As in many other states, counselors in Wisconsin who have obtained their full license are known as licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and those who have yet to complete the supervision portion of the licensure process hold a professional counselor training license.

The state’s premier professional organization for LPCs is the Wisconsin Counseling Association, a local branch of the American Counseling Association whose mission is “to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advocating for the professional practices in the profession of counseling, and promoting respect for human dignity and diversity.” Licensure for LPCs in Wisconsin is managed by the state’s Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Licensure requirements for counselors in Wisconsin, including education, supervision, examination, fees, renewal, and “licensure reciprocity,” are examined in further detail below, along with salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as scholarships and loan repayment programs available to LPCs in the state.

LPC licensure in Wisconsin requires the completion of a graduate degree in professional counseling from a program accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The state Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board maintains a list of approved LPC education programs (PDF, 162 KB) in Wisconsin.

Appropriate degree programs will be 60 semester hours in length with a minimum of three semester hours in counseling theory, practicum and in the following content areas:

In addition to the coursework listed above, LPC licensure in Wisconsin also requires the completion of a three semester-hour supervised practicum in providing counseling to clients. This requirement is distinct from post-graduate supervision, which is also necessary for licensure.

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“Supervision” is shorthand for directed, post-graduate experience in professional counseling under supervision in a work setting. LPC licensure in Wisconsin requires the completion of 3,000 hours of supervision for holders of master’s degrees, with 1,000 hours of face-to-face client contact. Applicants with a doctoral degree are required to complete 1,000 hours.

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LPC licensure in Wisconsin requires a passing score on the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination and the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam.

National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)

The NCE is a 200-question, multiple-choice examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It assesses knowledge, skills, and abilities in effective counseling services.

National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE)

The NCMHCE tests knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, counseling, psychotherapy, administration, consultation, and supervision. It consists of 10 clinical mental health counseling cases and assesses clinical problem-solving ability by testing identification, analysis, and treatment. It is also administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Exam

The CRC Exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions across 10 subjects underlying rehabilitation counseling. One portion of the exam tests knowledge regarding counseling, while the other pertains to rehabilitation and disability issues. It is administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination

The Wisconsin Statutes and Rules Examination is drawn from applicable state statutes and administrative code chapters specific to professional counseling. It is online, un-timed, and administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.

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LPCs in Wisconsin can expect to pay the following fees for their license, application and renewal (PDF, 136 KB):

LPC Training License: $75

LPC License Application: $77

LPC License Renewal: $62

LPC Reciprocity Application: $62

WIsconsin Statutes and Rules Exam: $75

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LPC licenses in Wisconsin expire biennially on February 28 of each odd-numbered year. License renewal requires payment of the appropriate fees and the completion of continuing education. First-time renewals are exempt from the Continuing Education requirement.

Wisconsin LPCs are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) (CE) during each two-year renewal period. At least four of these hours must focus on ethics and professional boundaries.

CE hours may be earned through programs approved, sponsored, provided, endorsed, or authorized by the following organizations:

CE may also be obtained through in-house training (maximum of 15 hours), presentations, and development of CE.

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For Counselors Licensed in Other States

The Wisconsin Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board has an alternative route to licensure (PDF 1,012 KB) for counselors who have already obtained their licenses in other parts of the United States. This process is called “licensure reciprocity”. Out-of-state applicants must submit proof of a valid license in good standing. Requirement of a passing score on a counseling examination is required.

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Counselors in Wisconsin can expect to earn the following mean hourly and annual wages, according to May 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

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The following scholarships and loan repayment programs are available to LPCs and LPC Trainees in Wisconsin:

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*Licensure information including requirements, renewals, scholarships, and fees were retrieved as of June 2022. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.

Last updated: June 2022