24108023D
HOUSE BILL NO. 426
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Education and Health
on February 29, 2024)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Cole)
A BILL to direct the Board of Counseling to recognize the National Counselor Examination as a valid examination for licensure as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. §1. That the Board of Counseling (the Board) shall recognize the National Counselor Examination (NCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors as a valid examination to meet the qualifications for licensure as a professional counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board shall incorporate the NCE into its licensure regulations and procedures, provided that such recognition does not conflict with the requirements set forth in any interstate compacts or agreements to which the Commonwealth is a party.