Counselors · Montana · Continuing education
Montana Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCPC20 hours every year, including 2 h suicide prevention (every 2 years); renewal by December 31.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 30, 2026
02 Calculator
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03 Requirements
Montana LCPC CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 20hours
- Renewal cycle
- 1 year
- Deadline
- Dec 31
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31
- Accepted credit
- Licensees select programs directly related to scope of practice (ARM 24.219.435(6)); max 10 hours for first-time preparation of a new course/workshop/seminar or a first-time published/presented paper. The board does not list approved providers.
- Carryover
- Hours above 20 may be carried forward into the next year, max 20 hours.
- New licensees
- CE requirements apply only after the licensee's first renewal.
- Audits & records
- Department may randomly audit up to 50% of renewed licensees; keep documentation 3 years (name, title/content, presenter/sponsor, dates, hours).
- Renew online
- ebiz.mt.gov ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide preventionAll licensees: suicide risk assessment and safety planning, every odd year | 2 | every 2 years |
Good to know. Annual renewal, window November 1 - December 31. Holders of more than one license need 20 hours per license. LAC licenses (same board) renew May 1 - June 30 under the same CE rule.
Source: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov · ARM 24.219.435 (as amended by MAR Notice No. 2026-512, effective 8/22/2026) · checked Oct 30, 2026
04 Conferences in Montana
05 Questions
How many CE hours do counselors need in Montana?
20 hours every year.
How do I verify a counselor license in Montana?
Use the license lookup of the Montana Board of Behavioral Health (boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/behavioral-health); 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 Montana?
Suicide prevention — 2 h (every 2 years).
Which CE courses count for counselors in Montana?
Licensees select programs directly related to scope of practice (ARM 24.219.435(6)); max 10 hours for first-time preparation of a new course/workshop/seminar or a first-time published/presented paper. The board does not list approved providers.
When is the renewal deadline for counselors in Montana?
Licenses renew by December 31 (1 year cycle).