professional practice research report lpc

Assessment 1: Legal Research

An Introductory Look at the Core Modules

Mooting – A Ten Step Guide

• Surviving the LPC
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The first practical assessment you are likely to encounter is the Legal Research assignment. On the face of it a simple task, but a surprisingly large amount of just-graduated students fall down at the first hurdle. The research task is not assessed in the same way as your undergraduate coursework assignments. You are asked to demonstrate your research skills as in any degree coursework. However, for the LPC your ability to compile the results into a useful format and apply the law to the scenario is also assessed. Your competence will be judged as ‘satisfactory’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ over several criteria. You need to produce an overall satisfactory piece of research to pass the assessment.

The research is often formulated around a client problem, possibly in an area of law that you are unlikely to have dealt with in your degree. The question will require you to research the current law that relates to the problem and to apply this to suggest a solution. You may be asked to submit your results in a particular format: for example, a memo to your supervisor or a paragraph in a letter to the client.

Now, you may be thinking that you know how to do research. After all, you have done huge amounts of it to get where you are; many of you will have done dissertations in your third year, some of you will have masters projects under your belt. Unfortunately, the better your dissertations were, the more likely you are to go wrong here. Let me stress – this is not academic research. If you treat it the same as your coursework to date, you are not approaching it in the right way.

Where students often go wrong is they forget they are no longer studying for a degree and attack the assignment with their undergraduate hat on. A discussion of the history of intellectual property rights and the effectiveness of European versus national protection is not what you are being asked for if the client has a design rights query. Neither the client nor your lecturers are interested in how many articles you can quote if you haven’t really answered the question fully.

Having spent a year now training, I can completely see the relevance of this; clients aren’t interested in knowing the law – that’s what they pay you for. All they want is some answers, with enough information to understand them. They certainly won’t want to pay you for doing research that is irrelevant or unusable. Your supervisor (or lecturer) wants enough information to understand the issue and to be confident you have done the research fully.

When I am given a piece of research now, I follow a set of steps to obtain the answer. I think my steps will equally be applicable to the Legal Research assessment and have shared them with you below. I have based these on solving a problem for a client – if you are set a query that doesn’t fit this scenario, the steps should still be useful.

They are as follows:

•  Identify the question. What are you actually being asked? Find the problems that you are being asked to research and write these down so you don’t forget them. Be aware, sometimes the questions are implied in the scenario, not explicitly asked. Put yourself in the client’s shoes: what would you want?
• Identify and research the relevant current law provisions. Apply the law to the problem and decide what the legal position is. Check you have all the solutions; there might be more than one. Are there any imminent changes in law that the client should be aware of?
• Look at it from a commercial point of view. For example: a client may be able to sue for a debt owed through the civil courts but in practice would not do this unless the amount of debt justified it – the time, cost and uncertainty implications of litigation are unattractive to a client.
• Identify any other information you need to be able to advise the client fully. If there is any, making it clear that this information is required is a good idea. If there are only a couple of options, for example, the company either is or is not based in the UK, explain what the answer would be in each case.
• Compile your findings in a way that is easy to read and understand using headings and bullet points if necessary. For example, break down the information into sections headed: background of the situation, applicable law, legal solution, next steps.
• If advising the client, get a non-lawyer to read it through to see if they understand it (in practice, you will have to be aware of client confidentiality!).
• Consider suggesting next steps to progress the matter.
• Provide your sources in a way that your research can be quickly checked. If the assessor has to do the research again because he can’t follow your trail, you will lose marks.
• Finally, double check you have actually answered the question.

For extra brownie points, you could look into possible reforms in the future that might affect your answer and include these.

[two_third_last].

One point to remember is that if you have hit a brick wall and can’t find the answer, you have misunderstood the question or need more information to answer that particular problem. ‘No answer’ is not the answer, believe me!

Really, as long as you have the focus right from the start, the research project is as simple as it seems and shouldn’t pose much of an issue. Get it out of the way and forget about it. There will be more challenges coming your way soon!

[/two_third_last]

In the next post I will look at the first part of Property, Law and Practice.

Matt Carter

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Professional Legal Research Writing Notes

Updated professional legal research writing notes.

A collection of the best LPC Skills notes the director of Oxbridge Notes (an Oxford law graduate) could find after combing through dozens of LPC samples from outstanding students with the highest results in England and carefully evaluating each on accuracy, formatting, logical structure, spelling/grammar, conciseness and "wow-factor". In short these are what we believe to be the strongest set of Skills notes available in the UK this year. This collection of notes is fully updated for recent ex...

The following is a more accessible plain text extract of the PDF sample above, taken from our Skills Notes . Due to the challenges of extracting text from PDFs, it will have odd formatting:

Professional Legal Research & Writing: Presenting your research memorandum

PLR & Writing assessed together

You need to hand in a research project

General points

appreciate the ‘ plan, write, revise ’ approach to Writing;

plan the content and structure of a memorandum;

practice revising a poorly written memorandum;

determine the scope and identify the objectives of the research and address all relevant legal and factual issues ;

identify the legal context and be able to analyse the legal issues and identify, prioritise and use relevant primary and secondary sources , including standard practitioner texts, journals, case authority and legislation;

keep a methodical, accurate and complete record of the research undertaken;

draw clear conclusions and identify courses of action ; and

present the results of their investigation and research in the form of a research memorandum as practiced

do not write a letter or anything else

Writing and PLR

triple check the presentation of the results of your investigation and research.

Specific points

First, always ask yourself:

--> Who is the reader ? How will this affect your reading?

Another solicitor? Then don’t explain concepts, cite case law fully as they might wish to look it up

A company director? Will know certain things like company procedure but won’t be interested in knowing full case law citations or statutory references

Someone who doesn’t know anything about law? Need to explain everything in simple words, do not refer to specific cases or statutes as they may be confused

--> What is the purpose of your communication?

First advice? Explain everything, include a summary of the issues

Follow up correspondence? Only answer specific questions, don’t summarise and don’t crowd the document with unnecessary information that has previously been discussed

Secondly, check: what is the primary focus of our advice?

Present the legal issues you are asked to address and apply them to the case

Tip: Work in three stages

STAGE 1 – ANALYSING THE PROBLEM

Four steps:

Summarise the problem

Try to summarise the problem in a few sentences.

It helps to sub-divide this in the following way:

Person X is charged with offence y .

State what the prosecution has to prove.

State what the relevant law is.

Identify material facts

Again try to cut it down.

Should only be 3 or four points.

Try to write in bullet points.

Who are you action for?

What happened?

Identify legal issues

Ask: How is the prosecution going to prove that person X is guilty of offence y under statute z ?

Again, these should only be a few points.

Really think about the problem with which you are faced.

The issues are not the same as the original question(s) you have been asked in the memorandum.

What does the client ultimately want to achieve?

What, if anything, is the client complaining about, or objecting to?

How might the client achieve its goal or solve its problem?

If the ideal solution is not possible, are there any alternatives?

What are the potential obstacles/difficulties/costs?

What factors might make a significant difference to the outcome?

Are there any risks the client should be made aware of?

Select key words

Key words to searching information

Try the obvious ones first – narrow down to maybe 3.

You will find other relevant key words from there.

STAGE 2 – TRACK DOWN THE INFORMATION

Initial tasks:

What are the client’s objectives?

this is what you should focus on

Likely sources?

Secondary sources

Use at least (!) 2 secondary sources

Law Society Website

Encyclopaedia on the relevant area

Parliamentary Notes

Practitioner texts

Preliminary analysis

Secondary sources help find out the background of the relevant law and give a good overview.

Can also be helpful in finding new key words.

