Are you looking to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wyoming? Navigating the licensing process can be daunting, but we're here to break it down for you. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the steps involved, from application submission to final approval.
Licensed Professional Counselor by Examination Instructions
To get started, you'll need to follow the guidelines outlined in Chapters 11 and 12 of the Board's Rules. Here's a checklist to ensure you have everything you need:
- Legibly Completed Application Form with Original Signature
- Mail the application form back to the address above. You will receive an email at the address included on your application when your application and fee have been received within 7-10 business days.
- $393 Application Fee (includes $39 for background check and $4 for NPDB check). Make your check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the State of Wyoming. All fees are non-refundable.
- Proof of Lawful Presence: The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has developed a list of documentation which is acceptable as proof of lawful presence. Please complete the form included in this packet and provide a copy of a document from LIST A or copies of documents from LIST B and C. Don't send originals.
- Fingerprint Cards: Include 2 copies of the FD-258 fingerprint card in compliance with the separate instructions. Fingerprints must be completed within six (6) months of the date they are submitted to the Board.
- Official Transcript: Have your school send official transcripts of your Master's degree directly to the Board Office either by mail or by email.
- Transcript Evaluation Form (if applicable): If your program is not CACREP or CORE accredited, you must fill out the transcript evaluation form.
- Verification and Evaluation of Supervised Experience (VESE): Your supervisor must submit the VESE form directly to the Board Office by mail, fax, or email.
- Official Exam Score Report: Request the testing Agency (ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, etc) send your official exam score to Wyoming.
- State License/Certification Verification (if applicable): Request an Official Verification be sent directly to the Wyoming Board Office from any jurisdiction where you hold or have held a license or certification. That can be mailed to the address above or emailed to wyomhplb@wyo.gov. If your jurisdiction does not send official verifications, please include a note to this effect with a printout of your license information from their website.
- Professional Disclosure Statement: Include a copy of the Professional Disclosure Statement that you will use once you are granted a license by the Board. Guidelines are found in the Disclosure Statement Requirements document.
Process
If you have provided a valid email address on your application, you will receive a confirmation message when your application, lawful presence, and fee are received. This email will also provide a status update. Once your file is complete, it will be emailed to an Application Review Committee for consideration. Review generally takes 2-3 weeks in addition to the 3-5 weeks for the background check to be returned to the office. Following approval, your license materials will be mailed to the preferred mailing address you provide on the application form.
Licensed Professional Counselor by Reciprocity Instructions
If you are already licensed in another state and wish to become licensed in Wyoming, the process is similar. Here's a checklist to guide you:
- Legibly Completed Application Form with Original Signature
- Mail the application form back to the address above. You will receive an email at the address included on your application when your application and fee have been received within 7-10 business days.
- $393 Application Fee (includes $39 for background check and $4 for NPDB check). Make your check, cashier's check, or money order payable to the State of Wyoming. All fees are non-refundable.
- Proof of Lawful Presence: The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has developed a list of documentation which is acceptable as proof of lawful presence. Please complete the form included in this packet and provide a copy of a document from LIST A or copies of documents from LIST B and C. Don't send originals.
- Fingerprint Cards: Include 2 copies of the FD-258 fingerprint card in compliance with the separate instructions. Fingerprints must be completed within six (6) months of the date they are submitted to the Board.
- Official Transcript: Have your school send official transcripts of your Master's degree directly to the Board Office either by mail or by email.
- Transcript Evaluation Form (if applicable): If your program is not in counseling, you must fill out the transcript evaluation form.
- Official Exam Score Report: Request the testing Agency (ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC, etc) send your official exam score to Wyoming.
- State License/Certification Verification: Request an Official Verification be sent directly to the Wyoming Board Office from any jurisdiction where you hold or have held a license or certification. That can be mailed to the address above or emailed to wyomhplb@wyo.gov. If your jurisdiction does not send official verifications, please include a note to this effect with a printout of your license information from their website.
- Professional Disclosure Statement: Include a copy of the Professional Disclosure Statement that you will use once you are granted a license by the Board. Guidelines are found in the Disclosure Statement Requirements document.
Process
If you have provided a valid email address on your application, you will receive a confirmation message when your application, lawful presence, and fee are received. This email will also provide a status update. Once your file is complete, it will be emailed to an Application Review Committee for consideration. Review generally takes 2-3 weeks in addition to the 3-5 weeks for the background check to be returned to the office. Following approval, your license materials will be mailed to the preferred mailing address you provide on the application form.
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