FAQs: The LPCC Grandparenting Requirements

by Ann Tran-Lein, JD
Staff Attorney
December, 2011

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The following is a compilation of frequently asked questions and answers regarding the LPCC grandparenting requirements.   Please keep in mind that the information contained herein may be updated to incorporate new changes to the law or the application process.  Several articles have been written by CAMFT Staff Attorneys and published in the past issues of The Therapist magazine.   CAMFT has also presented a webinar on the LPCC grandparenting requirements, which has been recorded and is available to members on the CAMFT website.  To access the articles and webinar, log into the “Members Only Area" on the CAMFT website at www.camft.org. 

Q:  How do I qualify for the LPCC “grandparented” license?
A:  In order to qualify for grandparenting, the applicant must be currently licensed with the BBS and in good standing as an LMFT or LCSW, meet the LPCC educational requirements, and pass an LPCC “gap” examination.   For a more detailed description of the requirements, call CAMFT to speak to one of the Staff Attorneys or visit the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/lpcc_grandparent_mftlcsw.shtml. 

Q:  How do I know if the courses I took in my masters or doctorate program fit within the description of the required nine core content areas?
A:  Review your transcript to identify courses that match the descriptions of the core content areas.  For courses on your transcript that are not obvious, we recommend you review the course descriptions and/or syllabi obtained from your school and compare the course descriptions with the descriptions of the nine core content areas.  A detailed description of the nine core content areas can be found on the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/lpcc_9_core_content_areas.shtml.  

Q:  I am deficient in more than the required three (3) semester units or four and a half (4 ½) quarter units in a few of the nine core content areas.  What can I do?
A:  It is recommended that you review the course descriptions and/or syllabi for the courses you took in your masters or doctoral program to check for courses that can be combined to satisfy the required units for each core content area.  Make sure to include the course descriptions and/or syllabi with your application.

Q:  May I take the remedial courses from a continuing education provider?
A:  No.  All remedial courses must be graduate-level course work.   There is an exception for a counselor educator, who can receive credit for completing the core content area if his or her degree includes at least seven of the nine core content areas and he or she has taught the equivalent of the missing required core content area(s) in a graduate program in counseling.  A list of academic institutions that provide courses for the LPCC can be found on the CAMFT website at www.camft.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Educational_Opportunities. 

Q:  How long do I have to remedy deficiencies?
A:  Upon receipt and processing of your application, the BBS will send you a notice listing all of your deficiencies (if any).   You have one year from the date the BBS sends you the deficiency notice to remedy any educational deficiencies (obtain all nine core content areas) and to successfully pass the gap exam.   If you graduated before 1996, you must also obtain the 48 semester or 72 quarter units from a graduate level program.

Q:  I have a National Certified Counselor certification.  Do I still need to take the gap exam?
A:   All California LMFTs and LCSWs who wish to grandparent in must take the gap exam, unless the individual chooses to grandparent in as a Non-BBS Licensed individual or via the traditional path.  The requirements for the grandparenting path for Non-BBS Licensed individuals are different from the grandparenting path for California licensed MFTs and CSWs.  For more information on those requirements see the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/lpcc_grandparent_nonlic.shtml.   For requirements on the traditional path see the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/lpcc_traditional.shtml. 

Q:  I have an inactive license.  Can I still apply for grandparenting?
A:  Yes.  You need to have a clear and valid license with the BBS.

Q:  I am an LMFT Intern.  Can I apply for grandparenting?
A:  Yes, but you need to meet specified requirements.  The requirements are similar to the LMFT/LCSW grandparenting path and includes additional requirements, such as additional coursework, including but not limited to human sexuality, substance abuse, crisis counseling, etc; two years, full time, post-graduate supervised experience including 1,700 hour; and passing scores on three exams:  National Counselor Exam for Licensure, National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam, and the California Law and Ethics Exam.    For more information on these requirements see the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov/lpcc_program/lpcc_grandparent_nonlic.shtml.

Q:  Will I be able to practice as an LPCC in another state with the California LPCC?
A:  Just like the LMFT, the LPCC is licensed and regulated in all fifty states.  In order for you to practice in another state, you will need to meet the requirements for licensure in that state.  There may be additional requirements for you to be granted the LPCC or its equivalent in that state.  It is recommended that you call that state’s licensing board for further information. 

Q:  What if I don’t have my transcripts?
A:  Request copies of your transcripts from your school.  If your school has been closed, California LMFTs and LCSWs applicants can request a copy of their school records and transcripts from the BBS.  This request needs to be done in writing.  Please Note:  Because records are at the State Records Center this will delay the processing of your application.

Q:  Can I double-dip my CEUs for both the LMFT/LCSW and the LPCC?
A:  Yes.  Of course, the CE provider must be approved by the BBS for both licenses.

Q:  Will I have to pay the renewal fees for both the LMFT/LCSW and the LPCC?
A:  Yes.  Like the LMFT/LCSW, the LPCC will have a renewal requirement every two years in addition to the renewal fee.

Q:  How many times can I take the gap exam?
A:  You have one year from the date the BBS notifies you are eligible for the gap exam to take the exam.  The exam may be taken up to four times within that one year period.

Q:  Why should I consider getting the LPCC license?
A:  Some have expressed that they want to grandparent in because it may increase their chances of portability to another state; some have reported they like the title of the LPCC better than the LMFT or the LCSW; some would have gotten the LPCC if the licensure was available in California at the time; and some like listing additional licenses for marketing. 

Q:  When is the deadline to apply for grandparenting?
A:  The deadline is December 31, 2011.  CAMFT recommends sending your application by registered or certified mail to assure receipt by the BBS.  Please Note:  There is no grace period or late applications accepted! 

Q:  I won’t be able to make the grandparenting deadline.  What can I do if I want to apply for LPCC licensure?
A:   For information about the requirements to obtain your LPCC license via the traditional path, we recommend  reviewing the CAMFT article, “LPCC: Life after Grand-parenting,” which will be published in the upcoming edition of The Therapist, as well as visiting the BBS website at bbs.ca.gov for additional information.

Q:  I am covered by CPH & Associates Professional Liability insurance.  If I grandparent into the LPCC license, will I be required to purchase additional coverage or a separate policy from my LMFT practice?
A:  LMFTs/LCSWs who are insured by CPH & Associates and are subsequently licensed as LPCC do not need a second policy to cover their LPCC license.   CPH will add the LPCC occupation by endorsement onto the insured’s existing policy at no additional charge.
Didn’t find the answer to your question here?  Please call CAMFT to speak to one of the Staff Attorneys or visit the BBS website at www.bbs.ca.gov for more information.