2026 LPC Counseling Licensure Requirements in Colorado

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado requires more than choosing a counseling graduate program and finishing clinical hours. You need a qualifying graduate degree, the right coursework, supervised post-degree experience, required exams, and approval from the Colorado State Board. Because counseling licensure affects where you can work, whether you can practice independently, and how easily you can move from another state, it is important to understand the full process before investing time and tuition.

This guide explains Colorado LPC counseling licensure requirements in practical terms. It is designed for prospective graduate students, current counseling students, LPCC candidates, and out-of-state counselors evaluating whether Colorado is a realistic next step. You will learn what degree is required, which courses matter, how supervised experience works, what exams to expect, how long the process may take, and how licensure can influence career options in Colorado’s mental health workforce.

Quick Answer: Colorado LPC Licensure Requirements

To become an LPC in Colorado, you generally need a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, graduate coursework that meets state standards, supervised post-degree counseling experience, and passing scores on required exams. Colorado’s mental health counseling field is also expected to remain active, with a 15% projected job growth through 2030.

Graduate education is required: Colorado LPC applicants must hold a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Coursework matters: Applicants must complete at least 60 semester hours of graduate-level study covering required counseling content areas.
Supervised experience is mandatory: Applicants should carefully confirm the current state requirement because the licensure pathway commonly refers to post-degree supervised clinical experience, including stated requirements of 2,400 hours and 2,000 hours in different summaries.
Exams are part of the process: Candidates typically complete a national counseling examination and Colorado’s jurisprudence exam before full licensure.
Licensure expands career options: Full LPC status can support independent practice, clinical roles, supervision pathways, and long-term advancement.

Table of Contents

Degree required for Colorado LPC licensure
Required graduate counseling coursework
Supervised counseling hour requirements
Required LPC exams in Colorado
How to apply for Colorado LPC licensure
Typical timeline to become an LPC
Continuing education for Colorado LPCs
Average LPC salary in Colorado
Types of Colorado professional counselor licenses
Licensure by endorsement and out-of-state counselors
Demand for LPCs in Colorado
Career growth after LPC licensure

What degree is required to become an LPC in Colorado?

Colorado requires LPC applicants to complete graduate-level education in counseling or a closely related mental health field. The most common route is a master’s degree in counseling, but doctoral-level training may also qualify when it meets state standards. The key issue is not only the title of the degree; the program must include the required counseling content, clinical preparation, and accreditation or equivalency documentation expected by the board.

Master’s degree in counseling or a related field: A qualifying master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited or equivalent program is the standard educational route for Colorado LPC licensure.
Doctoral degree in counseling or a related field: A PhD, EdD, or PsyD from a CACREP-accredited or board-approved equivalent program can meet the educational requirement and may support advanced clinical, academic, or leadership goals.
Equivalent degrees reviewed by the board: Degrees in related mental health disciplines may be accepted if a board-approved credentialing agency determines that the education is equivalent to Colorado’s counseling standards.

Degree path	When it may make sense	What to verify before enrolling
Master’s in counseling	Best fit for most future LPCs who want the direct route into clinical counseling practice.	Confirm CACREP status or whether the curriculum satisfies Colorado’s required counseling areas.
Doctoral degree in counseling or related field	Useful for students seeking advanced clinical work, supervision, teaching, research, or leadership roles.	Check whether the degree is board-approved or equivalent for LPC eligibility.
Closely related mental health degree	May work for applicants whose training overlaps substantially with professional counseling.	Ask whether an educational equivalency review will be required and whether any coursework gaps are likely.

Before choosing a school, ask admissions staff for written confirmation that the program is designed to meet Colorado LPC educational requirements. If the program is online or located outside Colorado, also ask whether graduates have successfully qualified for Colorado LPCC or LPC status.

What core coursework is required for LPC licensure in Colorado?

Colorado expects LPC applicants to complete graduate coursework that prepares them for ethical, culturally responsive, evidence-informed counseling practice. The required curriculum is meant to ensure that new counselors understand human development, assessment, counseling theory, professional ethics, research, group work, and career development before they begin independent practice.

