New Jersey Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates and CE Requirements

Navigating the licensure renewal process for counselors and therapists in New Jersey can be complex, but staying informed about the state’s requirements is crucial for maintaining your professional credentials.

Whether you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), or hold another related license, understanding the renewal deadlines and continuing education (CE) obligations is essential to ensure uninterrupted practice. In this blog, we’ll break down the key dates and specific requirements so that you can keep your license in good standing without any surprises.

New Jersey requires counselors and therapists to renew their licenses biennially, typically within the same cycle as other healthcare professionals. However, this varies depending on the type of license you hold. Failing to renew your license on time can result in late fees, disciplinary action, or the temporary inability to practice.

In addition to meeting the renewal deadlines, counselors and therapists must complete a set number of continuing education hours, which ensures that practitioners remain updated on the latest developments and best practices in mental health care.

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1) Key New Jersey Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal Dates

In New Jersey, counselors and therapists must meet specific credentialing and licensure requirements to practice legally. These requirements vary depending on the type of license, but generally, they involve a combination of education, supervised clinical experience, passing national exams, and ongoing continuing education.

Below is an overview of the credentialing and licensure process for counselors and therapists in New Jersey, including renewal details and associated fees.

Credentialing and Licensure Requirements for Counselors and Therapists in New Jersey

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in New Jersey, applicants must:
- Hold a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited program.
- Complete at least 60 semester hours of graduate study.
- Complete 4,500 hours of supervised clinical experience post-master’s degree.
- Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent board-approved exam.
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC)
The LAC is a temporary license that allows individuals to practice under supervision while completing their LPC clinical experience. Requirements for the LAC include:
- A master’s degree in counseling or a related field.
- No post-master’s supervised hours are required to apply for the LAC, but the individual must work under supervision.
- Passing the NCE or a similar approved exam.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
LMFT candidates must:
- Hold a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field.
- Complete 4,500 hours of supervised experience, with at least 1,500 hours involving direct client contact.
- Pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFT).
Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC)
LRC candidates need to:
- Have a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a closely related field.
- Complete at least 60 graduate-level semester hours, including specific rehabilitation counseling coursework.
- Complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience post-master’s.
- Pass the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) exam.

Licensure Renewal Details and Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

New Jersey requires biennial renewal for all counseling and therapy licenses. The renewal cycle is every two years, ending on November 30 of odd-numbered years. Each license type has specific CE requirements, typically involving a mix of ethics, legal issues, and core competency training.

LPC Renewal Requirements:
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- 5 hours must be in ethics.
- Renewal Cost: $250
LAC Renewal Requirements:
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years, similar to the LPC requirements.
- Renewal Cost: $160
LMFT Renewal Requirements:
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- 5 hours must be in ethics.
- Renewal Cost: $250
LRC Renewal Requirements:
- 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- 5 hours must be in ethics.
- Renewal Cost: $250

Fees for Licenses

LPC Initial License Application Fee: $125
LAC Initial License Application Fee: $75
LMFT Initial License Application Fee: $125
LRC Initial License Application Fee: $125

Other fees include:

Reinstatement of Expired License: $150 plus the renewal fee.
Late Renewal Fee: $100 for LPC, LMFT, and LRC; $75 for LAC.

Sources:

New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs: Professional Counselor Examiners Committee – https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/pc
New Jersey Administrative Code – Licensure of Professional Counselors and Therapists https://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) – https://www.nbcc.org

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet New Jersey’s requirements for Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education credits.

2) New Jersey Counselor and Therapist Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing Education (CE) is a critical component of licensure renewal for counselors and therapists in New Jersey, ensuring that professionals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field. The state has specific guidelines on the number of CE hours required, the types of courses that qualify, and the frequency with which these requirements must be fulfilled.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Associate Counselors (LACs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), and Licensed Rehabilitation Counselors (LRCs) in New Jersey.

General CE Requirements for Counselors and Therapists in New Jersey

All counseling and therapy licenses in New Jersey must be renewed every two years, and during each renewal period, licensees must complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their license in good standing.

The number of hours required and specific content areas vary slightly by license type, but all licenses generally require coursework in ethics and other core professional competencies.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements
- Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Ethics: 5 hours must be focused on ethics, including professional and legal standards.
- Acceptable Coursework: Continuing education activities must be relevant to counseling practice and may include workshops, seminars, conferences, or online courses that address core knowledge areas like diagnosis, treatment, and counseling techniques.
- Approved Providers: Courses must be approved by the New Jersey Board of Professional Counselor Examiners or offered by recognized organizations like the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), American Counseling Association (ACA), or a regionally accredited university.
Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) CE Requirements
- Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years, similar to LPCs.
- Ethics: 5 hours must be in ethics and legal standards.
- Additional Notes: Although LACs are in the process of working toward full licensure as LPCs, they are still required to fulfill the same CE requirements to ensure that they stay informed on key issues and developments in the profession.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) CE Requirements
- Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Ethics: 5 hours must be related to ethics, covering legal responsibilities, confidentiality, and professional conduct in marriage and family therapy.
- Specialty Areas: CE activities must be relevant to marriage and family therapy practice, addressing areas such as family dynamics, couples therapy, and systemic approaches.
- Approved Providers: Courses must be approved by organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), the NBCC, or another board-recognized entity.
Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) CE Requirements
- Total Hours: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
- Ethics: 5 hours must be related to ethics and legal standards in rehabilitation counseling.
- Specialty Areas: Courses must cover topics relevant to rehabilitation counseling, such as vocational counseling, disability issues, and case management.
- Approved Providers: Acceptable CE programs must be recognized by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC), NBCC, ACA, or other professional organizations related to rehabilitation counseling.

