How Connecticut's LPC reinstatement process works
To reinstate a lapsed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Connecticut, you submit a reinstatement request to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing. The state does not require you to retake the National Counselor Examination (NCE) if your license lapsed within a specific timeframe, though you will need to meet current continuing education requirements and pay reinstatement fees. The exact path depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you held an active license when ready before it lapsed.
Connecticut distinguishes between a lapsed license (one that expired and was not renewed on time) and a surrendered license (one you voluntarily gave up). Reinstatement is faster and cheaper for a lapsed license. If you surrendered your license, you may need to reapply as a new licensee, which involves retaking the NCE and meeting current educational standards.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing directly to confirm your license status and the specific reinstatement requirements that explore to you.
- You will need to complete any continuing education hours required by Connecticut since your license lapsed, and you must pay the reinstatement fee set by the state.
- If your license lapsed fewer than five years ago, you typically do not need to retake the NCE, but this varies and you should verify with the licensing board.
- Submit your reinstatement request with proof of continuing education completion, your fee payment, and any other documents the board requests in writing.
- Processing time for reinstatement requests varies, so contact the board early to understand the current timeline and any backlog.
Check your current license status with Connecticut
Before you begin the reinstatement process, you need to know whether your license is actually lapsed or whether it was surrendered or revoked. Contact the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing by phone or through their website to look up your license record. You can also request a status letter that officially states whether your license is active, lapsed, surrendered, or revoked.
Having this confirmation in writing prevents you from starting the wrong process. If the board tells you your license was revoked (rather than straightforward lapsed), reinstatement is not available and you would need to reapply as a new licensee. If it was surrendered, the board will tell you what steps to take next.
Complete continuing education requirements
Connecticut requires LPCs to complete continuing education hours to maintain an active license. When you reinstate, you must show that you have completed the hours required for the period your license was lapsed. The number of hours and the specific content areas required depend on how long your license was inactive and what the current rules are at the time of reinstatement.
Contact the Division of Professional Licensing to learn the exact number of hours you owe and which types of courses count toward reinstatement. Some courses must be taken from approved providers, and the board can give you a list. You do not need to complete these hours before you submit your reinstatement request, but you will need to provide proof of completion before the board approves your reinstatement.
Gather required documents and pay the fee
Prepare a reinstatement request packet that includes your completed process form (which the board will provide), proof of your continuing education hours, and the reinstatement fee. The fee amount is set by Connecticut and changes periodically, so ask the board what the current fee is when you contact them. You will also need to include a copy of your original LPC license or a license number if you have it.
Some boards also require a statement explaining why your license lapsed and confirming that you are still fit to practice. If you have any disciplinary history or have been reported to the board since your license lapsed, disclose that in writing. Incomplete packets delay processing, so call the board before you mail your request to confirm you have everything they need.
Submit your reinstatement request in writing
Mail or deliver your complete reinstatement packet to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing at the address they provide. Include a cover letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement of your LPC license, and list every document you are enclosing. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Some boards accept electronic submissions through their website or by email. Ask whether that option is available before you mail your packet. If you mail your request, send it by a method that provides tracking and confirmation of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. This protects you if the board claims they never received your packet.
Follow up on your reinstatement status
After you submit your request, the board will process it and contact you if they need additional information. Processing times vary depending on the board's workload. Some reinstatement requests are approved within four to eight weeks; others take longer if the board is backlogged or if they request additional documents from you.
If you do not hear from the board within the timeframe they gave you, call to check on the status of your request. Ask for a specific date by which you can expect a decision. Once your reinstatement is approved, the board will issue you a new license certificate or confirmation letter. You can then practice as an LPC in Connecticut again.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
If the board denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons include incomplete continuing education, failure to pay the fee, or disciplinary issues on your record. If the denial is based on missing documents or incomplete information, you can usually resubmit your request with the missing items.
If the board denies your request for a reason related to your conduct or fitness to practice, you have the right to request a hearing before the board or to appeal their decision. The board's denial letter will explain what appeal options are available to you and the important date for filing an appeal. Consult with an attorney who handles professional licensing matters if you need help with an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the NCE to reinstate my Connecticut LPC license?
Not if your license lapsed within the timeframe Connecticut allows for reinstatement without retesting. Contact the Division of Professional Licensing to confirm the current policy, as it can change. If your license has been lapsed for more than five years, or if you surrendered your license, you will likely need to retake the NCE and reapply as a new licensee.
How much does it cost to reinstate an LPC license in Connecticut?
The reinstatement fee is set by the state and varies. Call the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing to learn the current fee. Fees typically range from $100 to $300, but you should confirm the exact amount before you submit your request.
Can I practice counseling while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot practice as a licensed professional counselor in Connecticut while your license is lapsed, even if your reinstatement request is pending. Practicing without an active license is illegal. Wait until the board approves your reinstatement and issues your new license before you resume practice.
What if I cannot find proof of my continuing education hours?
Contact the course providers or training organizations where you took the courses and ask them to send you a certificate or transcript showing the hours you completed. If you cannot locate proof, the board may allow you to retake the required hours before your reinstatement is approved. Ask the Division of Professional Licensing what options are available in your situation.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Processing time depends on how busy the board is and whether your packet is complete. Most reinstatement requests are processed within four to eight weeks, but some take longer. Call the board after you submit your request to ask for an estimated timeline based on their current workload.