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.
National certification offers certificants the opportunity to add an advanced specialty designation.
Further, NBCC is the central point within the profession for establishing national certificates for specialty training. These organizations disseminate current information on legislation and government regulations and provide interprofessional oversight of credentialing programs. In order for counseling to be seen as a profession by the public, the legal system, and federal and state governments, a complex set of requirements must be met. Establishment and perpetuation of professional societies, research, publication, training standards, and certification are all important factors in defining any profession. Certification emerges as a key ingredient, not only to protect and inform the public, but also to promote professional excellence.