Credentialing and Licensure Endorsement Policy

Once students have completed their program of study and they are eligible to graduate from APSU’s M.S. in Counseling Program they will have completed the academic requirements for licensure in their program concentration.

The APSU Counseling Program faculty will provide a credentialing or licensure endorsement when the following requirements have been met:

Completed all coursework listed on the Program of Study with a grade of “B” or better in all counseling courses, and a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Maintained satisfactory Student Progress Assessments and proficiency in the Core Counseling Competencies for your concentration throughout the program of study.
Completed all field experiences (practicum and internship) with satisfactory evaluations from site supervisors.
Satisfactorily passed the program's comprehensive exam.
Have applied for graduation, or have officially graduated from APSU’s M.S. in Counseling Program.
Have satisfactorily completed any required licensing exams (School Counseling students only).

Specific Tennessee state credentialing and licensure information for each program concentration is provided below.

The M.S. in Counseling program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the majority of the states in the United States. However, some states have specific requirements that can be met through program electives and other states have specific coursework requirements beyond what the program at APSU offers. If you are anticipating seeking licensure in a different state, be sure to check that state's requirements and work with the program coordinator to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements for the state in which you hope to obtain licensure.

The State of Tennessee has specific credentialing and licensure standards for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or an LPC with a Mental Health Service Provider (LPC/MHSP) status (a more advanced licensure). These requirements are specifically detailed on the Tennessee Board for Licensed Professional Counselors website.

The minimum requirements for licensure as an LPC or LPC/MHSP include:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold a master degree in counseling from a program which includes 60 graduate hours including a field experience component (e.g. practicum and internship).
Complete at least 2 years of professional (post-graduate) experience which includes: at least 3000 hours of clinical experience to include at least 1500 hours of direct professional counseling work, and at least 150 hours of consultation with an approved supervisor.
Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE): Click here for information on registering for the NCE.
Pass the Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination for Professional Counselors (TJEPC): Click here for information on registering for the TJEPC.
(LPC/MHSP only) Pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): Click here for information on registering for the NCMHCE.
Submit letters of recommendation.
Complete online application materials. For information regarding the Tennessee State licensing process and necessary forms go to the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marital and Family Therapists and Licensed Pastoral Therapists.

The websites provided here are related to credentialing and licensure in the State of Tennessee. Students seeking licensure in another state, please refer to that state’s government website.

You can find general information regarding licensure requirements in different states on this Counseling Degree Guide.

The State of Tennessee has specific credentialing and licensure standards for licensure as a professional school counselor. The School Services Personnel License is for all educators who provide services for students other than instruction.

The minimum requirements for the School Services Personnel License include:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university. In several cases, specific endorsements require an advanced degree (School Counseling endorsements require a minimum of a master’s degree).
Successfully complete a state-approved educator preparation program and be recommended for licensure by that provider. (See more information about how to obtain this recommendation below)
Meet all requirements regarding assessments and qualifying scores as specified by State Board of Education rules or policy. For school counselors this includes passing the PRAXIS II. Click here for information regarding registering for the PRAXIS II exam for School Counseling endorsement (code 487).
Ensure that the department has on file official transcripts of all credits earned through an institution of higher education. The transcript must have the school seal and/or a signature of the registrar.
Meet requirements for the area of endorsement (School Counseling endorsement code 487).

Students seeking endorsement for licensure as a School Counselor will need to contact Kevin Fee in the APSU College of Education at:

Kevin Fee

(feek@apsu.edu; 931-221-6182

Coordinator of Teacher Licensure

College of Education - Educational Specialties, Claxton Building, Office #101B

Graduating school counseling students should contact Mr. Fee as part of their preparation for graduation, and prior to commencement. The Counseling Program Coordinator will confirm your eligibility for licensure with Mr. Fee upon completion of all requirements stated at the beginning of this section.

For additional information on Tennessee state credentialing and licensure as a School Counselor please click here.

The websites provided here are related to credentialing and licensure in the State of Tennessee. Students seeking licensure in another state should consult that state’s department of education website.