Counselors · North Carolina · Continuing education
North Carolina Counselor (LPC) CE Requirements (2026)
01 In short
- LCMHC/LCMHCA/LCMHCS: 40 contact hours every 2 years, including 3 h medical ethics, professionalism & law, 5 h state laws & rules (jurisprudence), 10 h clinical supervision; renewal by June 30.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
North Carolina LCMHC/LCMHCA/LCMHCS CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 40contact hours
- Renewal cycle
- 2 years
- Deadline
- Jun 30
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By June 30
- Accepted credit
- Providers approved by or affiliated with ACA, AASCB, NBCC or CRCC (unlimited); AACC, AAMFT, APA, EACC, IAEAPE, National AHEC, NAADAC, NAPCP, NASW, National Rehabilitation Association: max 15 contact hours per renewal; academic credit (1 semester hour = 15 contact hours)
- Renewal fee
- $200
- New licensees
- New licenses whose initial renewal period is less than two full years need 30 contact hours; period runs from date of issue to the second June 30.
- Audits & records
- Random audit of a percentage of licensees (Rule .0603(f)); keep CE documentation 7 years.
- Renew online
- www.ncblcmhc.org ↗
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Medical ethics, professionalism & lawAll licensees (ACA or ACS Code of Ethics) | 3 | every renewal |
| State laws & rules (jurisprudence)All licensees: no-fail Jurisprudence Exam after January 1 of the renewal year; counts as 5 contact hours of ethics | 5 | every renewal |
| Clinical supervisionLCMHC Supervisors (LCMHCS); included in the 40 hours | 10 | every renewal |
Good to know. CE must be earned July 1 – second June 30; renewal due by June 30 of the renewal year ($75 late fee). Publication, leadership, dissertation max 10 h each; presenting max 5 h. No home-study limit stated.
Source: www.ncblcmhc.org · 21 NCAC 53 .0603 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Conferences in North Carolina
05 Questions
How many CE hours do counselors need in North Carolina?
40 contact hours every 2 years.
How do I verify a counselor license in North Carolina?
Use the license lookup of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (ncblcmhc.org); 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 North Carolina?
Medical ethics, professionalism & law — 3 h (every renewal); State laws & rules (jurisprudence) — 5 h (every renewal); Clinical supervision — 10 h (every renewal).
Which CE courses count for counselors in North Carolina?
Providers approved by or affiliated with ACA, AASCB, NBCC or CRCC (unlimited); AACC, AAMFT, APA, EACC, IAEAPE, National AHEC, NAADAC, NAPCP, NASW, National Rehabilitation Association: max 15 contact hours per renewal; academic credit (1 semester hour = 15 contact hours).
When is the renewal deadline for counselors in North Carolina?
Licenses renew by June 30 (2 years cycle).