Which of the following is required for initial licensure as a counselor in Maryland?

In Maryland, passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) is a crucial requirement for initial licensure as a counselor. This exam assesses a candidate's knowledge and skills in counseling, ensuring that they meet the professional standards necessary to practice effectively. The NCE is embedded within the licensure process to ensure that aspiring counselors have a solid foundational understanding of counseling principles, ethics, and practices. By successfully passing this examination, candidates demonstrate their competency and readiness to provide counseling services to clients.

While completing an internship may be part of the education and training process before licensure, it is not the sole requirement for obtaining a license. Similarly, a letter of recommendation and a year of experience are important in the context of professional development but do not replace the necessity of passing the NCE for initial licensure. Overall, the emphasis on the NCE in the licensure process underscores the importance of standardized assessment in maintaining high quality within the counseling profession in Maryland.