Updated CE Rules for LPCs Effective 1/1/24

The only constant in life is change…

Effective January 1, 2024, there are some updates to the LPC CE requirements. Here’s a breakdown of some changes along with links to the updated rules:

• You still are required to complete 24 total hours.

• Of those 24, 6 must still be Ethics and you now must complete 3 hours in cultural diversity or competency (this is new).

• You can now carry over a MAXIMUM of 10 hours of CEs to the next renewal cycle if you didn’t need to use them the previous cycle.

• Other special conditions:

  • Supervisors must complete 6 hours of Supervisor Refresher CEs (this is the same), but now they count towards your 24 hours. Yes, if you’re an LPC Supervisor you no longer have to gain 30 total hours to accommodate the refresher course. Only 24 hours total now.

  • Still have to do the Jurisprudence and it counts for 1 Ethics hour.

• Some additional info about what’s acceptable for Ethics and Cultural Diversity hours. Click here for more details.

• Licensees must obtain at least fifty percent of their continuing education hours from one or more of the following providers:

    (1) an international, national, regional, state, or local association of medical, mental, or behavioral health professionals;

    (2) public school districts, charter schools, or education service centers;

    (3) city, county, state, or federal governmental entities;

    (4) an institution of higher education accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or the United States Department of Education;

    (5) religious or charitable organizations devoted to improving the mental or behavioral health of individuals;

    (6) a licensee with supervisor status;

    (7) a hospital or hospital system, including any clinic, division, or department within a hospital or hospital system; or

    (8) any provider approved or endorsed by a provider listed herein.

• There’s some additional activities noted that will allow you to claim CEs (but these won’t count towards the minimum 50% of your hours mentioned in the previous bullet point).

  • Of note: Human Trafficking course is no longer required, but can still count towards one hour of CEs.

• There is still no “pre-approval” process from the Council. It’s your job to ensure the CEs meet the criteria listed as approved CEs.

• You still have to maintain your CE records for a minimum of three years.

Overall, the changes seem manageable and not a big deal.

Biggest takeaways:

• Make sure you get your Ethics and Cultural Diversity/Competency hours

• Get at least 50% of your hours from an entity listed above

It’s always important to review your CE rules regularly as these are always changing. To get the most accurate update, click here to see the most updated LPC CE rules.