CPCS Frequently Asked Questions

Glossary of Terms:

  • Renewal / Recertification. Means that a supervisor who has the CPCS credential must renew / recertify the certification every three (3) years. The term “renewal” is used interchangeable.
  • Inactive. Means that the supervisor is not actively performing supervision, but does still hold the CPCS certification.  
  • Expired. Means that the Certification was not renewed on or before the credential’s expiration date. Therefore, the certification has expired.

  • What is the first step to becoming certified?

    Check the date on your LPC license to ensure you meet the required 3 year minimum. If your LPC license issue date is at least three years to the date you plan to apply for your CPCS, then the next step would be to take the supervision training. 


    The LAPC license does not count towards the 3 years.

  • Do you ever approve an LCSW or other non-LPC licensed staff to provide any of the supervision training?

    At this time, rule 135-5-.01 and .02 only allow LPCs to be CPCS.  LPCA is working on providing a separate supervision certification for LCSW, LMFT, psychologist. 

  • What are the CE requirements for CCALP's CPCS Certification Program?

    Supervisor training must be 30 hours AND all from the same trainer. The supervision training has very specific CE workshop requirements. (Keep in mind these hours will also count toward your 35 required hours for your LPC licensure hours.)


    30 Hour Requirement = 6 CE hours in each of the following categories:

    • Applications & Principles of Supervision 
    • Documentation, Methods & Models
    • Foundations
    • Legal & Ethical
    • TeleSupervision

  • Can I complete the required clinical supervision training hours through multiple providers, as long as they are approved by the LPCA of Georgia?

    No. For new CPCS (Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor) applications, all 30 required training hours must be completed with a single approved provider, as specified by the LPCA of Georgia.


  • How do I locate approved CE providers for the CPCS certification?

    CEs must be approved by LPCA of GA to count toward CPCS certification/recertification. Not all courses are recognized, so check the Unrecognized CE Providers for CPCS page to confirm acceptance before proceeding.

  • Do all trainings need to be Synchronous (in person or live interactive webinar)?

    Yes, all trainings need to be in-person or live interactive webinar.  Only exception is for the TeleSupervision training which may be asynchronous (online/on-demand). 

  • CPCS Renewal Period

    Renewals are calculated from the date that your certification was issued. If you allow your certification to expire for more than 3 years, you are no longer eligible to renew your certification and instead can reapply for certification.


  • What is the time frame within which CE credits must be earned to count toward the required training hours for recertification?

    Renewal training hours need to have been accrued in the same 3-year period you were certified or last recertified.

  • My company required me to be a clinical supervisor, but I am no longer working there or supervising anyone, what should I do?

    Fill out the free Inactive Application, this will allow you to reactivate your CPCS if you ever start supervising again.  As long as the CPCS certification has not expired, you can reactivate the CPCS certification at any time.  If your certification period has expired, you will need to follow the steps to recertify for the CPCS.

  • What do I need to do to recertify my CPCS?

    You will need to complete the twelve (12) hours of clinical supervision training, take and pass the CPCS recertification exam, complete the application and payment. 


    For the latest requirements for CPCS Recertification, visit the webpage for detailed information on CE hours and approved providers.


  • The new state I am moving to, requires me to be licensed as a supervisor, should I fill out the inactive application?

    Yes, because states that require licensure for supervision, will requires your CPCS information.


  • How do I make a complaint against a CPCS?

    Complaints of unethical conduct must be initiated by someone with personal knowledge of the alleged behavior or by someone in a position to supply relevant reliable testimony or other evidence on the subject.  To initiate a complaint, review the CPCS Complaint page for the procedural details and complaint form link.

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