This means you cannot be a practicing counselor with just 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 appear more knowledgeable with this certificate because it shows that you are dedicated to your line of work and have completed their nationally recognized program. Also, if you have this certificate, it may be easier to get licensed in another state. The purpose of the program, stated by the National Board for Certified Counselors, is to “promote and represent the counseling profession through a national certification program in which standards are established by members of the counseling profession.” The LMHC license, however, differs from state to state. Therefore, if you move to another state, you will have to reapply to become one