Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which statement regarding counselor licensure is FALSE?

1. Licensure was created to protect the public

2. Virginia was the first state to license professional counselors

3. Counselors who hold a license from one state have reciprocity in every other state

4. The requirements for securing licensure vary from state to state

The correct answer is: Counselors who hold a license from one state have reciprocity in every other state

The statement indicating that counselors who hold a license from one state have reciprocity in every other state is false. While many states do have reciprocity agreements, which allow licensed professionals to practice in other states with minimal additional requirements, this is not universally true for all states. Each state has its own licensure laws and may have different requirements, so a counselor licensed in one state cannot automatically practice in another without going through that state's licensure process. In contrast, the other statements are accurate: Licensure is indeed designed to protect the public by ensuring that counselors meet certain standards of education and practice. Virginia's history as the first state to license professional counselors reflects the early recognition of the need for regulatory measures in the counseling profession. Furthermore, it is well acknowledged that licensure requirements vary significantly across different states, which is why counselors often must familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the states where they intend to practice.