Human growth and development: Covers typical and atypical development across the lifespan so counselors can understand client concerns in developmental context.
Social and cultural foundations: Focuses on multicultural counseling, identity, social systems, and diversity-related factors that shape client experience.
Helping relationships: Introduces counseling theories, therapeutic skills, professional boundaries, and the counselor-client relationship.
Group dynamics and group counseling: Builds competence in group process, group leadership, and therapeutic group facilitation.
Lifestyle and career development: Prepares counselors to help clients with career choices, work transitions, and vocational decision-making.
Appraisal and assessment: Teaches the appropriate and ethical use of assessment tools, testing concepts, and client evaluation methods.
Research and program evaluation: Helps counselors interpret research, evaluate services, and use data to improve practice.
Professional orientation and ethics: Explains the counseling profession, professional roles, legal responsibilities, and ethical standards.

These course areas are not just bureaucratic requirements. They shape the skills you will use daily when assessing client needs, choosing interventions, documenting care, managing risk, and working within legal and ethical boundaries.

If you are comparing graduate programs, do not look only at tuition or convenience. Review the course catalog, practicum structure, internship expectations, faculty qualifications, and whether the school clearly explains licensure alignment. Students comparing timelines and expenses may also find it helpful to review Research.com’s guide on how long it takes to become a licensed counselor.

Question to ask a program	Why it matters
Does the program require at least 60 semester hours?	Colorado licensure eligibility depends on meeting graduate credit expectations.
Is the program CACREP-accredited or considered equivalent?	Accreditation or equivalency can affect how smoothly your education is reviewed.
Does the curriculum include all required counseling content areas?	Missing coursework can delay LPCC registration or LPC approval.
Are practicum and internship placements supported?	Clinical placement quality affects your readiness for supervised post-degree practice.
Do online students receive licensure advising for Colorado?	Online programs may serve many states, so Colorado-specific advising is important.

How many supervised counseling hours are required for LPC licensure in Colorado?

Supervised clinical experience is the bridge between graduate school and independent counseling practice. Colorado licensure summaries commonly describe a post-master’s supervised practice requirement, including 2,000 hours of supervised counseling experience. Because some summaries also refer to 2,400 hours, applicants should verify the current requirement directly with the Colorado State Board before planning their timeline or submitting an application.

Direct client contact: At least 1,500 hours must involve face-to-face counseling or psychotherapy with clients, giving candidates substantial experience in assessment, treatment planning, intervention, documentation, and clinical judgment.
Clinical supervision: Candidates need at least 100 hours of one-on-one supervision from qualified professionals, with up to 50 hours permitted in group supervision settings.
Other professional activities: Colorado’s rules emphasize supervised client care and supervision documentation rather than assigning strict hour totals to every non-clinical task.
Post-degree timing: The supervised hours must be completed after the qualifying master’s degree. Graduate practicum and internship hours do not count toward the post-degree supervised experience requirement.

A Colorado counselor who completed graduate training in the state described the supervised period as demanding but useful. She said the hardest part was managing client responsibilities while also preparing for supervision and documentation. It took her just under four years to complete the 2,000 hours because her schedule included part-time clinical work and other professional responsibilities.

Her advice was practical: choose a supervisor who gives consistent feedback, document hours from the beginning, and do not wait until the end of the process to check whether your forms meet board expectations.

Supervised experience component	Stated requirement	Practical planning tip
Total supervised experience	2,000 hours, with some summaries also referencing 2,400 hours	Confirm the current rule with the Colorado board before counting hours.
Direct client contact	At least 1,500 hours	Track face-to-face counseling separately from administrative or training activities.
Individual supervision	At least 100 hours of one-on-one clinical supervision	Schedule supervision consistently and keep signed records.
Group supervision	Up to 50 hours allowed	Do not assume all supervision can be completed in groups.
Timing	Post-degree only	Do not count graduate practicum or internship hours toward post-degree totals.

What exams are required for LPC licensure in Colorado?

Colorado uses examinations to confirm that LPC candidates understand professional counseling practice and the state’s legal and ethical expectations. The exams are not a substitute for supervised experience, but they are a required checkpoint before full licensure.

