Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS)

The Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) credential is a mark of distinction for Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) who are committed to developing the next generation of counselors. Becoming a CPCS demonstrates your dedication to mentoring future counselors and showcases your expertise
in clinical supervision. With 100 hours of clinical supervision required for licensure, the CPCS certification is crucial in bridging the gap in a field facing a shortage of qualified clinical supervisors.


Why Become a CPCS?
The CPCS certificate program prepares you for the complex supervisor environment, and allows you to shape the next generation of mental health professionals. You’ll mentor trainees, teaching them that professionalism in counseling is a way of life, not just a set of skills. You'll also stay at the forefront of the field, ensuring your supervisees meet clinical hours and understand the ethical and legal frameworks governing client care.


As a CPCS, you'll be directly involved in developing future counselors, ensuring they’re well-equipped to navigate the complexities of counseling and the legal responsibilities tied to their work. If you're passionate about mentoring and committed to high standards in counseling, becoming a CPCS is a meaningful step in your career, demonstrating your dedication to clinical supervision.


Lead the way for future counselors. Become a CPCS today!

Upcoming CPCS Training Dates

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Pre-Requisites and Requirements for Professional Counselor Supervisor Certification

STEP 1: 

Licensed in GA as an LPC for a MINIMUM of 3 years prior to attending training for the CPCS credential.  Rule 135-5-.02  See below for exemptions and details. 
NOTE: Time as an APC/restricted license does not count towards the 3 years.


STEP 2: 

Complete Required Training Courses. 
You must be licensed (unrestricted license such as LPC/LMHC, etc.) for at least three (3) years before beginning any supervision-related coursework.

  • 30 Hours of Clinical Supervision Training Course.
  • CE workshop(s) Training(s) approved by LPCAGA.
  • NBCC and CE Broker course providers will be reviewed for compliance. Will result in a delay in processing.
  • All CEs must be from the same trainer/same company.
  • All Training MUST be earned within 2 years from the date of the application.
  • Trainings (CEs) MUST be SYNCHRONOUS. GA Licensing Rule 135.9
  • CCALP recommends 1 year (12 sessions) of documented supervision of supervision by a qualified trainer (recommended, not required)
  • Coursework taken before you have been licensed for a minimum of three (3) years with an unrestricted license, such as an LPC/LMHC, etc. will NOT be accepted.
  • Check the list of CEs that are NOT accepted or recognized. 


STEP 3: 

Start your application and take the exam.


STEP 4: 

After you've received a passing score on the exam and your application is approved, your certification will be issued.


**Please note: application fees are non-refundable. Ensure the accuracy of your application prior to submitting.**


Exemptions

  • No exemption for Georgia Rule 135-11.  Everyone must have proof of TeleMental Health and TeleSupervision Training within the last five (5) years. 
  • All trainings must be Synchronous or Live; no recorded webinars are accepted as CEs.


DEGREE: Doctoral Degree in Counseling Education/Supervision.

Completed within 3 years from the date of applying (date of application submission).

  • Doctoral Degree must be from a CACREP accredited program with a practicum and or internship
  • Degree earned within the last three years from the date of application
  • Must Meet Licensing Board Rule 135-5-.02 (Supervisor) 
  • Applied and received the LPC in GA using the doctoral degree 
  • One 6-hour workshop on Laws/Rules
  • One 6-hour Documentation Workshop
  • Pass the CPCS exam
  • Pass the Jurisprudence exam


MILITARY: Special exemption due to the 2-3 years relocation requirement by Department of Defense (DOD)

  • Licensure by Endorsement - if Military or Spouse of Military (Board rule 135-12)
  • LPC in GA for one year (BUT REQUIRED that you have had full licensure for 3-yrs per Rule 135-5-.02)
  • One 6-hour Laws/Rules Workshop
  • One 6-hr Documentation Workshop
  • Pass the CPCS exam
  • Pass the Jurisprudence exam

OR if already licensed as a Supervisor

  • LPC in GA for one year (instead of the 3-yrs per Rule 135-5-.02)
  • Proof of State Supervisors License for supervising professional counselors
  • One 6-hour Laws/Rules Workshop
  • One 6- hour Documentation Workshop
  • Pass the CPCS exam
  • Pass the Jurisprudence exam


SUPERVISOR LICENSURE for OUT-OF-STATE LICENSED COUNSELOR SUPERVISORS: (Board Rule 135-3-.04)

If currently licensed as a Clinical Supervisor in another state, and are now fully licensed in GA as an LPC. **PLEASE NOTE - you MUST be currently LICENSED as a Clinical Supervisor in another state, and are now fully licensed in GA as an LPC. Please note only a handful of other states issue Counselor Supervisor Licenses. “Approved” or “Certified” does not count as Licensed, and you must submit proof of your Counselor Supervisor license.

  • LPC in GA for one year AND an LPC/LMHC (etc.) for at least 3 years total
  • Proof of State Supervisors License for supervising professional counselors
  • One 6-hour Laws/Rules Workshop
  • One 6-hr Documentation Workshop
  • Pass the CPCS exam
  • Pass the Jurisprudence exam


CPCS Inactivation Request

CPCS Inactivation

Did you know you can inactivate (or re-activate) your CPCS certification at any time. Please complete the CPCS Inactive Request below in order to change your CPCS credential status to inactivate.


Directions to change your status

  1. Submit the CPCS Inactive Application Form, to change from "active" to "inactive" status. There is no cost to change your CPCS status to Inactive.
  2. The Application contains several attestation statements that you will need to affirm. 
  3. You will receive an email with verification of CPCS inactivation. 


Please Note:

Once you have inactivated your CPCS credential, you cannot continue to practice as a CPCS Clinical Supervisor for counselors seeking Professional Counseling licensure under the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists (the Board). 


According to the GA Licensing Board rule 135-5-.02 section 5 (iv), you must discontinue using the CPCS credential on ALL communications, marketing materials, website listings, etc. 


In addition, please understand that LPCA of Georgia is required to report to the Board that your CPCS supervisor status is inactive. When you are ready to recertify your CPCS, please review the guidelines on How to Start the Recertification process.

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