Licensure Guidelines, Resources & FAQ
Capella University has developed these Frequently Asked Questions to provide general information to new and prospective learners regarding introductory licensing and certification issues.
What is licensure and why is it important to me?
In the fields of counseling, therapy, addiction counseling, school counseling, school psychology and education, there are many factors to consider if you plan to pursue a professional graduate degree. One very important area is professional licensure. Licensure or certification is necessary to practice as a psychologist, a marriage and family therapist, a professional counselor, a school counselor, school psychologist, school administrator, or specific fields in education, such as special education, reading and literacy and early childhood education. In many cases, the state licensing authority will review your educational background before granting you permission to take the licensing exam. It is essential to verify that your program meets your state's educational requirements prior to starting your studies.
At Capella University, we offer degree programs that help prepare learners to work in several professional areas: clinical or counseling psychology, mental health counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy, addiction counseling, school counseling, school psychology, school administration, and education endorsements or certifications in specific areas such as reading & literacy, special education and early childhood education. However, Capella, like any other university, cannot ensure any learner will obtain a state license. But we hope that we can provide you with as many tools as we can to help you determine if the program you are considering will allow you to apply for the license you need. We strongly urge anyone seeking a career that requires a license to research their state licensing requirements. To assist you in your research we have provided some guidelines and resources, listed below. Licensing requirements differ from state to state and change over time. Learners who wish to become licensed are solely responsible for knowing and complying with the licensing requirements for the state or states in which they plan to practice.
The information below is intended as a resource only. We do not maintain the Web sites mentioned and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
What steps do I need to take if I want to pursue licensure?
Step One: How do I know that licensure is for me?
Determine if licensure is a factor in your program decision by reviewing your educational goals and career interests. Answering the following questions will help to determine whether licensure is necessary for you:
- What are you specifically planning to do with your graduate degree?
- What type of work do you intend to do or with what types of people do you want to work?
- For what type of employers or in what type of work setting do you see yourself working?
- What are the job requirements and credentials you need to meet your goals? Refer to professional resources provided below (or provide direct links)
- In what state(s) or Canadian province(s) do you want to work?
- Does the state or province in which you want to work require a license or certification? Refer to contact information provided below (or provide direct links)
Step Two: What do I need to do to prepare for licensure?
- Review Licensure FAQs
- Research state specific licensure information:
The information below is intended as a resource only. We do not maintain the Web sites mentioned and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
- Licensed Psychologist (LP)
- Education Related Licensure -Administrators, Reading & Literacy, etc.
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, LCPC, LMHC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed School Counselor
- Addiction Counseling
- Visit the board's Web site and carefully review the state laws and rules. Find the following information:
- Specific program accreditation required (i.e., APA, ASPPB, NASP, CACREP, COAMFTE, state approval, and other approval requirements)
- Degree required (MS, PhD, specialist certificate)
- Number of credits required (semester and/or quarter credits)
- Specific course content required (list of courses required)
- Number of practicum/internship hours required
- Residency requirements (on-campus, face-to-face time)
- Testing and background checks (any other additional requirements)
- Compare state licensure requirements with Capella's corresponding educational program requirements. Find Capella's requirements in the University Catalog.
- AFTER obtaining and reviewing the licensure requirements, it is essential that you personally contact the state board to clarify any questions or concerns. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING!
What are the resources for researching licensure?
The information below is intended as a resource only. We do not maintain the Web sites mentioned and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Licensed Professional Counselors
Licensure contacts by state
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Licensure contacts by state
Licensed Psychologist
Licensure contacts by state
School Psychologist
Licensure contacts by state
School Counseling
Licensure contacts by state
Education Related Licensure - Administrators, Reading & Literacy, etc.
Licensure contacts by state
Who can I contact with additional questions about licensure?
Call 1.888.227.2736 to speak with a Capella University enrollment counselor who will be able to help answer any licensure-related questions or direct you to the most appropriate resources.
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Learning & Career Outcomes
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