very important throughout your study and preparation. Staying positive, determined, and saying no to those who try to intrude on your study time will help you feel more confident about your preparation.
Your ability to hold yourself accountable for study time will be one of the most significant predictors of success in passing. When you schedule your exam date, make sure that you give yourself several months to prepare. After you choose your exam date, create a paper calendar and plan when you will study. Decide how much time you want to spend weekly then schedule it just as you would anything else important to you.
Ensuring you get the results you desire
The BBS has requirements that you must pass the exam and take a 12-hour California Law and Ethics course before you can become fully licensed as an LPCC. Your future as an LPCC during this process will be determined on successfully passing your exam. This is why it is critical that you choose a study program that can produce proven results. There are many study guides, programs, and options to choose from.
Whether you learn best from online courses, on-site workshops, or printed study guides, a great one to consider is Gerry Grossman Seminars. From instructor training to self-guided programs, you can pick the best plan that works for your learning style. One of the best supports they offer is the mock exams. These mock exams will replicate what it will feel like to be in the exam room as you click through the exam questions you will learn how to approach problems and formulate your answers.
You have worked hard to get to where you are today. Remember that you are not alone during the process. Reach out to your support system, ask for help, and practice self-care. Be sure you find the best study preparation program that meets your needs. You will do great on your examination, and your continued hard work will pay off.
