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
If you hold a 60-hour master’s degree in counseling, either CACREP or CACREP equivalent, you should qualify. Upon review of your submitted application, the ABEC will notify you of any deficiencies with your application.
Licensure with the ABEC is based on the master’s degree only. We do not need undergraduate or post-master’s transcripts. All transcripts must come directly from the institution. Transcripts may be submitted by:
Mail > ABEC -2740 Zelda Road -Montgomery, AL 36106.
Digitally > transcripts@abec.alabama.gov
Via application packet > You may choose to have your transcript mailed directly to you. In this case, you may include your official, sealed, transcript with your application packet as long as it remains sealed and unopened.
Once the ABEC has received your initial application, you will be notified of its receipt and any missing components via email. When all components have been received, your application will go through various stages of review. When all stages are complete, you will be placed for the upcoming board meeting for Board approval. Note: The Board meets every other month (see “About”). There are no exceptions to this and no applications will be considered or approved in the interim. All deadlines are 2 weeks prior to the Board meeting, meaning, all components must be received in the office on or before the deadline date. Post marks are not accepted.
Once your application has been approved by the Board, you will be notified via email of your approval. This email will include all directives and forms to be completed and submitted to receive your official ALC license. Required documents/payments are processed in the order they are received. Most initial licenses are issued within 24-48 hours of receipt of completed requirements. All licensure payments must accompany the official forms, no exceptions.
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.