Overview
CACREP and professional counseling
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the main accreditor of master’s and doctoral counseling programs — clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage and family, addictions, and more. In 2017 it absorbed the rehabilitation-counseling accreditor (CORE). CHEA-recognized.
The Trend
Why CACREP increasingly matters for licensure
The direction is clear: a growing number of states require a CACREP-accredited degree for LPC / LMHC / LCPC licensure, and some federal and military counseling roles require CACREP specifically. Before enrolling in a counseling program, check whether your intended state (and employer) requires CACREP — the trend has been toward CACREP-required, and choosing a non-CACREP program can limit where you can be licensed.
The Alternative
MPCAC and other routes
In some states, a MPCAC-accredited master’s program (or another state-approved program) also satisfies licensure. But because the CACREP requirement is spreading, a CACREP-accredited degree is the safest choice for portability. The right answer is set by your state counseling board, so confirm before you commit.
The Path
From degree to license
- CACREP-accredited master’sTypically a 60-credit clinical mental health counseling or school counseling degree.
- Supervised experiencePost-degree supervised clinical hours set by the state.
- Licensing examThe NCE or NCMHCE, depending on the state and credential.
- State licenseLPC, LMHC, LCPC, or the state’s equivalent professional counselor license.
Do It Yourself
Verify a counseling program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits counseling programs? CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) is the main accreditor of master's and doctoral counseling programs; MPCAC is an alternative in some states. Both are CHEA-recognized.
- Is CACREP required for counseling licensure? Increasingly, yes. A growing number of states require a CACREP-accredited degree for LPC/LMHC/LCPC licensure, and some federal and military counseling roles require it. Check your state board.
- What does CACREP accredit? Master's and doctoral counseling programs — clinical mental health, school, marriage and family, addictions, rehabilitation, and more. It absorbed the rehabilitation-counseling accreditor (CORE) in 2017.
- Can I get licensed with a non-CACREP degree? In some states, yes — via MPCAC accreditation or another state-approved program. But the CACREP requirement is spreading, so a CACREP degree is the most portable choice.
- What exam do counselors take? Usually the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), depending on the state and credential.
- Is CACREP recognized by the government? CACREP is CHEA-recognized. Counseling accreditors are generally not federal Title IV gatekeepers; aid follows the institution's accreditation.
- Does school counseling use CACREP? School counseling can be accredited through CACREP or, within educator preparation, through CAEP via the ASCA specialty — check your state's certification route.
- How do I verify a counseling program? Search the CACREP (or MPCAC) directory and confirm the licensure requirement with your state counseling board before enrolling.