To become a licensed professional counselor in Michigan, you need a master’s degree in counseling (minimum 60 semester hours for non-CACREP programs as of 2023), pass a qualifying exam, then complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience under a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) status before applying for your full LPC license. 

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Requirements of a LLPC

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In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs states that individuals seeking a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license must meet educational, examination, and application requirements before practicing counseling under supervision.

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According to LARA, the general requirements for obtaining an LLPC license include:

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• Completion of a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree in counseling from an approved institution.

• As of 2023, non-CACREP counseling programs must include a minimum of 60 semester credit hours.

• Completion of required coursework outlined by the state of Michigan.

• Passing an approved counseling examination, such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE), unless otherwise permitted by LARA.

• Submission of the LLPC application and required fees.

• Completion of required training in identifying victims of human trafficking.

• Completion of Michigan’s implicit bias training requirements.

• Verification of education and examination scores submitted to LARA.

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LARA also states that individuals holding an LLPC license must practice under the supervision of a qualified licensed professional counselor while completing the post-degree supervised experience hours required for full LPC licensure.

 

Requirements of a LPC

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In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs states that individuals seeking licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) must meet specific education, examination, and supervised experience requirements.

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According to LARA, the general requirements for LPC licensure include:

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• Completion of a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree in counseling.

• As of 2023, non-CACREP counseling programs must contain a minimum of 60 semester hours.

• Passing an approved licensing examination, typically the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or another approved exam.

• Obtaining a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license prior to accruing post-degree supervised experience.

• Completion of 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience over a period of at least two years.

• Submission of the LPC application, required documentation, and applicable fees to LARA.

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LARA also requires applicants to complete training in:

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• identifying victims of human trafficking

• implicit bias training requirements

• and any additional state-mandated requirements applicable at the time of licensure.

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Michigan utilizes a two-tier licensure system for professional counselors. Individuals first pass their counseling exam. Once this step is completed; obtain a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) license, which allows them to practice under clinical supervision while completing the supervised experience hours required for full licensure. After fulfilling those requirements, individuals may apply to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), allowing them to practice independently. For those beginning the licensure journey, understanding each step—from earning the counseling degree, taking your exam & obtaining full licensure; this is an important part of the process. 

 

The Two-Tier Michigan Licensing System: LLPC and LPC

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The Michigan Board of Counseling, operating under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), is responsible for issuing both the Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials. Understanding the distinction between these licenses is important early in the post-graduate job search process, as individuals cannot begin accumulating the supervised experience hours required for full LPC licensure until they have obtained their LLPC license. The two licenses are sequential and serve different purposes within the licensure process.

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The LLPC is considered a provisional working license that allows individuals to provide counseling services, gain clinical experience, and develop their professional skills while practicing under the supervision of a qualified LPC. Under current Michigan regulations, the LLPC license is renewed annually and may be renewed up to 10 times, allowing individuals a maximum of 10 years to complete the requirements for full LPC licensure. While many full-time counselors complete the supervised experience requirements within approximately two years, completion timelines may vary depending on employment status and the number of hours worked.

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