120 Day Upgrade
Licensure Upgrade Process
for LCMHCAs and LCMHCs
Application Submission and Timeline
As a courtesy, the NCBLCMHC has implemented a 120-day upgrade window for licensees who are within their renewal period (January 1st – June 30th) of the renewal year. This allows eligible licensees to upgrade their license and avoid paying a renewal fee and application fee to upgrade their license.
This option is only available if you are within your renewal window. You must initiate your upgrade application and pay the application fee by March 2nd of the renewal year. If you have not initiated the upgrade application and paid the fee by March 2nd, you will not be eligible for the 120-day license upgrade option.
You will have until June 30th to finalize your application and submit all required documentation. Any upgrade application not completed during the 120-day option/regular renewal period ending June 30th will not be processed under the courtesy policy. It will be processed as a regular application, and the current license will need to be renewed with all applicable fees paid.
This policy applies to:
- LCMHCAs transitioning to LCMHC
- LCMHCs upgrading to LCMHCS
There are no exceptions for licensees who are outside their renewal window, and the Board will not hear or grant special consideration or appeal requests for this process. Please visit the Board’s website for more information.
Application Deadline and License Expiration
If your completed upgrade application is not submitted within the 120-day timeframe and extends beyond the June 30th renewal deadline, the current LCMHCA or LCMHC license will lapse.
Applicants must first reinstate their current LCMHCA or LCMHC license before applying for an upgrade. If the original license is due for renewal during this period, it must be renewed to remain active. An active license is required to apply for an upgrade.
Reminder: To take advantage of the 120-day upgrade policy, your upgrade application MUST be initiated, and the fee MUST be paid by March 2nd.
Any new applications submitted after the June 30th deadline will be subject to standard licensure application requirements.
For more information, please visit the "Applying" section of the NCBLCMHC website.
Fees and Payment Requirements
If you choose to upgrade during your renewal period, you are not required to pay the $200 license renewal fee . Instead, you will only be responsible for the $238 application fee and the criminal background check fee.
You do not need to pay for both applications as long as you complete the upgrade process within the 120-day timeframe.
If you are within your renewal window and have already submitted your renewal application and would like to upgrade using the 120 policy, please contact the Board office by email at lcmhcinfo@ncblcmhc.org.
Processing Timeframes
The Board processes applications within 6-12 weeks of receipt, provided there are no special circumstances requiring additional review.
Special Instructions for 2026 Renewals
- If you have already submitted your 2026 renewal application and wish to upgrade to LCMHC or LCMHCS, email NCBLCMHCinfo@ncblcmhc.org once you have initiated your upgrade application. Do not submit the application fee at this time.
- If you submitted a renewal before January 1, 2026, you must follow standard application procedures for upgrading.
- If you renewed last year and wish to take advantage of the 120-day application process, you can do so during your next renewal window.
Between April and September, the Board experiences a high volume of applications. Please allow for the full 6–12 week processing timeframe.
Your application will not be penalized or delayed due to administrative processing.
For information regarding the upgrade process, renewal requirements, or fees, please visit the renewals section of the NCBLCMHC website.