National Counselor Examination (NCE): This 200-question multiple-choice exam assesses core counseling knowledge and is widely used in counselor licensure.
Colorado jurisprudence examination: This open-book, state-specific test covers Colorado laws, rules, and ethical responsibilities for mental health professionals.
National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) as an alternative option: This case-based exam evaluates clinical reasoning, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning through scenario-based questions.

Out-of-state applicants should not assume that a license from another jurisdiction eliminates Colorado exam requirements. Colorado may still require documentation of national exam results and completion of the state jurisprudence exam. If you are still selecting a graduate program, Research.com’s overview of online counseling degree programs can help you compare flexible academic options while keeping licensure requirements in mind.

How do you apply for LPC licensure in Colorado?

The Colorado LPC application process is easiest when you treat it as a documentation project from the start of graduate school. Keep copies of syllabi, transcripts, supervised hour records, supervisor agreements, exam confirmations, and any name change or license verification documents. Missing paperwork can slow down approval even when you have completed the education and experience requirements.

Earn a qualifying graduate degree: Complete a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a closely related field from a CACREP-accredited program or an equivalent program. If the program is not CACREP-accredited, be prepared for an educational equivalency review.
Register as an LPCC candidate: After graduation, register with the Colorado State Board as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate so you can begin accruing supervised post-degree experience. Some applicants may begin this step with unofficial transcripts or a program completion letter.
Complete supervised experience: Accumulate at least 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, including 1,500 hours of direct client contact. For many candidates, this takes about two years when working full time.
Pass the National Counselor Examination: Complete the NCE and arrange for official scores to be sent to the board.
Pass the Colorado mental health jurisprudence exam: Demonstrate familiarity with Colorado-specific legal and ethical requirements.
Gather official documentation: Submit official transcripts, license verifications from other states if applicable, name change documents if needed, and the required criminal background check materials.
Submit the online application: File the LPC application through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations portal with all required supporting materials.
Pay the application fee: Submit the current $100 non-refundable application fee.

Application stage	Common mistake	Better approach
Choosing a graduate program	Assuming any counseling-related master’s degree will qualify.	Confirm CACREP accreditation, equivalency, and required coursework before enrolling.
Starting supervised hours	Beginning work before properly registering or documenting supervision.	Register as an LPCC candidate and set up a tracking system immediately.
Tracking experience	Mixing direct client contact, supervision, and other work into one total.	Track each category separately and obtain regular supervisor signatures.
Exam planning	Waiting until the end of supervision to study or schedule exams.	Build exam preparation into your licensure timeline early.
Submitting the application	Uploading incomplete records or unofficial documents when official versions are required.	Use the board’s application checklist and gather documentation before paying the fee.

How long does it take to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado?

The full path to Colorado LPC licensure generally takes around 8 to 9 years when you include undergraduate study, graduate education, supervised post-degree experience, examinations, and application review. Some students move faster by attending full time and obtaining supervised work quickly after graduation. Others take longer because of part-time study, employment responsibilities, family obligations, or delays in clinical placement.

Bachelor’s degree: Most candidates first complete a 4-year undergraduate degree before applying to graduate counseling programs.
Master’s degree in counseling: A graduate counseling program usually takes 2 to 3 years and must include at least 60 semester hours plus practicum or internship experiences.
Supervised post-graduate practice: Candidates then complete 2,000 hours of supervised counseling experience, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact. This stage often takes about 2 years for full-time candidates.
Required examination: Candidates prepare for and pass the National Counselor Examination. Scheduling and preparation may add several months depending on readiness.
Final LPC application: After all requirements are complete, candidates submit documentation to the Colorado State Board. Review may take a few weeks to several months.

Stage	Typical time involved	Decision point
Bachelor’s degree	4 years	Choose courses and experiences that prepare you for graduate counseling admission.
Graduate counseling degree	2 to 3 years	Prioritize licensure alignment over convenience alone.
Supervised experience	About 2 years when full time	Select a qualified supervisor and employment setting that provide enough direct client hours.
Exam preparation and testing	Several months depending on readiness	Plan study time around work and supervision responsibilities.
Board application review	A few weeks to several months	Submit complete documentation to reduce avoidable delays.

A Colorado LPC described the process as “a marathon, not a sprint,” especially during the supervised practice period when classroom theory had to be applied with real clients. He noted that registering as an LPCC candidate soon after graduation helped him stay on track and avoid losing momentum.

