New Jersey counseling license requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

We've listed some of the most common questions and answers for New Jersey counseling continuing education.

How many CE Credits does New Jersey require for counselors?

Professionals licensed by the New Jersey Professional Counselor Examiners Committee:
- LPC, LAC: 40 hours every 2 years; licenses expire on 11/30 of even-numbered years.
Professionals licensed by the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners:
- LMFT: 40 hours every 2 years. License expires on 6/30 of even-numbered years.
- LAMFT: 20 hours every 2 years. License expires on 6/30 of even-numbered years.
Professionals licensed by the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee:
- CADC: 60 hours every 2 years. License expires on 7/31 of even-numbered years.
- LCADC: 40 hours every 2 years. License expires on 7/31 of even-numbered years.

Can I take my continuing education through Continued Counseling?

Licensed Professional Counselors and Associates: Yes. For professionals licensed through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, the Board accepts courses by NBCC approved providers. Continued has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7484. Find courses offered for NBCC credit.
Marriage & Family Therapists and Associates: Yes. For professionals licensed through the New Jersey State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, the Board accepts courses by NBCC approved providers. Continued has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7484. Find courses offered for NBCC credit.
Addiction Counselors: Yes. The New Jersey Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee accepts courses by NAADAC approved providers. Continued is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, #283836. Find courses approved by NAADAC.

Licensees are responsible for completing courses that align with the content requirements for their specific license.

Other Information

Licensed Professional Counselors and Associates:

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that may be obtained online.
5 hours in ethical and legal standards must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.
3 hours in social and cultural competence must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the social and cultural competence course requirement.
1 hour must be obtained in prescription opioid drugs, including the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion. Continued offers courses that may meet the opioid course requirement.

Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors and Associates:

A maximum of 50% of the continuing education requirement can be obtained from home-study courses. Continued offers home-study audio, video, and text courses.
There is no limit to the number of hours that can be earned through live interactive courses. Continued offers live courses.
5 hours in ethical and legal standards must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.
3 hours in social and cultural competence must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the social and cultural competence course requirement.
1 hour must be obtained in prescription opioid drugs, including the risks and signs of opioid abuse, addiction, and diversion. Continued offers courses that may meet the opioid course requirement.

Addiction Counselors:

All licensees and certificate holders shall complete the minimum number of required contact hours of continuing education directly related to the profession of alcohol and drug counseling. The Committee may disallow any continuing education contact hours claimed for continuing education credit that are not relevant to the practice of alcohol and drug counseling in the State of New Jersey.

CADC:

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online; however, at least 30 of the 60 required hours must be through live interactive webinars. Continued offers live courses.
3 hours of social and cultural competence each renewal period. Continued offers courses that may meet the social and cultural competence course requirement.

LCADC:

There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online; however, at least 20 of the 40 required hours must be through live interactive webinars. Continued offers live courses.
6 hours of a committee-approved continuing education course in legal standards for the initial renewal period, and then 3 hours each renewal period thereafter. Continued does not currently offer this content.

Refer to your regulatory agency for the most current information about your continuing education requirements.

Approval Organizations

American Psychological Association

Continued is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Continued maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors

Continued is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, #283836. Continued is responsible for all aspects of the programming.

National Board for Certified Counselors Approved Continuing Education Provider

Continued has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7484. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Continued is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.