Primary sources

You always (!) need to list primary sources – this is essential

= Black Letter Law

Legislation

Primary Legislation

Acts of Parliament

Secondary Legislation

Statutory Instruments

Statutory Codes of Practice

Always think: How do these primary sources apply to your client’s problem? Tips: !! always check whether statute applied at the relevant time It could be that an earlier statute was applicable !! always read footnotes! Very often, the information you need to solve the problem is contained in footnotes, i.e. hidden to make it less obvious

When researching, keep a well-structured RESEARCH TRAIL .

Use a checklist – for example:

Summary of the problem

Start with summarising the problem in your own words

Not more than a few lines

Material facts

Identify and isolate the material facts

Legal issues

Identify and isolate the legal issues that the problem is raising.

Frame as questions

Key words or phrases or natural language string

Make a list of key words or a combination of key words to search under.

Tip: Do not forget to list synonyms!

List suitable sources

Secondary Sources 1 – Record of research

Look up key words

Note relevant law

List primary sources

Secondary Sources 2 – Record of research

Look up key words – any new information?

Note relevant new information

List any primary sources

Primary Sources

Find relevant law...

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Professional Legal Research Writing

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LPC - Legal Practice Course

Our LPC will offer you the best possible preparation to practise law with the skills to succeed in business. Our career focused LPC enables you to develop commercial awareness, critical thinking, project management, and the networking skills that will prepare you for the challenges ahead.

In small group workshops, you’ll be taught by qualified lawyers with extensive practice experience. You’ll also benefit from online learning resources and personal feedback from tutors.

With a clear focus on your future employability, we are more confident than ever in your success and offer our LPC Employment Promise. Get a job in nine months, or we’ll give you 100% of your fees back: 50% of your fees as cashback plus 50% of your fees as credit towards any further courses.*

* Please refer to the LPC Employment Promise Campaign Terms and Conditions.

Why choose our LPC?

• A career-focused approach to learning, developing commercial awareness, critical thinking and the professional skills that legal employers are looking for 
• An MSc in Law, Business and Management or LLM in Professional Legal Practice at no extra cost and you could be eligible for a postgraduate student loan 
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• Access to award-winning careers support to help you with your training contract applications with over 3,000 pro bono opportunities as soon as you accept your place 

Gain a Master’s for free

Rather than enrolling on the core LPC, you may prefer to enrol on one of a Master’s qualifications which are available to you at no extra cost:

MSc in Law, Business and Management

If you want to become a partner in a law firm or progress through any number of career paths, our MSc will provide you with the skills you’ll need in practice:

• Client-focus and embedded business skills to enable you to deliver commercially focused advice
• Development of essential professional skills ranging from oral and written communication, through to meeting skills and project and risk management
• A wide selection of electives to cover your specialist areas of interest
• Innovative assessment to ensure you have the skills law firms require
• Expert teaching by qualified solicitors and barristers in addition to lectures by visiting professors 

Successfully complete your LPC course with an additional Law and Business module and Business Case Study Report and we will award you an MSc in Law, Business and Management.

LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice

Alternatively, if you would like the opportunity to gain a broader insight into the law, our LLM will suit your needs. Successfully complete your LPC with either an extra elective or a Law and Business module and a Professional Practice Research Report and you will receive an LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice.

If you only want the LPC

If you choose not to undertake either the MSc or LLM you can still enrol on the LPC without a Master’s award. You will be issued with a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and will still have completed the vocational stage of training requirements.

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Want to become a solicitor ? Our LPC is tried and tested, well-respected by top law firms and will fully prepare you for your future career. With our LPC you will experience working as a trainee solicitor and get hands-on experience processing client files and performing tasks relating to real case studies, giving you the best possible start for your entry into the legal job market.

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Entry requirements

Minimum second class honours Qualifying Law Degree

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Course requirements ➔

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96% of LPC graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2022.

Course Details

What is the lpc.

The LPC is the final stage of training to become a qualified solicitor . You study the LPC after successful completion of a qualifying law degree, or other recognised qualifications.

The LPC is recognised and well - respected and valued by law firms due to the level of practical preparation our students receive, beyond just theory. It’s a hands-on qualification and certifying means that you will be able to adapt to working life as a solicitor and thrive quickly.

We have designed our LPC to fit in with your life and plans - you can study full-time, part-time or take an accelerated course. Whatever you choose, all routes are designed to offer you the best possible preparation to practise law. At ULaw, we focus on the skills that employers are most interested in so that you can enhance your academic knowledge while preparing for the realities of life in legal practice.

Is the LPC the same as the SQE?

Not exactly. The SQE is the new route to becoming a solicitor, being gradually phased in by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can find useful, clear guidance and information surrounding the transition to the SQE on our SQE Hub or our free guide, An SQE Course for Everyone .

Am I still able to study the LPC?

A large majority of law students can still study the LPC , even with the (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) SQE being phased in over time. However, due to the reduction in available training contracts, and the SRA’s transitional arrangements, fewer students will be eligible to use the LPC route each year moving forward. If you have already started a qualifying law degree (QLD), GDL, MA Law or training contract there are transition arrangements in place until 31 December 2032 to qualify as a solicitor under the LPC route.

There’s no need to worry if your experience doesn’t match the requirements for the LPC. You’ll be able to qualify as a solicitor by following the new SQE path - find out more about the route available to you over on our SQE hub or download our guide, An SQE Course for Everyone .

If you’re not sure whether you can study the LPC based on these requirements, get in touch with our friendly team. We’ll advise you based on your own ambition and previous studies. 

Email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 800 289 997

Should students choose to study the LPC or SQE?

The SRA has advised that LPC students or graduates who have not secured a training contract can combine the SQE pathway’s two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and SQE2 assessment as an equivalent to a period of recognised training. On successful completion of this you would be admitted as a solicitor under the LPC route. You can find out more on the SRA website .

In more detail

You can still continue with the LPC route to qualify as a solicitor if you have completed, started, accepted an offer, or paid a non-refundable deposit for one of the following by 31 August 2021:

• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) / Common Professional Examination
• a period of recognised training (also known as a training contract)

For a qualifying law degree (QLD) and exempting law degree (ELD), such as our LLB, you must have completed, started, accepted an offer or paid a non-refundable deposit by 21 September 2021.

In most cases, for the QLD, ELD and CPE, the relevant course must have started at the latest on or before 31 December 2021.

If you started the full-time GDL or MA Law in September 2021, you should be eligible to commence the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in September 2022, once you have successfully completed your course.

What else should I know?

• The LPC is eligible for financial support such as a postgraduate student loan, bursaries and scholarships.
• If you already have a training contract in place , the LPC is the route we would recommend. If you don’t have a training contract arranged already, then the SQE may be more suitable for you because it is more flexible in terms of options for work experience.
• If your underlying law degree did not include the EU Law module you will need to study an extra module before the LPC. This standalone online module provides the additional training that you’ll need to qualify to complete the LPC and gives you the necessary skills and knowledge that you’ll need to study the LPC. Find out more ➔

More information about our LPC

As one of the longest providers of the LPC in the UK , we have continually evolved our course to meet the expectations of hiring law firms. We have a vast network in the legal industry and deliver training to 91 of the top 100 law firms , with exclusive relationships with 61 of the top UK law firms and many of the most prestigious US firms . Our aim is to prepare you fully for life as a trainee solicitor so that you move easily into your first role.

With a clear focus on your future career, we’ve designed our LPC to help you strengthen your prospects by learning the essential professional skills that legal employers are looking for, including commercial awareness and critical thinking.

