National Board for Certified Counselors

Logo of the National Board for Certified Counselors

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a prominent professional certification board that provides credentials to counselors who meet specific educational, experiential, and ethical standards. Established in 1982, the NBCC is dedicated to promoting quality counseling through certification and advocacy.

History

The NBCC was founded in response to the growing need for a standardized credentialing process for counselors in the United States. The organization was created to ensure that counselors possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective services to clients. Over the years, the NBCC has expanded its certification programs and has become a leader in the field of professional counseling.

Certification Programs

The NBCC offers several certification programs designed to recognize counselors who have met rigorous professional standards. The primary certification offered by the NBCC is the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential. This certification is available to counselors who have completed a master's degree in counseling, have accrued a specified amount of supervised experience, and have passed the National Counselor Examination (NCE).

Specialty Certifications

In addition to the NCC, the NBCC offers specialty certifications in areas such as school counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and addiction counseling. These specialty certifications require additional education and experience in the respective fields.

Examinations

The NBCC administers several examinations as part of its certification process. The most widely recognized is the National Counselor Examination (NCE), which assesses a counselor's knowledge and skills in core areas of counseling practice. The NBCC also offers the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) for those seeking specialty certification in clinical mental health counseling.

Ethical Standards

The NBCC is committed to upholding high ethical standards in the counseling profession. Certified counselors are required to adhere to the NBCC Code of Ethics, which outlines principles of professional conduct, confidentiality, and client welfare. The NBCC also provides resources and guidance to help counselors navigate ethical dilemmas in their practice.

Continuing Education

To maintain certification, NBCC-certified counselors must engage in ongoing professional development. The NBCC requires certified counselors to complete a specified number of continuing education hours within each certification cycle. This ensures that counselors remain current with developments in the field and continue to provide high-quality services to clients.

Global Impact

While the NBCC primarily serves counselors in the United States, it has a global reach through its international affiliate, the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). The CCE offers credentialing services and professional development opportunities to counselors and other professionals worldwide, promoting the NBCC's mission of enhancing the quality of counseling services globally.

Related Pages

• Counseling
• National Certified Counselor
• American Counseling Association
• Mental health professional