ABOUT US

The NDBCE was established by the North Dakota Legislature in 1989 to regulate the practice of professional counseling in the state (NDCC 43-47). Presently, the NDBCE offers three counseling licenses (LAPC, LPC & LPCC) and maintains active files for some 425 licensed professional counselors in North Dakota. The board sets the requirements for these licenses, administers the examinations needed to qualify for licensure, develops and monitors continuing education for counselors, and manages the complaint procedure relative to professional counseling.

If you have any comments, please contact our Board Members or the NDBCE Office.

Mission Statement

The mission of the North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners is to ensure that counselors providing services to the public are competent, safe and ethical practitioners in the profession of counseling. This mission is accomplished by establishing and maintaining standards of qualification and performance appropriate to the counselors' title and role.

Counseling Law

Initially, the counselor license law set standards for two levels of counselors: the supervised Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) and the fully recognized Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In 1995, the state legislature passed legislation to allow the NDBCE to develop counseling specialty licensing. The Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) specialty license in clinical mental health was developed by the board in 1996.

Board Membership

By law, the five-member NDBCE consists of two practicing counselors, two representatives of the public at large, and one counselor educator. The members are appointed by the Governor for terms of three years. The board annually elects a chairperson and secretary-treasurer from its membership.

Board Meetings

The NDBCE meets at least three times a year to conduct the business of the board.

Board Office

The NDBCE maintains an office in Mandan, North Dakota. This is staffed by a part-time Executive Secretary who manages the daily operation of the board.