Alaska Counseling Licensure & Supervision Roadmap

In Alaska, individuals pursuing independent clinical practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) must complete a qualifying graduate degree, pass a Board-required written examination, and complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience over a minimum of two years. Alaska does not currently offer an active associate license; supervised experience accrues under a board-approved supervisor prior to full licensure. The Board may accept a nationally recognized examination for professional counselors.

Alaska Counseling Licensure & Supervision Quick Summary

Requirement	Details
Official Licensing Board	Alaska Board of Professional Counselors
Full Clinical License Title	Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Initial/Associate License Title	Associate Counselor (planned new license type, not yet available)
Total Supervised Hours Required	At least 3,000 hours
Minimum Direct Client Contact Hours	At least 1,000 hours
Required National Exam(s)	NCMHCE or NCE
State Jurisprudence Exam Required?	No

The Path to Licensure in Alaska

Step 1: Complete a Qualifying Master’s Degree

Applicants must earn:

• An earned master’s or doctoral degree
  
• In counseling or a related professional field
  
• Including at least 60 graduate semester hours in counseling, completed during or after earning the master’s degree
  

CACREP Accreditation: Not required. The degree must meet board-approved education criteria as outlined in statute and Board requirements.

Use these resources to learn more about Alaska counseling degrees and CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.

Step 2: Pass the Required Examination(s)

Applicants must pass:

• The National Counselor Examination (NCE exam) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE), or another nationally recognized examination approved by the board

Step 3: Apply for Initial/Associate License Title

While this step applies in many states, Alaska does not currently have a functioning associate-level license available to applicants. However, the associate counselor license type has been formally created through legislation — House Bill 126, passed in 2024 — and is in the process of regulatory implementation. Until the board completes that process, graduates must accumulate post-graduate supervised hours as unlicensed practitioners under a board-approved supervisor, in compliance with AS 08.29.110(a)(6).

Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Experience

Applicants for LPC licensure must complete:

• At least 3,000 hours of supervised experience
  
• Including at least 1,000 hours of direct counseling with individuals, couples, families, or groups
  
• Over a minimum of two years
  

Supervision must be conducted under a board-approved supervisor and comply with Board requirements.

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

Supervision & Ethics in Alaska

Who Qualifies as a Supervisor in Alaska?

Supervisors must be board-approved supervisors in accordance with Alaska statute and Board requirements.

What Employment Arrangements Are Permitted for Pre-Licensed Counselors?

Alaska does not currently have an active associate license. Supervised experience is accrued prior to LPC licensure under a board-approved supervisor.

Regardless of employment structure, all supervised experience must occur under a board-approved supervisor in compliance with Board requirements. Independent practice without LPC licensure is not permitted. Pre-licensed counselors considering any employment or contractual arrangement should ensure that board-approved supervision is in place before beginning to accrue hours, and are encouraged to seek clarification directly from the Alaska Board of Professional Counselors or consult a licensing attorney if questions arise about a specific arrangement.

Telehealth Supervision Rules

Alaska statute addresses remote supervision. Supervision may occur by telephonic or electronic means if allowed by Board regulations due to remote location.

Common Licensure Pitfalls in Alaska

Pro Tip

Confirm that your supervisor is board-approved before beginning supervised experience. Only hours completed under a board-approved supervisor qualify toward the 3,000-hour requirement.

Warning

At least 1,000 hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples, families, or groups.

The supervised experience must span at least two years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling Licensure in Alaska

Can I Start a Private Practice as a [Initial/Associate License Title] in Alaska?

No. The Associate Counselor license is not yet available, and independent practice is not permitted without LPC licensure.

How Long Does It Take to Become Fully Licensed in Alaska?

Alaska requires supervised experience to span at least two years and include at least 3,000 total hours. The state specifies a minimum two-year timeframe.

Does Alaska Require CACREP Accreditation for Licensure?

No. CACREP accreditation is not required. The degree must meet Board-approved education criteria as specified in statute and Board requirements.

List of Programs