The road from graduate school to full LPC licensure in Colorado runs straight through clinical supervision. If you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) — or about to be — here’s a clear picture of what’s required and what good supervision actually feels like.

The Colorado requirements, in plain terms

• Register as an LPCC first. Your post-degree hours generally only count once you’re registered as a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate with the state.
• 2,000 hours of supervised practice, with at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face direct client contact.
• 100 hours of supervision — a minimum of 50 individual, with up to 50 in triadic or group format.
• At least 24 months — the hours can’t be completed any faster than two years.
• Exams: a national board exam through the NBCC, plus Colorado’s mental health jurisprudence exam. (Always confirm current specifics with Colorado DORA.)

What “ACS” means — and why it matters

ACS stands for Approved Clinical Supervisor, a national credential through the Center for Credentialing & Education. It means your supervisor has met additional standards in the practice of supervision itself — not just clinical work. For you, that translates to more intentional, better-structured guidance during the most formative stretch of your career.

What supervision actually looks like

Beyond meeting hours, good supervision is where you become the clinician you want to be. Expect space to bring your hardest cases, honest feedback, support with ethics and documentation, and encouragement as you find your own voice. Individual supervision goes deep on your specific work; group supervision adds the richness of learning alongside peers.

Finding the right fit

You’ll spend two years with your supervisor — fit matters. Look for someone whose experience aligns with the work you want to do, whose style helps you feel both challenged and supported, and who offers the format that suits you. (Meet Becca to see if it’s a match.)