LicenseCompass

Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate License in North Carolina

Quick Answer

To become a licensed counselor in NC, you need a master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Most states also require supervised clinical experience.

Exam
NCE (National Counselor Examination)
Timeline
2-4 years (including supervised experience)
Background Check
Required

Requirements

Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate license in North Carolina

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
State exam required
Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

NC Board of Examiners of Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors

Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate Salary in North Carolina

Entry Level

$38,440

Median

$56,470

Experienced

$83,790

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate in North Carolina.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    No criminal record prohibitions

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    State exam required — NCE (National Counselor Examination)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience).

Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA) A provisional or initial License allows a person to engage in the supervised practice of counseling in the state of North Carolina. This license type is required prior to being eligible for full Licensed as 'Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate' in NC. Education: Degree required. Exam: Third-party exam required. Background: Background check required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate license in North Carolina?
The process typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate license in North Carolina?
You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). State exam required

Considering another state?

Compare Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.