The main lesson: the process takes time because Colorado expects counselors to develop judgment, not simply complete credits. A longer timeline can be frustrating, but it also gives new clinicians time to build competence before practicing independently.

How many graduated from CACREP-accredited programs in 2023?

What are the continuing education requirements for LPCs in Colorado?

Colorado LPCs must complete state-approved continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current with professional standards. Continuing education commonly addresses ethics, legal updates, evidence-based interventions, risk management, cultural competence, and emerging clinical practices.

Because renewal rules can change, licensed counselors should confirm the current continuing education cycle, approved activity types, documentation rules, and audit requirements through the Colorado licensing authority. If you are still at the beginning of the pathway, Research.com’s guide to becoming a mental health counselor in Colorado can help you understand how education, supervised practice, and licensure fit together.

What is the average salary for LPCs in Colorado?

LPC salaries in Colorado vary by setting, experience, location, caseload, specialization, and whether the counselor works in an agency, school, hospital, outpatient clinic, or private practice. Compensation may also reflect local cost of living and the availability of mental health providers in a given region.

Instead of relying on a single salary figure, compare job postings in your preferred Colorado city or region, review benefits, estimate supervision or private practice costs, and consider whether a role provides enough direct client hours if you are still working toward full licensure. If your priority is reaching licensure efficiently, Research.com’s guide to the fastest way to become a counselor in Colorado explains how timeline choices can affect your career start.

What types of LPC licenses are offered in Colorado?

Colorado uses different professional counselor credential categories to distinguish candidates in supervised practice, provisional counselors in specific settings, fully licensed counselors, and out-of-state licensees applying by endorsement. Understanding the license type matters because it affects your scope of practice, supervision requirements, and employment options.

Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC): This status is for graduates with a qualifying counseling master’s or doctoral degree who are completing the required 2,000 hours of supervised experience before applying for full LPC licensure.
Licensed Professional Counselor Provisional (LPP): This provisional option applies to counselors working under supervision only in Residential Child Care Facilities while completing requirements for full licensure.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by examination: This is the standard full license for applicants who complete the required degree, supervised experience, examination, and Colorado application requirements.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by endorsement: This route allows qualified counselors licensed in other states to apply for Colorado licensure without beginning the entire process from the start.

Credential	Who it is for	Practice implications
LPCC	Post-degree candidates completing supervised experience	Requires supervision and does not represent full independent LPC status.
LPP	Counselors in Residential Child Care Facilities under supervision	Limited to a specific supervised practice context.
LPC by examination	Colorado applicants completing education, exams, and supervised experience	Supports full licensed professional counseling practice within Colorado rules.
LPC by endorsement	Licensed counselors relocating from another state	Requires proof of equivalent licensure and Colorado-specific requirements.

If your long-term interests include couples, family systems, or relationship counseling, it may also be useful to compare LPC-oriented programs with the best rated online marriage and family counseling master’s degrees.

Does Colorado have LPC reciprocity with other states?

Colorado does not automatically grant LPC licensure through formal reciprocity with every other state. Instead, it offers licensure by endorsement for counselors who already hold a current, comparable license elsewhere. This pathway can be more efficient than applying as a first-time candidate, but it still requires documentation and Colorado board review.

Out-of-state applicants must verify their existing license and professional standing. They also need to show that their education meets Colorado’s standards. If the degree is not from a CACREP-accredited program, an educational equivalency review through the Center for Credentialing & Education may be required.

Applicants by endorsement should also be prepared to satisfy examination expectations, including the National Counselor Examination (NCE) and Colorado’s jurisprudence exam. The key takeaway is simple: Colorado may recognize your professional background, but it does not mean your license transfers automatically.

What is the demand for LPCs in Colorado?

Colorado’s need for mental health counselors is shaped by population growth, increased awareness of mental health needs, wider acceptance of therapy, and demand for services in schools, hospitals, community agencies, outpatient clinics, and private practices. Teletherapy has also expanded how counselors can reach clients across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Different sources and summaries describe Colorado counseling demand using different projections, including a projected 21% increase in demand and, in another career-growth context, projected 36% job growth. These figures point in the same general direction: licensed mental health professionals remain important to Colorado’s behavioral health workforce. Applicants should still evaluate demand locally because hiring conditions can vary by region, employer type, and specialty.