This is why we have a 96% employment rate for full-time LPC students***. And with a wide range of elective modules to choose from, you can truly tailor your course to your specialist areas of interest.

You’ll study in small group workshops, taught by qualified lawyers who have extensive practice experience, and through online learning resources that allow you to access your study materials anytime from anywhere

Why choose ULaw for your LPC?

You’ll receive:

• A career-focused approach to learning, developing commercial awareness, critical thinking and the professional skills that legal employers are looking for.
• Course options to suit your own areas of interest through a wide choice of elective subjects.
• The opportunity to add a free Masters to your skills and achievements and you could be eligible for a postgraduate student loan. Students starting in September 2024 can choose either the LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice or LPC MSc in Law, Business and Management. Students starting the LPC in or after January 2025 can study the LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice.
• Flexible study – We understand that everyone’s circumstances are different. That’s why we offer a wide range of study modes (full-time, part-time, on campus, online) across our courses to provide you with the greatest choice and flexibility you need to succeed in your studies. 
• Access to award-winning careers support to help you with your training contract applications with over 3,000 pro bono opportunities as soon as you accept your place.

Our Employment Promise - get a job in nine months or your fees back, up to 50% as cashback and 50% as credit towards another course**.

LPC at-a-glance

There are two stages to studying the LPC.  

• Stage one : completing four compulsory modules;
• Stage two : choose from a selection of focused modules, depending on your areas of interest and which version of the course you’re studying.

*** 96% of LPC graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes data). Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2022.

Important Information for international students

If you require a visa to study in the UK and wish to progress on to one of our on-campus vocational courses, please refer to our UK visa requirements page for information about applying for a Student Route visa.

Find out more ➔

Course structure - All LPC courses

Stage 1 modules.

• Introduction to Professional Practice (Professional conduct within this module carries 15 credits) 
• Business Law and Practice Knowledge and Skills (30 credits)
• Dispute Resolution Knowledge and Skills, including Criminal Litigation (30 credits)
• Real Estate Knowledge and Skills (30 credits)

Stage 2 modules

Students choose 3 electives for the LPC, and students on the LLM LPC may study a 4th elective. The University offers the following electives and students can choose electives from one of two practice areas. Either select electives appropriate for corporate and commercial practice or choose electives for commercial and private client practice.

Electives available to students starting the LPC in September 2024

Corporate and Commercial Practice Electives

• Banking and Debt Finance Law & Practice
• Mergers and Acquisitions Law & Practice
• Advanced Real Estate Law & Practice
• Commercial Dispute Resolution Law & Practice
• Commercial Law & Practice
• Employment Law & Practice
• Intellectual Property Law & Practice

Commercial and Private Client Practice Electives

• Advanced Criminal Law and Practice
• Family Law & Practice
• Immigration Law & Practice
• Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Law & Practice
• Private Client Law & Practice

Electives available to students starting the LPC in or after January 2025

Please note:

• All elective choices on all modes are subject to demand and timetabling constraints, and we cannot guarantee that all subjects will be available at any campus, including the online campus. To enable us to run appropriate transactional style workshop activities the minimum number of students required for a class is usually 10.
•  It may be necessary for attendance students to study some electives online if there are insufficient numbers to run a class on campus. Online classes may either be delivered using streaming or at the online campus. In streamed classes students from different campuses all attend a timetabled class which is conducted online. The tasks will be carried out in the same way as they would be in a physical classroom, with students working on tasks together at the same time. If you study at the online campus you work asynchronously on tasks over a one week period. You still benefit from discussions with your fellow students but these take place via discussion boards rather than in a face to face discussion. You can find more guidance about the learning method and model used by the online campus here .

Assessment – attendance course

Assessed through a range of assessments, including oral assessments in Interviewing and Advocacy, and open book exams. Students can choose whether to sit these exams on campus as traditional handwritten exams or to sit them online using remote proctoring.

If you choose to study your LPC with a Master’s you will also be assessed with a written report and an oral assessment.

LLM in Professional Legal Practice (optional)

To receive an LLM in Professional Legal Practice students starting in September 2024 may choose to study either of the following taught modules:

• Law and Business module
• Or an additional elective module of your choice

Students starting in or after January 2025 will study an additional elective module.

All LLM students will also undertake a self-study Professional Practice Research Report module. If you choose not to complete the LLM in Professional Legal Practice you will be issued with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and will still have completed the vocational stage of training requirements.

MSc in Law, Business and Management (optional)

The MSc in Law, Business and Management is available to students starting in September 2024 only . To receive an MSc you must complete two additional MSc modules:

• Law and Business

A taught module encompassing the following topics:

• The economy, business environment and globalisation
• The functioning of the City
• Financial analysis
• Corporate finance
• Business Development

Please note that Law and Business involves a lot of calculations and therefore a basic level of maths is required.

• Case Study Project

A business based Case Study Project, which is a self-study research module based on some of the themes and topics covered in Law and Business.

If you choose not to complete the MSc in Law, Business and Management you will be issued with a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and will still have completed the vocational stage of training requirements.

What about the SQE?

The SQE is being phased in to become the new centralised way to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales

Course Start Dates

• Full-time: Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Egham (Royal Holloway), Exeter, Leeds, Liverpool, London Bloomsbury, London Moorgate, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Online (Hong Kong), Reading, Sheffield and Southampton
• Part-time Day: Birmingham, Leeds, London Moorgate and Manchester
• Part-time Evening: London Moorgate and Manchester
• Part-time Weekend: Birmingham, London Bloomsbury, Manchester and Sheffield

January 2025

• Full-time: Birmingham, Leeds, London Moorgate, Manchester and Online (Hong Kong)

Study LPC Online starting September 2024 or January 2025

Make an Enquiry

Course requirements.

Learn more about how the course is taught and how learning time is distributed by taking a look at our LPC infographic . You can also look at the course demands document which shows the requirements, prior knowledge and commitments the course will involve.

Free Master's

When you study your LPC with ULaw, you’ll be able to add either an MSc in Law, Business and Management, or LLM in Professional Legal Practice at no extra cost.

Please note: The LPC MSc will no longer be offered at any location to students starting in January 2025 or later.

Read FAQs about our free Master’s

LPC MSc in Law, Business and Management (optional - available to September 2024 starters only)

If you want to work for a law firm or an employer with a corporate/commercial focus or if you are interested in understanding business from both the commercial as well as the legal perspective, our LPC MSc will equip you with the key legal knowledge and skills required to work successfully in legal practice and will provide a pronounced business focus which will enable you to better understand your clients' business practices.

The two additional MSc modules are:

1. Law and Business

2. case study project.

A business based Case Study project, which is a self-study research module based on some of the themes and topics covered in Law and Business.

LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice

Alternatively, if you would like the opportunity to gain a deeper interest in a specialist area of the law and to keep your options open, our LLM will suit your needs. Successfully complete your LPC with either an extra elective of your choice or a Law and Business module (Law and Business module only available to September 2024 starters) and a Professional Practice Research Report and you will receive an LPC LLM in Professional Legal Practice.

If you want to study only the LPC

If you choose not to undertake either the MSc or LLM you can still enrol on the LPC without a Masters award. You will be issued with a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice and will still have completed the vocational stage of training requirements.

Study Online

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of a flexible study programme to fit around your other commitments together with the benefit of our expertise, experience and employability focus, why not consider our online study option?

LPC Online ➔

open days Upcoming Dates

Course Information

• Course dates

With so many options for studying this course, you can be sure to find a start date and study option to suit your needs.

Assessed through a range of assessments. Including oral assessments in Interviewing and Advocacy, and open book exams.

Each of our LPC study options has its own structure, with different assessments to suit.

Employability We Set You Up For Success

We care about your career, which is why we offer support with job applications and other work experience opportunities as soon as you accept your place.

Find a career that suits you

Fees and applying.

• How to apply
• Fees and funding
• International

If you’d like to study full-time or accelerated you can apply through the Central Applications Board (CAB). For part-time study you can apply directly with us.

2024/25 Course Fee (for courses starting on or after 1 July 2024)

LPC and LPC LLM or LPC MSc (Full-time and Part-time)

• London - £19,950
• Outside London - £15,800

Total fees (including £15 SRA registration fee*)

Discounts :

We are offering a £500 Postgraduate Award to students studying at the University of Southampton and Newcastle University and a £1,000 Postgraduate Award to students studying at our Nottingham Campus . Dependant on start date. Terms and conditions apply.

If you’re one of our alumni, you may be eligible to receive our £500 General Alumni Discount .

We also have a range of scholarships and bursaries available which make studying with us more affordable than ever, including our newest addition - The Amal Clooney Scholarship for Human Rights Advocates .

Plus, if you study your LPC with the LLM in Professional Legal Practice or MSc in Law, Business and Management you could be eligible for a Postgraduate Master's Loan.

*This change is set by the SRA and is subject to an increase.

We have students from over 120 different countries throughout our campuses, with a dedicated team to help international students.

If you are an international student and are coming to the UK to study, then you must apply to the Home Office for a visa. In most cases you will need to obtain a Student Route visa . In order to apply for this visa you must be sponsored by an education provider which is licensed by the UK Home Office.

The Home Office has also introduced a Graduate Work visa which allows Graduates to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career in the UK for 2 years post completion of a UK degree. The Graduate route is an unsponsored visa, meaning students will not need a job offer to apply for this visa.

Please note that the University does not currently provide visa sponsorship to students for part-time study. We also cannot sponsor students for online courses due to Home Office regulations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the lpc board.

The role of the LPC Board is to determine whether applicants are eligible for registrations or licenses and to investigate accusations of illegal, unethical, or inappropriate practice of mental health counseling or marriage and family therapy in Louisiana. State laws and  Board Rules govern our actions. We are not able to advise individual licensees or registrants regarding their practices. Legal questions should be directed to attorneys and questions regarding interactions with agencies or companies should be directed to administrators within those entities.

What are the Fees?

Fee Schedule | LPC (lpcboard.org)

What professional titles are recognized by the LPC Board?

The only titles recognized by the LPC Board are Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S), Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (PLMFT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and LMFT-Supervisor (LMFT-S). The LPC Board does not recognize the titles Mental Health Professional/MHP, LPC Intern/LPC-I, LMFT Intern/LMFT-I or any variation thereof.

How do I file a complaint against a licensee?

How To File a Complaint | LPC (lpcboard.org)

You may fill out a  Complaint Form .

When does my paperwork need to be submitted to the Board for review?

Traditional: Applicants can find the dates of the currently scheduled application review dates on the LPC Board calendar. The submission deadline is seven days prior to the meeting date. Applicants are encouraged to check the website calendar often, as meeting dates are subject to change. Applicants will be notified via the online dashboard.  All correspondence regarding licensure or denial of licensure will be sent out within 2 weeks of board review. 

  Expedited: To apply for expedited processing, the applicant must submit all necessary application materials along with the Expedited Processing Application and expedited processing fee of $60. The applicant will receive a response from a Board Staff member within five (5) business days of receipt of their completed application informing the applicant of the status of their application.    *Please note that all applicants whom Board staff determines should be denied or reviewed by the Board must be presented to the Board at the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting.

*Please click here to watch a tutorial on how to apply for licensure

How do I change my name on file with the Board?

You can find the Name Change Request Form on your Dashboard by logging in and navigating to "Forms" > "Name Change Form." In the online name change form, you will attach documentation of your legal name change in the form of a copy of your driver's license or social security card and an updated Declaration/Statement of Practices and Procedures reflecting your new legal name to the Board Office. 

Please be advised that you must notify the Board of any and all contact information changes within 30 days of the change pursuant to Chapter 1, Section 111 of the Board Rules  or you will be required to pay the $50 Failure of Notification fee.

§111. Notification of Change 

A. Every licensed or provisional licensed professional counselor and every licensed or provisional licensed marriage and family therapist shall immediately notify in writing the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners of any and all changes in name, address, and phone number. Failure to comply with this rule within 30 days of change will result in a fine as set forth in §901.C.

How do I update my contact information with the Board?

You may update your contact information on your dashboard after logging into your account. If you are updating a work address, you must email, mail, or fax an updated Statement or Declaration of Practices and Procedures to the Board Office as well as upload this to your online dashboard under the Employment tab.

Please be advised that you must notify the Board of any and all contact information changes within 30 days pursuant to Chapter 1, Section 111 of the Board Rules . Otherwise, you may be subject to a fine.

A. Every licensed or provisional licensed professional counselor and every licensed or provisional licensed marriage and family therapist shall immediately notify in writing the Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners of any and all changes in name, address, and phone number. Failure to comply with this rule within 30 days of change will result in a fine as set forth in §901.C.  

How do I request testing accommodations?

Testing accommodations MUST be on the doctor’s official letterhead (not the NBCC accommodation request form, as the procedure for accommodations request has since changed). On the doctor’s/qualified professional’s (licensed physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist) official letterhead , the testing accommodations request must:

-Be dated within five years of the request; -Include the candidate’s full name , date of birth , diagnosis , and recommended accommodation(s) ; and -Be signed by a licensed, qualified professional , including credentials (licensure or certification).  

You may mail, email, or fax this documentation to the Louisiana LPC Board.

-Mailing address: 11410 Lake Sherwood Ave North, Ste. A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 -Email: [email protected] -Fax: 225-295-8448

TELETHERAPY

What is teletherapy.

Teletherapy is defined as a method of delivering mental health counseling, psychotherapy, and marriage and family therapy services as prescribed by R.S. 37:1101 and R.S. 37:1116 using interactive technology-assisted media to facilitate prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and addiction disorders to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public that enables a licensee and a client(s) separated by distance to interact via synchronous video and audio transmission.

Who can provide Teletherapy? 

Any individual licensed or provisionally licensed by the LA LPC Board may provide Teletherapy services if the individual has met all of the requirements in Chapter 5, Section 505 of the  Board Rules and their professional training has been approved by the Board.

Is Teletherapy a Privileging Designation?

No, but it is a Specialty Area/Area of Expertise and it does require Board approval. Licensees who wish to provide Teletherapy must provide the Board with documentation of completion of training in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 5, Section 505 of the Board Rules  and an updated Declaration or Statement of Practice reflecting their Teletherapy qualification.

What kind of professional training do I need to achieve in order to provide Teletherapy? How can I be approved to provide Teletherapy?  

Licensees who wish to provide Teletherapy must provide the Board with documentation of completion of the following:

Professional training with a minimum of three asynchronous or synchronous clock hours in teletherapy. The training shall meet continuing education standards established by the board. Teletherapy education/training shall include but is not limited to:

i. appropriateness of teletherapy; ii. teletherapy theory and practice;

iii. theory integration; iv. modes of delivery; v. risk management; vi. managing emergencies; vii. legal/ethical issues; viii. HIPAA compliance.

(Note:  Board Staff may request additional documentation to determine that all Teletherapy training requirements have been fulfilled.)

How can I be approved to provide Teletherapy?

1.  Log in to your Dashboard and upload certificate of completion of your Teletherapy training (in accordance with Teletherapy training requirements in Section 505 of the  Board Rules ; see above) to the CEH Tab of your Dashboard. 

2.  Submit a Declaration/Informed Consent for Teletherapy services that includes information regarding all of the following items (see Chapter 5, Section 505.F of the Board Rules ):

a. mode and parameter of technology-assisted media(s), and [protocol to follow in the event of] technical failure

b. scheduling and structure of teletherapy

c. risks of teletherapy

d. privacy and limits of confidentiality

e. contact between sessions

f. emergency plan [specifically for clients receiving Teletherapy services]

g. consultation and coordination of care with other professionals

h. referrals and termination of services

i. information and record keeping

j. billing and third-party payor [whether these differ for Teletherapy services  from that for in-person services, and any other pertinent information]

k. ethical and legal rights, responsibilities, and limitations within and across state lines and/or international boundaries.

Specifically, please see the following from Section 505.D of the Board Rules :

"Licensees shall provide services consistent with the jurisdictional licensing laws and rules in both the jurisdiction in which licensee is physically located and where the client is physically located. Licensees providing teletherapy services to clients outside of Louisiana must comply with the regulations in the state in which the client is located at the time of service . The licensee shall contact the licensing board in the state where the client is located and document all relevant regulations regarding teletherapy. A nonresident of Louisiana who wishes to provide teletherapy health services in Louisiana must be licensed by the board."

(Note:  You may either include this information in a section of your Declaration that you provide to all of your clients, or may wish to include this information regarding Teletherapy in an Addendum to your Declaration.)

**Click here for a Teletherapy Addendum sample (this must be included with your email and continuing education).

If you are a LPC/LMFT please upload the Teletherapy Declaration/Informed Consent Addendum to your Online Dashboard > Employment > Submit Declaration of Practice and email  [email protected]  and request review of your Teletherapy materials. 

If you are a provisional licensee please email your Teletherapy Declaration/Informed Consent Addendum to [email protected]  and request review of your Teletherapy materials.

Teletherapy requests are reviewed and processed by Board Staff on a monthly basis. Once Teletherapy materials have been reviewed and approved, licensees will receive correspondence from Board Staff stating whether he/she is approved to practice Teletherapy. The online dashboard may reflect approval before you receive correspondence. 

Without Board approval to practice Teletherapy, licensees should NOT practice Teletherapy Services (see Chapter 5, Section 505 of the Board Rules ).

What is an LPC's Scope of Practice?

Licensed Professional Counselor —any fully licensed person (i.e. one who may practice independently as specified in R.S. 37:1107(A)) who holds oneself out to the public for a fee or other personal gain, by any title or description of services incorporating the words "licensed professional counselor" or any similar term, and who offers to render professional mental health counseling/psychotherapy services denoting a client-counselor relationship in which the counselor assumes the responsibility for knowledge, skill, and ethical consideration needed to assist individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public, and who implies that he/she is licensed to practice mental health counseling.

Mental Health Counseling/Psychotherapy Services —rendering or offering prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which includes psychotherapy of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addiction disorders to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public by a licensed or provisional licensed professional counselor which is consistent with his/her professional training as prescribed by R.S. 37:1107(A)(8), and Code of Ethics/behavior involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the mental health counseling profession. However, nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any person licensed or provisionally licensed hereunder to administer or interpret tests in accordance with the provision of R.S. 37:2352(5), except as provided by LAC 46:LXIII.1702.E, or engage in the practice of psychology or to prescribe, either orally or in writing, distribute, dispense, or administer any medications.

What are the requirements for LPC Licensure?

You must have completed a minimum of 3,000 supervision hours, remained under active Board-approved supervision for at least 24 months, and have passed the NCE or NCMHCE exam in order to apply for LPC licensure. To apply, you must submit your  Documentation of Experience Form(s) signed by you and your Board-approved supervisor(s), a LPC licensure application, an updated Declaration of Practices and Procedures , a $200 licensure application fee, official NCE or NCMHCE test scores (sent directly from the NBCC ), and a photo. You can access the LPC Application and application instructions  here.

I already submitted an application when I applied for Provisional Licensure as a PLPC. Do I need to submit another application for LPC licensure? 

Yes. You must submit the LPC Application and submit all necessary application materials in addition to paying the application fee. Click here to watch how to apply for licensure.

Can I apply additional graduate coursework toward my 3,000 hours of supervised experience toward LPC licensure?

Yes. For every 30 hours of additional graduate coursework earned beyond the required 60-hour master's degree, you may earn 500 hours of indirect client contact hours. You may earn up to 1,000 indirect client contact hours through additional coursework. The Board must approve the graduate coursework to be counted as part of your supervised experience hours. Additional coursework can only be reviewed at the time of submission of the PLPC Application or LPC Application. You can find more information about this provision in Chapter 6, Section 605 of the  Board Rules.

Which examination does the LPC Board accept for LPC Licensure? Do I have to take the test prior to applying for Provisional Licensure?

The National Counselor Examination (NCE) and National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) are the only tests currently accepted by the Board for LPC licensure. These exams  do not have to be taken prior to PLPC application, but either exam must be attempted at least once per PLPC renewal period until a passing score is achieved. The Board must be in receipt of official exam scores sent directly from the  NBCC  for provisional licensure renewal. An official passing score report must be received by the Board for applications for LPC Licensure.

How do I register to take the NCE or the NCMHCE? 

Interested applicants should visit the National Board of Certified Counselor's (NBCC)  website  or contact them at (336) 547-0607 to register and gather other information about the exam. The LPC Board does not offer registration for any LPC licensure exams. 

Exam Registration link:  http://www.nbcc.org/Assets/StateForms/Reg/LA.pdf 

How do I apply for the LPC license in Louisiana if I currently hold an LPC license (or equivalent) in another state?

In order to apply for licensure, you will need to submit an  LPC Licensure by Endorsement Application , a $300 non-refundable application fee,  a criminal records checks with the forms provided, a  Declaration of Practices and Procedures , and a recent photo. The length of time you have been licensed as an LPC in another state will determine what additional information we will ask you to submit for review. You may review our Out-of-State licensing requirements for LPCs  here.

Licensed Less Than 5 Years:  

Those out-of-state applicants who have not been licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor for at least five years must request a copy of their entire LPC licensure file to be sent to the Louisiana LPC Board. The file copy should contain graduate transcripts, documentation of post-graduate supervised experience hours, and NCE or NCMHCE scores. Additionally, the State Board where you are currently licensed must provide  verification of current licensure.

The state where the applicant is currently licensed must have licensure, academic and supervision experience requirements deemed substantially equivalent to those of Louisiana.    Licensed 5 or More Years: 

If you are military or a military spouse you may be endorsed if you are fully licensed and have been in good standing in your current jurisdiction for two years or more. You will complete your application as an endorsement candidate and email military orders to [email protected] .

Applicants who have been licensed for five or more years do not have to meet all of the substantial equivalency requirements for licensure, academic or supervision requirements. In addition to the above materials, these applicants must provide a letter from a colleague or supervisor indicating that they have been actively practicing for five or more years, hold a current LPC license, and have passed either the NCE or the NCMHCE. Applicants must also provide the Board with documentation of forty (40) continuing education hours in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 7 of the  Board Rules.

Is there a special designation for Appraisal Privileges?

Yes. You can find our LPC Appraisal Privileging Designation application and application instructions on your account dashboard under "Forms".

How often must an LPC renew his/her license?

LPCs must renew their license every two years by June 30th in order to practice mental health counseling lawfully in Louisiana. Renewal requirements for LPCs are listed in Chapter 7 of the  Board Rules . Licensees who do not submit a completed renewal application by the deadline will be automatically audited.  Audits also require a criminal record check and a $60 late fee.

What does it mean if I am Audited?

10% of licensees renewing each year will be randomly audited. If audited, Board staff will review the 40 continuing education hours that you submitted to ensure that they are in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 7, Section 707 of the  Board Rules.

Do I need to upload documentation of my Continuing Education Hours if I am not Audited?

Yes. Licensees must upload documentation of their CEHs with their renewal application in order to renew their license. You may refer to Chapter 7, Section 707 of the  Board Rules  for types of documentation needed for verification.

Please click here to watch how to submit CEHs

What kind of documentation of Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) do I upload?

Types of documentation needed for Continuing Education verification per Chapter 7, Section 707 of the  Board Rules :

1.) copy of certificate of attendance for workshops, seminars, or conventions;

2.) copy of transcript for coursework taken for credit/letter of attendance from instructor for courses audited;

3.) home study verification form or certificate issued by NBCC/ACA/LCA;

4.) letter from workshop/convention coordinator verifying presentations;

5.) copy of article, cover and editorial board page for publications;

6.) letter from counseling mental health professional verifying number of hours in counseling as a client;

7.) letter from the faculty member or researcher verifying number of hours in research;

8.) letter or certificate from the LPC Board of Examiners, or from the board-approved counseling service organization, verifying number of hours of service.

How do I apply to become an LPC-Supervisor (LPC-S)?

Individuals interested in becoming an LPC-Supervisor must hold a current LPC license and have a minimum of 3 years of post-licensure experience. LPC-Supervisor applicants must provide the Board with documentation of training in supervision that occured within the last 5 years and a letter from a colleague or supervisor verifying their practice. The LPC-S Application and application instructions can be accessed here. .

Additionally, if you wish to list any areas of expertise or specialization on your Declaration of Practices and Procedures and the Board’s website, you must provide documentation (e.g., transcripts, certificates, letter from supervisor) with your LPC-S application for Board review. Otherwise, you should refer to these areas as “areas of focus".

What is an LMFT's Scope of Practice?

Marriage and Family Therapy —the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in an individual and relational disorders in couples and families.

Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy —the rendering of professional marriage and family therapy and psychotherapy services, limited to prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, relational, and addiction disorders to individuals, couples, and families, singularly or in groups, whether such services are offered directly to the general public or through either public or private organizations for a fee, monetary or otherwise in accordance with professional training as prescribed by R.S. 37:1116 and the code of ethics/behavior involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the marriage and family therapy profession.

What are the requirements for LMFT licensure?

You must have completed a minimum of 3,000 supervision hours, remained under active, Board-approved supervision for at least 24 months, and have passed the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE) in order to apply for LMFT licensure. To apply, you must submit your  Documentation of Experience Form(s) signed by you and your Board-approved supervisor(s), an updated Statement of Practices and Procedures , an LMFT licensure application, a $200 licensure application fee, official NMFTE test scores, and a photo. You can access the LMFT Application and application instructions  here .

I already submitted an application when I applied for Provisional Licensure as a PLMFT. Do I need to submit another application and fee for LMFT licensure?

Yes. You must submit the LMFT Application and include all necessary application materials in addition to payment of the application fee. 

How long do I need to be under Board-approved supervision before I can apply for LMFT licensure? 

Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists must remain under active Board-approved supervision for no less than two years, but no more than six years. Please be advised that PLMFTs must remain under active supervision until licensed if they are providing Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy services—even in the event they have completed the minimum requirement of 3,000 supervised experience hours and/or passed the NMFTE.

How do I register to take the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE)?

You must submit a request in writing to the LPC Board via email ([email protected]) stating your name and your wish to register for the NMFTE. If approved, ProExam will then contact you with information regarding confirmation of your registration and testing date information.

How do I apply for the LMFT license in Louisiana if I currently hold an LMFT license (or equivalent) in another state?

In order to apply for licensure, you will need to submit an  LMFT Licensure by Endorsement Application , a $300 non-refundable application fee, a criminal records check on the forms provided by the board, a Statement of Practices and Procedures , and a recent photo. The length of time you have been licensed as an LMFT in another state will determine what additional information we will ask you to submit for review. You may review our Out-of-State licensing requirements for LMFTs  here.

Licensed Less Than 5 Years:

Those out-of-state applicants who have not been licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for at least five years must request a copy of their entire LMFT licensure file to be sent to the Louisiana LPC Board. The file copy should contain graduate transcripts, documentation of post-graduate supervised experience hours, and NMFTE scores. Additionally, the State Board where you are currently licensed must provide  verification of current licensure.

The licensure, academic and supervision experience requirements must be substantially equivalent to those of Louisiana.

Licensed 5 or More Years:

Applicants who have been licensed for five or more years do not have to meet all of the substantial equivalency requirements for licensure, academic or supervision requirements. In addition to the above materials, these applicants must provide a letter from a colleague or supervisor indicating that they have been actively practicing for five or more years, hold a current LMFT license, and have passed the NMFTE. Applicants must also provide the Board with documentation of forty (40) continuing education hours in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 35 of the  Board Rules.

How often must an LMFT renew his/her license?

LMFTs must renew their license every two years by December 31st in order to practice mental health counseling and use the title of “Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist” lawfully in Louisiana. Renewal requirements for LMFTs are listed in Chapter 35 of the Board Rules . 10% of those renewing each year will be randomly audited. If audited, you will be required to submit documentation of 40 continuing education hours in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 35 of the Board Rules. Licensees who do not submit a completed renewal application by the deadline will be automatically audited and assessed a late fee.

Those licensed marriage and family therapists who hold another license that requires continuing education hours may count the continuing education hours obtained for that license towards their LMFT CEU requirements. Of the 40 CEUs submitted, at least 20 hours must be in the area of marriage and family therapy with an emphasis upon systemic approaches or the theory, research, or practice of systemic psychotherapeutic work with couples or families including three hours of ethics specific to marriage and family therapy.

What kind of Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) do I need to renew my LMFT license? 

LMFT CEH requirements can be found in Chapter 35, Section 3503 of the  Board Rules . LMFTs must earn 40 CEHs, including 6 in Diagnosis and 3 specific to LMFT Ethics. Those Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists who hold another license that requires continuing education hours may count the continuing education hours obtained for that license towards their LMFT Continuing Education requirements. Of the 40 CEHs submitted, at least 20 hours must be in the area of marriage and family therapy with an emphasis upon systemic approaches or the theory, research, or practice of systemic psychotherapeutic work with couples or families including three hours of ethics specific to marriage and family therapy.

10% of licensees renewing each year will be randomly audited. If audited, Board staff will review the 40 continuing education hours that you submitted to ensure that they are in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 35 of the  Board Rules.

Do I need to upload documentation of my Continuing Education Hours if I am not Audited?

Yes. Licensees must upload documentation of their CEHs with their renewal application in order to renew their license. You may refer to Chapter 35, Section 3503 of the  Board Rules  for types of documentation needed for verification.

How do I change LPC Supervisors?

PLPCs changing Board-approved supervisors must submit the PLPC Change/Add Supervisor Application , a $50 application fee, a  Documentation of Experience Form  documenting the hours accrued with their current Board-approved supervisor, and an updated  Declaration of Practices and Procedures.   PLPCs must remain under the supervision of their current Board-approved supervisor until their new Board-approved supervisor has been approved. If supervision with their current Board-approved supervisor is terminated before a new supervisor is approved, they must discontinue practicing mental health counseling until a new supervisor is approved. 

Please click here for a list of board approved supervisors (LPC-S)

Can I have more than one LPC Supervisor?

Yes! Please fill out the  PLPC Change/Add Supervisor Application .

What do I have to do to become licensed as an LPC?

In order to be eligible for LPC licensure, PLPCs must remain under active Board-approved supervision for no less than two years, but no more than six years. PLPCs must pass the NCE or the NCMHCE and document a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised experience in mental health counseling under a Board-approved LPC Supervisor. Licensing requirements for LPCs can be found in Chapter 6 of our  Board Rules .

When and how do I renew my provisional license?

PLPCs must renew their provisional license every two years by October 31st in order to practice mental health counseling lawfully in Louisiana. Renewal requirements for PLPCs are listed in Chapter 6, Sections 609-611 of the  Board Rules , and a brief description of the renewal process can be found  here.

You will need to submit the PLPC Renewal Application located under "Forms" on your dashboard, the $85 Renewal Fee, documentation of 20 CEHs, an updated Declaration of Practices and Procedures,  and an official NCE or NCMHCE score report issued directly from the  NBCC to the LA LPC Board. 

What does it mean if I am audited?

10% of renewing licensees will be randomly audited. If audited, the board staff will manually review the documentation of 20 continuing education hours in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 6 of the Board Rules .

Licensees who do not submit a completed renewal application by the deadline will be audited,  required to submit a criminal records check on board approved forms (found under Forms) and assessed a $60 late fee. 

What kind of Continuing Education do I need and how often do I need it?

PLPC continuing education requirements can be found in Chapter 6, Sections 609-611 of the Board Rules .

PLPCs must accrue a minimum of 20 CEHs (Continuing Education Hours) each renewal period (two years) including a minimum of 1.5 hours in Ethics and 1.5 hours in Diagnosis (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5, as published by the American Psychiatric Association). A generic ethics course is not acceptable.

What kind of documentation of CEHs do I upload?

Types of documentation needed for verification:

1.     copy of certificate of attendance for workshops, seminars, or conventions;

2.     copy of transcript for coursework taken for credit/letter of attendance from instructor for courses audited;

3.     home study verification form or certificate issued by NBCC/ACA/LCA;

4.     letter from workshop/convention coordinator verifying presentations;

5.     copy of article, cover and editorial board page for publications;

6.     letter from counseling mental health professional verifying number of hours in counseling as a client;

7.     letter from the faculty member or researcher verifying number of hours in research;

8.     letter or certificate from the LPC Board of Examiners, or from the board-approved counseling service organization, verifying number of hours of service.

What if I just took the NCE/NCMHCE and the scores have not been released yet, but I need a score report to renew my PLPC license?

In lieu of an official score report and for the purpose of renewal ONLY , the Board Office will accept an email directly from the  NBCC to the LA LPC Board verifying your name and the date that you sat for the exam.

How do I register to take the NCE or the NCMHCE?

Interested applicants should visit the National Board of Certified Counselor's (NBCC)  website  or contact them at 1-336-547-0607 to find out information about the exam and registering to take the exam. The LPC Board does not offer registration for any LPC licensure exams. 

I need to renew my PLPC license and I have not taken the NCE/NCMHCE yet. Can I renew without taking the exam?

Attempting either the NCE or NCMHCE is a requirement for renewal. PLPCs must attempt the exam at least once every renewal period until a passing score is achieved. If all renewal materials are not received by the Board by October 31st, then your provisional license will lapse. Please be advised that it is unlawful to provide mental health counseling services with a lapsed or expired license. 

I let my PLPC license lapse. Can I still renew?

Yes! You will need to submit all regular renewal materials to the Board including the $60 late renewal fee. Please be advised that all late renewals are audited. Provisional licensees have a 90-day lapse period in which they can renew late. If the Board Office does not receive all late renewal materials by January 31st, then your provisional license will expire. 

I let my PLPC license expire. Can I still renew?

No. You must  reapply  for the PLPC license under our current licensing requirements. 

If I allow my provisional license to expire and reapply, am I able to retain my supervised experience hours?

No. Once you allow your provisional license to lapse, all previously accrued supervised experience hours are forfeited. You must apply for a new provisional license. 

LCA FAQ: PLPCs working with Medicaid

Please see  this statement from the Louisiana Counseling Association for LCA FAQs regarding PLPCs and working with LA Medicaid.

What is a LMHP?

The LMHP must hold a current unencumbered license in their area of practice from the appropriate licensing board of the State of Louisiana.  One must be licensed in the State of Louisiana and practice within the scope of all applicable state laws and their professional license.  An LMHP includes individuals licensed to practice independently and regulated thru the various behavioral health licensing boards:  Physicians (Psychiatrists), Medical Psychologists, Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs), Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) note: an APRN must be a nurse practitioner specialist in Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health, and Family Psychiatric & Mental Health, Adult Psychiatric and Mental Health, and Child-Adolescent Mental Health and may practice to the extent that services are within the APRN's scope of practice.

What is a PLPC's Scope of Practice?

Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor —any person by title or description of services incorporating the words "provisional licensed professional counselor" and who, under board-approved supervision (i.e. may not practice independently), renders professional mental health counseling/psychotherapy services denoting a client-counselor relationship in which the licensee assumes the responsibility for knowledge, skill, and ethical consideration needed to assist individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public, and who implies that he/she is provisionally licensed to practice mental health counseling. 

Mental Health Counseling/Psychotherapy Services — rendering or offering prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, which includes psychotherapy of mental, emotional, behavioral, and addiction disorders to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public by a licensed or provisional licensed professional counselor which is consistent with his/her professional training as prescribed by R.S. 37:1107(A)(8), and Code of Ethics/behavior involving the application of principles, methods, or procedures of the mental health counseling profession. However, nothing in this Chapter shall be construed to authorize any person licensed or provisionally licensed hereunder to administer or interpret tests in accordance with the provision of R.S. 37:2352(5), except as provided by LAC 46:LXIII.1702.E, or engage in the practice of psychology or to prescribe, either orally or in writing, distribute, dispense, or administer any medications. 

Active Supervision —the process by which a supervisee receives one hour of face-to-face supervision with his/her board-approved supervisor for every 20 hours of direct client contact or at least once every three-month period.

  PLMFT

How do I change LMFT Supervisors?

PLMFTs changing Board-approved supervisors must submit the PLMFT Change/Add Supervisor Application , a $50 application fee, a  Documentation of Experience Form  documenting the hours accrued with their current Board-approved supervisor, and an updated  Statement of Practices and Procedures .   PLMFTs must remain under the supervision of their current Board-approved supervisor until their new Board-approved supervisor has been approved. If supervision with their current Board-approved supervisor is terminated before a new supervisor is approved, they must discontinue practicing mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy until a new supervisor is approved. 

How do I change my practice setting or add a new one?

Please fill out the  PLMFT Change/Add Practice Setting Application  and email, mail, or fax a copy of your updated  Statement of Practices and Procedures  to the Board Office. 

Please be advised that if this documentation is not received within thirty (30) days of your initial employment date, you will be subject to a fine of $50 and will forfeit all supervised experience hours accrued at your practice setting. Furthermore, if the Board does not approve your new practice setting as appropriate, you will forfeit all supervised experience hours previously accrued at said practice setting.

Can I have more than one LMFT Supervisor?

Yes! Please fill out the  PLMFT Change/Add Supervisor Application .

What do I have to do to become licensed as an LMFT?

In order to be eligible for LMFT licensure, PLMFTs must remain under active Board-approved supervision for no less than two years, but no more than six years. PLMFTs must pass the NMFTE and document a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-masters supervised experience in marriage and family therapy under a Board-approved LMFT Supervisor. Licensing requirements for LMFTs can be found in Chapter 33 of our  Board Rules . 

