What is required for upgrading from CPC or CAC to LPC?

The process of upgrading from a Certified Professional Counselor (CPC) or a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAC) to a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tennessee requires verification of five years of supervised experience in a related field. This requirement ensures that individuals have gained substantial practical experience in counseling, which is essential for the LPC status.

By having this amount of experience, candidates are expected to have developed the necessary skills and competencies to practice independently and responsibly as professional counselors. This experience requirement helps to maintain standards within the profession, ensuring that LPCs are well-equipped to handle the complexities of counseling cases they may encounter.

Completion of additional coursework, passing a state examination, and submission of essay responses may be important components of licensure, but they are not specifically highlighted as requirements for this upgrade process in Tennessee's regulations. Instead, the verified experience is crucial for demonstrating readiness to step into the LPC role.