The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors was established in 1991, by Article 26 of the General Assembly, to oversee and administer certification of fee-based practicing pastoral counselors in North Carolina.
The Board reviews applications submitted by candidates for certification, administers an exam to qualified candidates, oversees an annual renewal process for previously certified fee-based practicing pastoral counselors, reviews ethical complaints brought against certified fee-based pastoral counselors, and handles other business relevant to the administration of Article 26.
The Board oversees the work only of those who identify as Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselors. It does not oversee the work of all persons who may identify themselves as pastoral counselors in North Carolina. Persons may identify as uncertified or unlicensed pastoral counselors as part of a church staff or may identify as pastoral counselors and be licensed by one of the state’s licensing boards (LCMHC, LMFT, LCSW, etc.).