Pennsylvania counseling license requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How many CE Credits does Pennsylvania require for counselors?

Professionals licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors:
- LPC, LMFT: 30 hours every 2 years. Licenses expire on 2/28 of odd-numbered years.
Professionals certified by the Pennsylvania Certification board:
- CAAC, AAC, CADC, CAADC: 40 hours every 2 years.
- CAAP: 25 hours every 2 years.
- Other credentials: Refer to board rules.

Can I take my continuing education through Continued Counseling?

Licensed Professional Counselors and Marriage & Family Therapists: Yes. For professionals licensed through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors, 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 Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB) 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 Licensed Marriage and Family Counselors:

There is no limit to the amount of continuing education hours that can be obtained online.
3 hours in ethics must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.
2 hours in mandated Act 31 Child Abuse Reporter Training must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers a child abuse reporting course approved by the PA board. We do not offer a 3 hour course for initial licensure.
1 hour in suicide prevention must be obtained each renewal. Continued offers courses that may meet the suicide course requirement.

Addiction Counselors (CAAC, AAC, CADC, CAADC, CAAP):

Continuing education must be relevant to addiction counseling.
There is no limit to the number of continuing education hours that can be completed online.
3 hours of ethics each renewal period. Continued offers courses that may meet the ethics course requirement.

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.