Unlock the Secret to Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor in Delaware!
Are you considering a career as a Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware? Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to transfer your existing license, understanding the licensure process is crucial. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed counselor in Delaware, ensuring you meet all the necessary requirements.
General Information
In Delaware, you can apply for a Professional Counselor of Mental Health license either by examination or by reciprocity. Here's a quick breakdown:
- If you hold a current license in good standing from another jurisdiction, you can apply by reciprocity.
- If you do not hold a current license, you must apply by examination.
How to Apply for a License in DELPROS
All applications are processed through DELPROS, Delaware's Professional Regulation Online Services. To start, you'll need a DELPROS user account:
- Visit DELPROS Home Page.
- Click "GO" on the Apply/Manage a License and Service Requests tile.
- If you're a new user, click the REGISTER button. Existing users can log in with their credentials.
Remember, you have six months to complete and submit your application once you begin. If you don't, you'll need to restart the entire process. Use the "View Application Status" feature in DELPROS to track your application.
Know Your Requirements and Collect Your Documents
Before applying, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for your license. You can find detailed information on the License Law and Rules and Regulations pages. Gather all necessary documents for upload on the Attachments page of your application. These might include:
- State and Federal criminal background checks.
- Licensure verifications from other states.
- National Counselor Examination scores or equivalent.
Application Requirements
Regardless of whether you apply by examination or reciprocity, certain items are mandatory:
- State of Delaware and FBI criminal background checks.
- Verification of any licenses held in other jurisdictions.
- National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) scores.
Additional Requirements for Examination Applicants
If you're applying by examination, you'll need to submit:
- An official transcript showing at least 60 graduate credits.
- Verification of 1,600 hours of direct supervision and 3,200 total hours of counseling experience over 2-4 years.
Applying by Reciprocity
For those applying by reciprocity, the requirements depend on your licensure history:
- If you've been licensed for at least five years in one jurisdiction, no further documentation is needed.
- If licensed for less than five years, provide licensing laws and regulations from each jurisdiction where you hold a license.
If none of the jurisdictions have substantially similar requirements to Delaware, you may need to apply for an Associate Counselor of Mental Health license.
For more information, please follow this link.