Key Points on Continuing Education

Documentation: Licensees are responsible for maintaining documentation of their completed CE activities for at least five years in case of audit by the New Jersey Board of Professional Counselor Examiners.
Carry-Over Credits: New Jersey does not allow CE credits to be carried over from one renewal period to the next. Licensees must complete the full 40 hours within the designated two-year renewal period.
Online Learning: Many CE hours can be earned through online courses, but the provider must be recognized by the board. There is no set limit on the number of online hours, as long as they meet the content and approval standards.
Non-Qualifying Activities: Supervision hours, regular job duties, and teaching courses that are not board-approved do not count towards the CE requirement.

Renewal Compliance and Consequences

Licensees who fail to meet the CE requirements by the renewal deadline (November 30th of odd-numbered years) may be subject to late fees, and their licenses may lapse, preventing them from practicing legally until they fulfill the requirements. It’s also important for licensees to complete CE courses from board-approved providers to avoid issues during the renewal process.

New Jersey’s CE requirements ensure that counselors and therapists remain knowledgeable about evolving practices and legal standards, ultimately benefiting the clients they serve by maintaining high standards of care.

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great way to meet New Jersey’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements and track your completed CEUs, with over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet these requirements!

Agents of Change has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7620. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Agents of Change is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

3) FAQs – New Jersey Counselor and Therapist Licensure Renewal and CEUs

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the required continuing education hours before my license renewal in New Jersey?

A: Failing to complete the required continuing education (CE) hours before the renewal deadline can result in serious consequences. If you do not meet the CE requirements by the November 30th deadline in odd-numbered years, your license may lapse, meaning you cannot legally practice until it is renewed.

In addition, late fees will be applied, and you may face disciplinary actions from the New Jersey Board of Professional Counselor Examiners. To avoid these penalties, it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure you meet the CE requirements within the designated renewal period.

Q: Are online continuing education courses acceptable for license renewal in New Jersey?

A: Yes, New Jersey allows counselors and therapists to complete their continuing education hours through online courses, as long as the courses are provided by an approved organization or provider. Recognized providers include the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and other board-approved entities. Agents of Change Continuing Education is approved by the NBCC.

There is no limit on the number of online CE hours, but it’s important to ensure that the courses meet the specific requirements for ethics and other core competencies. Always verify that your CE provider is approved by the New Jersey Board of Professional Counselor Examiners before completing the course.

Q: Can I carry over unused CE credits to the next renewal cycle?

A: No, New Jersey does not allow licensees to carry over unused continuing education credits from one renewal period to the next. All 40 hours of required CE must be completed within the two-year renewal cycle to count toward your current license renewal. It’s important to track your CE activities carefully and complete the necessary hours within each cycle to avoid delays in renewing your license.

Resources for CE: Agents of Change Continuing Education offers over 150 NBCC-approved courses that meet New Jersey’s Counselor and Therapist CE requirements.

4) Conclusion

Maintaining your counseling or therapy license in New Jersey involves more than just staying current with renewal deadlines; it requires an ongoing commitment to professional development through continuing education.

By fulfilling the state’s specific CE requirements, including mandatory ethics training, you not only uphold the legal standards of your profession but also ensure that you are providing the highest level of care to your clients. Staying proactive in tracking your continuing education hours and selecting courses that enhance your skills will keep your practice thriving.

The licensure renewal process in New Jersey is straightforward as long as you remain aware of the requirements and deadlines. Whether you’re an LPC, LAC, LMFT, or LRC, it’s important to remember that missing deadlines or CE obligations can result in penalties, fees, and the potential temporary suspension of your ability to practice. By planning your continuing education in advance and choosing approved providers, you can avoid these issues and maintain your license without interruption.

Resources like Agents of Change Continuing Education provide accessible and varied learning opportunities for Counselors and Therapists to meet Continuing Education requirements. Learn more about Agents of Change Continuing Education.

We’ve helped thousands of Counselors and Therapists with their Continuing Education and want you to be next!

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: Agents of Change Continuing Education

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workersfor more than 10 years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Counselors, Therapists, and Social Workers stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment