To apply for an initial certificate, you must submit the completed 
application to:
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
Reciprocity: (See 172 NAC 94-005.04)
To apply for an initial certificate, you must submit the completed application to:
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-4986
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Issuance and Processing Time
If the application is complete, issuance of the certificate usually occurs within approximately 2 weeks. However, if you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction, or other circumstance that warrants further review, the Board of Mental Health Practice will review said application at their next regularly scheduled meeting. Click here to check schedule. By statute, the Department must act within 150 days upon receipt of a completed application for certificate.
If you meet all the requirements for a certificate within 90 days prior to the biennial renewal date, you may:
Request that the Department delay the processing of the application and the issuance of the certificate until the biennial renewal date and pay only the fee for initial certification (you would not be able to practice until the renewal date); or Request that a certificate be issued immediately (which will be valid until the current renewal date) and pay the fee for initial certification and an additional fee of one-fourth of the biennial renewal fee.
Certification Expiration: All Professional Counselor Certificates expire 9/1 of even-numbered years.
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Applications
These forms may be completed online, however, they cannot be submitted via e-mail due to the fact that all applications and forms require original signatures. If you complete the form online, you must print the form and mail it to the address listed.
All materials shall be submitted to Licensure Unit with fee payable to the "Licensure Unit".
Licensure Unit
PO Box 94986
Lincoln, NE 68509-49865
Mental Health Practice License - you may complete on-line, print and mail.
Mental Health Practice License based on Reciprocity (License in another State)
Examination Registration
Examination Accommodation Request Form
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Examination
To be certified, an applicant must have passed the National Board for Certified Counselors National Counselor Examination (NCE) OR National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) with a minimum score set at the National Cut Score.
NCE OR NCMHCE Examination information, click here. To register for the test, click here. Top of Page
Misdemeanor/Felony Convictions or Licensure Discipline
If you had a misdemeanor or felony conviction (other than a minor traffic violation) or had your license in any health care profession in another state revoked, suspended, limited or disciplined in any manner, you must request the following documents be sent directly to this office:
- Official Court Record, which includes charges and disposition;
- If the conviction involved a drug and/or alcohol related offense, all addiction/mental health evaluations and proof of treatment (if treatment was obtained and/or required);
- If you are currently on probation, a letter from your probation officer addressing probationary conditions and your current status; and
- If your license in health care in another state has been revoked, suspended, limited or disciplined in any way, an official copy of the disciplinary action, including charges and disposition.
NOTE: If you have any criminal charges or license disciplinary actions pending that results in conviction or license discipline, you are required to report such actions to this department within 30 days.
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Renewal
Expiration Date: All professional counseling certificates expire 9/1, of each even-numbered year. You must renew your mental health practice license in order to renew the professional counseling certification.
Renewal Process: Notice of renewal is sent to each certificate holder approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date. It is important that your address is current with our office in order to assure delivery of the renewal notice.
A person who practices after expiration of his/her credential is subject to assessment of an administrative penalty fee of $10 per day up to $1000.
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