This means that you cannot be a practicing counselor with only an NBCC certification, but you can participate if you only have an LMHC license. Therefore, the NBCC is more of a “bonus” or benefit to your credentials and is voluntary. This means you look more experienced with this certificate because it shows you are dedicated to your job and have completed their nationally recognized program. Additionally, if you have this certificate, it may be easier for you to get your license in another state. The goal of the program, stated by the National Council for Certified Counselors, is to "promote and represent the counseling profession through a national certification program whose standards are set by members of the counseling profession." The LMHC license, on the other hand, is different from state to state. Therefore, if you move to another state, you will need to reapply to become