LPCs may find opportunities in several settings:

Schools: Supporting students with emotional, behavioral, academic, family, and substance-use concerns.
Hospitals and outpatient clinics: Providing assessment, crisis support, trauma-informed care, and treatment planning.
Community agencies: Serving clients who may face financial, geographic, or systemic barriers to care.
Private practice: Offering individual, group, family, or specialty counseling services after meeting full licensure and business requirements.
Teletherapy platforms: Expanding access for clients who prefer remote counseling or live far from in-person providers.

For students trying to reduce the cost of entering this field, comparing the cheapest CACREP-accredited programs online can be a useful first step, provided each program is also checked for Colorado licensure alignment.

How does LPC licensure affect career growth in Colorado?

LPC licensure is often the credential that separates supervised entry-level counseling work from broader clinical independence. While licensure does not guarantee a specific salary or job title, it can increase the number of roles you are eligible to pursue and may improve long-term mobility within Colorado’s mental health system.

Broader employment access: Many clinical counseling roles in community agencies, hospitals, schools, outpatient programs, and private practices prefer or require LPC licensure.
Higher earning potential: Licensed counselors may earn more than unlicensed candidates, with median incomes described as reaching over $50,000 and top earners surpassing $90,000.
Private practice eligibility: Full LPC licensure can allow counselors to operate an independent counseling practice, subject to applicable laws, ethics, insurance, and business requirements.
Supervision and leadership options: Experienced LPCs may move into supervisory, training, program management, or clinical leadership positions.
Specialization opportunities: Licensure can support additional training in areas such as trauma, addiction, couples work, crisis counseling, or child and adolescent counseling. Students comparing graduate degrees may want to understand the difference between an MS and MA in counseling before choosing a program.
Professional credibility: The LPC credential signals that the counselor has met state standards for education, supervised experience, examination, and ethical practice.
In-state mobility: Licensed professionals may be better positioned for promotions, lateral moves, or specialized roles within Colorado employers.

If your goal is...	LPC licensure helps by...	What to plan for
Agency or hospital counseling	Meeting common hiring requirements for clinical roles.	Build experience with documentation, risk assessment, and interdisciplinary care.
Private practice	Supporting independent practice eligibility.	Learn insurance billing, business operations, ethics, and referral development.
Clinical supervision	Creating a pathway toward supervising newer counselors.	Gain experience, pursue supervision training, and follow board rules.
Specialized counseling work	Providing a foundation for advanced certifications or niche practice areas.	Choose continuing education aligned with your client population.
Career mobility	Making you more competitive for roles that require full licensure.	Maintain documentation, renew on time, and track continuing education.

What do LPCs in Colorado say about their career?

My LPC path through the University of Northern Colorado changed the way I understood counseling practice. The program emphasized evidence-based techniques and helped me prepare for work with students from many different backgrounds. In my first Colorado school counseling role, I found the work meaningful because I could help adolescents build resilience, manage stress, and strengthen emotional well-being. The professional community and continuing education options in Colorado have also helped me keep growing. Karl

My counseling degree at Colorado State University gave me the skills and confidence to support students in my community. Colorado’s cultural variety and outdoor lifestyle have influenced how I think about wellness, community resources, and nature-informed supports. In school settings, I see how LPCs can improve school climate and help young people manage emotional and academic challenges. The work is demanding, but it continues to feel purposeful. Lina

I began my route to licensure after completing a demanding program at Regis University. The coursework and internships helped me understand complex student needs and develop practical clinical skills. From a career perspective, Colorado offers stability and advancement options for licensed counselors. Personally, I value the chance to support families, youth, and schools in communities where mental health care can make a lasting difference. Mary

Common mistakes to avoid when pursuing LPC licensure in Colorado

Choosing a program without checking licensure alignment: A convenient or affordable program is not useful if it leaves you missing required coursework.
Assuming online means automatically acceptable: Online counseling degrees can be legitimate, but you must confirm accreditation, clinical placement support, and Colorado eligibility.
Tracking hours casually: Poor documentation of supervision and direct client contact can create problems when you apply for full licensure.
Waiting too long to register as an LPCC candidate: Delays in candidate registration can slow the start of supervised post-degree practice.
Ignoring endorsement details when moving from another state: Colorado does not provide automatic reciprocity, so out-of-state counselors should prepare for documentation, equivalency review, and exams.
Focusing only on salary: Benefits, supervision quality, caseload expectations, client population, location, and advancement opportunities also affect career value.
Letting continuing education become an afterthought: Renewal compliance is part of professional responsibility after licensure.