When and how do I renew my PLMFT license?

PLMFTs must renew their provisional license every two years by October 31st in order to practice mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy lawfully in Louisiana. Renewal requirements for PLMFTs are listed in Chapter 33, Section 3315 of the  Board Rules , and a brief description of the renewal process can be found here .

You will need to submit the PLMFT Renewal Application located under "Forms" on your dashboard, the $85 Renewal Fee, documentation of 20 CEHs, an updated Statement of Practices and Procedures,  and an official NMFTE score report issued directly from the PTC to the LA LPC Board.

10% of renewing licensees will be randomly audited. If audited, you will be required to submit documentation of 20 continuing education hours in accordance with the requirements in Chapter 33 of the Board Rules .

Licensees who do not submit a completed renewal application by the deadline will be automatically audited and assessed a late fee. 

PLMFT continuing education requirements can be found in Chapter 33, Section 3315 of the Board Rules .

PLMFTs must accrue a minimum of 20 CEHs (Continuing Education Hours) each renewal period (two years) including a minimum of 1.5 hours in LMFT Ethics and 1.5 hours in Diagnosis (assessment, diagnosis, and treatment under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as published by the American Psychiatric Association). The required training in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment under the DSM-5 may be specific to a particular condition and/or may be general training in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. A generic ethics course is not acceptable.

I let my PLMFT license lapse. Can I still renew?

I let my plmft license expire. can i still renew.

No. You must  reapply  for the PLMFT license under our current licensing requirements. 

What kind of documentation of CEHs do I need to upload?

Types of documentation needed for continuing education:

2.     copy of transcript for coursework taken for credit/audit;

3.     letter from workshop/convention coordinator verifying presentation;

4.     copy of article plus the table of contents of the journal it appears in, copy of chapter plus table of contents for chapter authored for books, title page and table of contents for authoring or editing books, letter from conference coordinator or journal editor for reviewing refereed workshop presentations or journal articles.

How do I register to take the NMFTE?

You must submit a request in writing to the LPC Board via email ([email protected]) stating your name and your wish to register for the NMFTE. If approved, ProExam will then contact you with information regarding confirmation of your registration and testing date information.

What if I just took the NMFTE and the scores have not been released yet, but I need a score report to renew my PLMFT license?

In lieu of an official score report and for the purpose of renewal ONLY , the Board Office will accept an email directly from the PTC to the LA LPC Board verifying your name and the date that you sat for the exam.

I need to renew my PLMFT license and I have not taken the NMFTE yet. Can I renew my license without taking the exam?

Attempting the NMFTE is a requirement for renewal. PLMFTs must attempt the exam at least once every renewal period until a passing score is achieved. If all renewal materials are not received by the Board by October 31st, then your provisional license will lapse. Please be advised that it is unlawful to provide mental health counseling services and marriage and family therapy with a lapsed or expired license. 

What is a PLMFT's Scope of Practice?

Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist — any person by title or description of services incorporating the words "provisional licensed marriage and family therapist" and who, under board-approved supervision (i.e. may not practice independently), renders marriage and family therapy denoting a client-therapist relationship in which the licensee assumes the responsibility for knowledge, skill, and ethical consideration needed to assist individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public, and who implies that he/she is provisionally licensed to practice marriage and family therapy. 

Marriage and Family Therapy ?the professional application of psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the prevention, diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in an individual and relational disorders in couples and families 

Active Supervision —the process by which a supervisee receives one hour of face-to-face supervision with his/her board-approved supervisor for every 20 hours of direct client contact or at least once every three-month period. 

What’s the difference between an LPC-S and a Board-approved LPC-S?

Although you may be an LPC-S, this does not mean that you may begin supervising PLPCs. In order to comply with the  Board Rules , LPC-Supervisors must be approved by the Board as the Board-approved LPC-S for each PLPC they wish to supervise. PLPCs are required to remain under the active supervision of their Board-Approved LPC-S while they are providing mental health counseling services until they are independently licensed as an LPC.

How do I apply to become a LPC-Supervisor?

Individuals interested in becoming an LPC-Supervisor must hold a current LPC license and have a minimum of 3 years of post-licensure experience. LPC-Supervisor applicants must provide the Board with documentation of training in supervision and a letter from a colleague or supervisor verifying their practice. The LPC-S Application and application instructions can be accessed  here.

Additionally, if you wish to list any areas of expertise or specialization on your Declaration of Practices and Procedures and the Board’s website, you must provide documentation (e.g., transcripts, certificates, letter from supervisor) with your LPC-S application for Board review. Otherwise, you should refer to these areas as “areas of focus.”

My PLPC wants to change supervisors. What paperwork and documentation should I submit?

I want to terminate my supervisory relationship with my plpc. what paperwork and documentation should i submit.

If you with to terminate supervision with a PLPC, you must submit a Documentation of Experience Form . Additionally, please submit in writing the reason for the termination and the date of your last meeting with your supervisee. Until the Documentation of Experience form is received, you are responsible for the PLPC and they will remain on your list of current supervisees. 

If my PLPC has completed his/her supervision hours, but has not passed the NCE or the NCMHCE, does he/she have to remain under supervision?

Yes. A PLPC must remain under supervision of their LPC-S not only until they pass the NCE or NCMHCE, but until they are officially approved for LPC licensure. It is unlawful to practice any type of mental health counseling as a PLPC unless you are under the active supervision of a Louisiana Board-approved supervisor.

What's the difference between a LMFT-S and a Board-approved LMFT-S?

Although you may be an LMFT-S, this does not mean that you may begin supervising PLMFTs. In order to comply with the  Board Rules , LMFT-Supervisors must be approved by the Board as the Board-approved LMFT-S for each PLMFT they wish to supervise. PLMFTs are required to remain under the active supervision of their Board-Approved LMFT-S while they are providing mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy services until they are independently licensed as an LMFT.

How do I apply to become a LMFT Supervisor Candidate (LMFT-SC)?

Individuals interested in becoming an LMFT Supervisor Candidate must be licensed as a LMFT for at least two years and provide documentation of a one-semester graduate-level course in Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision OR a 30-hour course of study approved by the Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee. You can access the LMFT-SC Application and application instructions  here.

LMFT Supervisors and Supervisor Candidates may refer to the LMFT Supervisor Handbook under "Supervison"  here.

Can LMFT Supervisor Candidates supervise PLMFTs?

Yes, but you must first be approved by the Board to do so. Failure to comply will result in a PLMFT's inability to count client contact/supervision hours accrued under your supervision toward licensure and possibly disciplinary action. 

How do I apply to become a LMFT-Supervisor (LMFT-S)?

Individuals interested in becoming an LMFT-S must be licensed as a LMFT for at least two years and provide documentation of a one-semester graduate-level course in Marriage and Family Therapy Supervision OR a 30-hour course of study approved by the Marriage and Family Therapy Advisory Committee and verification of 36 hours of supervision-of-supervision OR  Verification of AAMFT Supervisor Status . 

LMFT Supervisors and Supervisor Candidates may refer to the LMFT Supervisor Handbook under "Supervison"  here

My PLMFT wants to change supervisors. What paperwork and documentation should I submit? 

PLMFTs changing Board-approved supervisors must submit the PLMFT Change/Add Supervisor Application , a $50 application fee, a  Documentation of Experience Form  documenting the hours accrued with their current Board-approved supervisor, and an updated  Statement of Practices and Procedures .   PLMFTs must remain under the supervision of their current Board-approved supervisor until their new Board-approved supervisor has been approved. If supervision with their current Board-approved supervisor is terminated before a new supervisor is approved, they must discontinue practicing mental hea