Counselors · District of Columbia · Continuing education
District of Columbia Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LPC40 hours every 2 years, including 6 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 2 h cultural competency, 4 h public health priority topics; renewal by the end of your birth month.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
District of Columbia LPC CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Birth month
- Reporting
- Upload
- Renewal deadline
- By the end of your birth month
- Accepted credit
- Board-approved programs: graduate courses at accredited colleges, seminars/workshops, conference programs, in-service training, distance learning and home study; behavioral health programs approved by AMHCA, IAMFC, AAMFT, AASCB, ACA, APA, CRCC, NAADAC, NASW, NBCC, national behavioral health bodies, other state counseling boards, ASCA and others
- New licensees
- First renewal after initial licensure is exempt from CE.
- Audits & records
- The Board may audit up to 5% of renewal applications.
- Renew online
- dohenterprise.my.site.com ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & law | 6 | every renewal |
| Cultural competencyLGBTQ cultural competency (separate from public health priority hours) | 2 | every renewal |
| Public health priority topics10% of required CE in DC Health public health priority topics | 4 | every renewal |
Good to know. 4 of the 40 hours must be in trauma counseling (no topic code). Proof submitted with renewal. Moving to birth-month expiry (renewal in odd/even years matching birth year); transition: 50% CE accepted if under 2 years on the term, LGBTQ and public health hours still due.
Source: dchealth.dc.gov · 17 DCMR §6610-6613 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in District of Columbia
05 Questions
How many CE hours do counselors need in District of Columbia?
40 hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a counselor license in District of Columbia?
Use the license lookup of the DC Board of Professional Counseling (dchealth.dc.gov/service/professional-counseling-licensing); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
Which CE topics are mandatory for counselors in District of Columbia?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 6 h (every renewal); Cultural competency — 2 h (every renewal); Public health priority topics — 4 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for counselors in District of Columbia?
Board-approved programs: graduate courses at accredited colleges, seminars/workshops, conference programs, in-service training, distance learning and home study; behavioral health programs approved by AMHCA, IAMFC, AAMFT, AASCB, ACA, APA, CRCC, NAADAC, NASW, NBCC, national behavioral health bodies, other state counseling boards, ASCA and others.
When is the renewal deadline for counselors in District of Columbia?
Licenses renew by the end of your birth month (2 years cycle).