How to choose the right Colorado LPC pathway

Start with your end goal: Decide whether you want school-based work, agency counseling, hospital work, private practice, teletherapy, supervision, or a specialty area.
Confirm educational eligibility: Choose a program with at least 60 semester hours and coursework that matches Colorado requirements.
Ask about clinical placement support: A strong practicum and internship structure can make the transition to supervised post-degree work easier.
Plan your supervised hours before graduation: Identify potential employers and supervisors early, especially if you need full-time hours.
Budget beyond tuition: Include exam costs, application fees, supervision costs if applicable, commuting, books, technology, and unpaid clinical time.
Prepare for exams strategically: Schedule study time for the NCE and Colorado jurisprudence exam rather than treating them as last-minute tasks.
Keep records from day one: Save syllabi, transcripts, supervisor forms, hour logs, exam records, and board correspondence.

References:

Counselor License https://www.ucdenver.edu/programs/Licensed-Counselor
Professional Counselor: Applications and Forms | Divisions of Professions and Occupations https://dpo.colorado.gov/ProfessionalCounselor/Applications
How to Become a Licensed Counselor (LPC) in Colorado https://onlinecounselingprograms.com/become-a-counselor/counseling-licensure/how-to-become-a-counselor-in-colorado/
Research.com guide to Colorado LPC licensure https://research.com/careers/how-to-become-a-licensed-counselor-lpc-in-colorado
Counseling Licensure Requirements In Colorado https://www.psychology.org/counseling/licensure/colorado/
Licensed Professional Counselor - Colorado Counseling Association https://www.coloradocounselingassociation.org/license-professional-counselor-2/
How to Become a Licensed Therapist in Colorado — Savio https://www.saviohouse.org/blog/how-to-become-a-licensed-therapist-colorado
Colorado Employment Trends: 21-1014.00 - Mental Health Counselors https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1014.00
How can an LPC make 6 figures in Colorado without shortcuts https://mydenvertherapy.com/how-can-an-lpc-make-6-figures-in-colorado/
Understanding Colorado LPC Requirements for Clinical Supervision - Firelight Supervision https://firelightsupervision.com/understanding-colorado-lpc-requirements-for-clinical-supervision/

Key Insights

Colorado LPC licensure starts with the right graduate degree: A master’s or doctoral program must satisfy counseling education standards, including at least 60 semester hours and required core content.
Supervised experience is the biggest post-degree milestone: Candidates should plan carefully for direct client hours, supervision hours, and documentation, especially because summaries reference both 2,000 hours and 2,400 hours.
Exams are required, not optional: The NCE, Colorado jurisprudence exam, and in some cases the NCMHCE option are central parts of the licensure process.
Out-of-state counselors need endorsement, not automatic reciprocity: Colorado may recognize prior licensure, but applicants still need verification, educational review when required, and Colorado-specific compliance.
LPC status can improve career mobility: Full licensure may open doors to independent practice, clinical leadership, supervision, specialization, and more competitive roles across Colorado.
The best pathway is planned early: Choose a licensure-aligned program, register as an LPCC candidate promptly, document every supervised hour, and verify current board rules before making major education or career decisions.

Other Things You Should Know About LPC Counseling Licensure Requirements in Colorado

What key requirements must one meet to obtain LPC licensure in Colorado in 2026?

To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado in 2026, candidates must complete a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling, pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), and acquire 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised professional practice.

What are the educational prerequisites for LPC licensure in Colorado in 2026?

In 2026, to qualify for LPC licensure in Colorado, candidates must have a master's or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution. The coursework must include core areas such as counseling theories, human growth and development, and ethics. Furthermore, supervised clinical experience is required.