This information is being provided to answer frequently asked questions about what happens to the application once it reaches the Board office. Please review the following before calling the Board office.

(ABOCPC) is pleased to offer the online application process, we encourage applicants to utilize this process to save money on postage, ensure your application is received, and to decrease the initial application processing time.

1-  Submitting your application.

• The first step in the application process is the initial application. All areas of the application that pertain to the license you are applying for must be completed. This completed application, is to be sent to the Board office with payment for $238.

1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials have reached the Board office by deadlines established by the Board.
2. Make sure any other names (married name(s), maiden names, nickname, etc.) are listed on the application.We encourage applicants to include any additional application items by uploading them through the portal. We only accept documents through the portal or by mail. However, we will still need the following documents submitted directly from the university or verifier:

• Official transcripts – can be issued directly to the student as long as they arrive at (ABOCPC) still sealed from the registrar, mailed from the university, or emailed from the school to transcripts@abocpc.com
• Verification of Graduate Counseling Experience
• Final Supervision Reports (LCMHC applicants)
• Verification of Professional Counseling Experience (LCMHC by Endorsement or LCMHCS applicants)
• Official Verification of Active License in another state issued by the licensing agency. (LCMHC by Endorsement applicants)
• Official copies of FL/(ABOCPC) scores or CRC scores from the examining organization.

• Applications not meeting the standard of completion could be delayed in Board approval for licensure.

• When the completed application (application, fees, transcripts, test scores, criminal background check, professional disclosure statement, counseling verification forms, etc.) is received by the Board office, it undergoes an initial review.
• If the applicant answers Yes to any item listed in Legal and Ethics section of the application and/or if the criminal background check reveals a finding this becomes part of the Board’s consideration process.
• If the applicant does not meet the educational requirements as set by the Board, the applicant may be asked to submit additional information such as course descriptions and syllabi. Once the supporting documentation is received, it will be reviewed by the Board’s Educational Reviewer for the next scheduled Board meeting. Once the Board reaches a decision regarding the applicant’s education, he/she will be notified in writing.
• After the initial review, the applicant will receive a letter confirming receipt of the application and describing any remaining requirements needed to qualify for the licensure for which the applicant is applying. This can take from 4-6 weeks.
• Applicants can log onto the online portal to check on their applications status at any time.
• Applications are valid for 2 years from the date of receipt by the Board Office. Receipt is defined as: Application shall be deemed received by the board office when the office receives the application and processes the applicable fee.

3-  After Initial Review

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to review their online status and provide any required materials in a timely manner.
• From this point forward, the Board office compiles and verifies all information received for applicants.
• Once applicant has provided all required documents, the applicant is presented to the Board for review at the next scheduled Board meeting. Please note, going before the Board does not guarantee licensure.

4-  After Initial Review

• At the next scheduled Board meeting, Board members review the candidates, determine if the candidates have met all requirements, and make a decision on licensure. If the candidate has met all requirements, the Board will license the candidate as appropriate.
• All Board decisions will be sent to the applicant 10-15 business days after the meeting. Do not call the Board office to request information regarding a Board decision immediately following a Board meeting. During this time Candidates for Licensure may check online portal to learn if a license has been issued.