Counseling Compact FAQs

Does the compact affect whom a state can license? No, the compact does not change the process or requirements of any state in licensing counselors. The compact does not apply to initial licensure.

Which states can be part of the compact?
Any state can be part of the compact as long as they currently license counselors under the requirements within the compact (see Section 3 of the compact).

How does the compact help counselors?
The compact allows counselors to apply for a privilege to practice (whether in person or via telehealth) in another state. The compact expedites the process for counselors to obtain a license in a new home state when they move, as long as that state is part of the compact.

What is a privilege to practice?
A privilege is the legal authorization to practice, equivalent to a license, which allows a counselor to practice in a state other than the state where they live or hold a license.

What is a home state?
The home state is where the counselor legally resides. Counselors who wish to apply for a privilege in another state must hold a home state license.

Which counselors can apply for a privilege to practice in another compact state?
Any counselor who holds an unencumbered license to practice at the highest level in a participating state may apply for a privilege. Licensed professional counselors who do not hold degrees in counseling but in a closely related field are eligible to apply for a privilege if they meet all requirements for licensure as an LPC in their home state.

Do I get a privilege in all compact states?
Counselors may apply for a privilege to practice in any compact state, but the privilege is specific to that state and does not apply to other compact states. They must apply separately to each state in which they want the privilege to practice.

Do I have to use the compact if I want a license in another state?
No, you can always apply directly to another state for a license.

What about grandparenting?
If a state currently licenses counselors according to the requirements delineated in Section 3 of the compact and a counselor holds a license from that state, they are eligible to apply for a privilege. According to the current requirements, this process accounts for the differences in licensing requirements over the years across states.

Why aren’t CACREP and the NCE named in the compact?
Best practices indicate that names of specific tests and curricular requirements should not be spelled out in a compact. That way if the name of the test or the program changes, states do not have to reopen their laws or regulations.

What if the state where I hold a privilege has a different scope of practice from my home state?
You must adhere to the scope of practice of the state where you are practicing (where your client currently resides). If your home state allows you to do something that the remote state does not, even if you are competent to do so, you must adhere to the remote state’s scope of practice. If the remote state allows something your home state does not, you must continue to practice ethically and within the bounds of your competence.

What is this going to cost me?
States may charge for the privilege to practice in their state just as they would if you were applying for a license in that state. Fees will be set once the process begins, but they may be lower than the cost of a license and are unlikely to be higher. While the cost savings may be minimal, the savings in time and energy are significant.

What about military spouses?
Military spouses may decide which state they wish to designate as their home state. The Military spouses may decide which state they wish to designate as their home state. The designated state remains the home state as long as the spouse is on active duty or in the reserves, and the spouse can practice in any compact state using that license for as long as the spouse is active military or in the reserves. Once the spouse retires, the counselor must abide by the same rules as all other licensed counselors.

What about adverse actions?
Only the home state can take action against a counselor. But if there is a problem in a state where the counselor holds a privilege to practice, the remote state can suspend the privilege and will inform the board of the home state.

Will my license and privilege have different expiration dates?
No, counselors’ privileges to practice will all have the same time period as their home license. This is logical as counselors must hold a valid license from their home state. Remote states would not want a counselor practicing in their state with an expired home state license.