The process of review for an application is detailed and can take longer than an applicant wishes to wait. But these reviews are comprehensive to ensure that the applicant meets all qualifications for licensure as defined in the Code of Alabama §34-8A, the ABEC Administrative Rules, and the ABEC Policies (all available here: Law & Rules).
The process of application review generally follows this structure:
- Collection and compilation of application elements (this can take many months depending on when documents are received by third-party sources [transcripts, etc.])
- Administrative Review (to ensure all required application elements are in the application packet).
- Academic Review (academic compliance must be verified before other aspects of an application is considered).
- If approved, the application is forwarded to Executive Review. If deficits are found the applicant is notified.
- Executive Review (used if there are points of review beyond the academic. This is where LPC by Endorsement applications are reviewed for supervision and client service hours).
- If approved, the application is forwarded to Board Review. If deficits are found the applicant is notified.
- Board Review (where the ABEC Board reviews and votes to approve/disapprove the application).
Frequently Asked Questions
The emergency waiver allowed applicants not to have to notarize the application documents. These emergency waivers were rescinded at the November 2021 Board meeting. After that meeting, all applications are required to be notarized once again.
You can submit your application elements in many pieces. As the parts of an application are received by our office, we start a file and add to it as more application parts are received. Be aware, the application will not be processed as it awaits the other required bits of the application (e.g., official transcript).
No, graduation from a CACREP accredited program is not required. The college/university that the program was housed within must have been a regionally accredited college or university (e.g. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), but specific CACREP or CORE accreditation is not required.
Approval to receive reimbursement from Medicaid is not licensure through ABEC. Meeting the Medicaid’s standards for its providers does not mean that you are legally allowed to provide clinical services as a counselor. You will need to attain licensure unless you are exempt per AL Code §34-8A-3.