Beginning in 1992, the NCCE will be used for the first time for state-based specialty credentialing by the California Career Counselor Registry. NBCC's present examinations are knowledge based, rather than competency based. The upcoming revision of the NCE will result in a competency-based assessment tool. NBCC currently relies upon assessment of certification candidates' experience and supervision as competency checks for certification. As state licensure becomes commonplace, national credentialing becomes even more important to ensure a unified definition of counseling and its practice.
National certification is broader than state licensure.
State licensure is subject to the politics of the state. Sunset commissions in states may terminate the enabling legislation for credentialing. National certification provides referral sources across state lines. The NBCC database identifies counselors in all states who accept referrals. Most state licenses do not provide for a license in a specialty.