Certification & Licensure
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Credential
The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) is the nationally recognized body whose primary purpose is to provide assurance that professionals engaged in the practice of rehabilitation counseling meet and maintain acceptable standards of practice. The Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional Rehabilitation Counselor who has met educational and work experience requirements as set by a national commission regarding standards of practice, demonstrated knowledge by achieving a passing score on an objective examination, maintained certification by completing acceptable continuing education courses (100 hours within 5 years) and has been recognized as a health care provider. As a student in a (Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)) accredited master's program in Rehabilitation Counseling, graduates of The University of Texas-Pan American program will be eligible to sit for the CRCC examination upon graduation. Note, however, that students who do not graduate from a CORE accredited program in Rehabilitation Counseling must work under the supervision of a CRC supervisor for one year before being eligible to sit for the CRC exam. Further information about certification can be obtained from:
Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC)
1835 Rohlwing Road, Suite E
Rolling Meadows, Ill. 60008
Tel: (847) 394-2104
Licensed Professional Counselor
The Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors has been designated by the Texas Legislature as the licensing body for counselors in Texas who want to pursue a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Licensing as a generic counselor in the specialty as a rehabilitation counselor is available. Any person practicing counseling activities and claiming the credentials of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is required by law to submit appropriate credentials for evaluation and take an examination before associate (LAC) recognition is granted. Graduates of the UTPA's Master's degree program with the Rehabilitation Counseling emphasis (and who have taken the appropriate electives determined in consultation with your advisor) are prepared with the educational requisites for application to the State of Texas licensing board as a Rehabilitation Counselor, however, must also complete a 3,000 internship under an LPC supervisor. Students are highly encouraged to contact the Board to gain specific information on requirements that may be applicable at the time one applies for licensure. Applications and additional information in the LPC may be obtained by contacting:
Mr. Daniel L. Boone, Executive Secretary
Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756-3138
(512) 459-2900
In considering certification (CRC) and/or licensure (LPC), it is important to determine what type of job setting and/or desired population with which you would like to work. Most mental health centers require Counselors to be working toward their LPC, whereas, many private medical case management companies require Counselors to hold their CRC credential. Texas Rehabilitation Commission and other public sector employers of Rehabilitation Counselors prefer, but do not require, Counselors to hold their CRC, therefore, there exist job opportunities where a Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling is sufficient in itself to secure certain jobs.
