Continuing Education

LPC CE Requirements in Virginia

This page summarizes the current CE requirements for the LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) license in Virginia — renewal model, mandated topics, live/interactive rules, and home-study limits — with links to the official regulator.

20CE hours / cycle
1 yrrenewal cycle
0 hlive / interactive required
2 hethics required
Full Virginia LPC requirements
Verified

LPC

LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
20hours / 1-year renewal cycle
No live / interactive hours required — all hours may be self-study
Mandated topics
  • Ethics — 2 hMinimum 2 of the 20 hours in courses emphasizing ethics, standards of practice, or laws governing behavioral science professions in Virginia (18VAC115-20-106).

Home study: No explicit cap; home study permitted as part of formally organized learning activities.

Board notes: Annual renewal cycle (20 hours per year, not biennial). No face-to-face or real-time interactive hours mandated. Up to 2 of the 20 hours may be satisfied via uncompensated counseling to low-income clients at a local health department or free clinic (3 volunteer hours = 1 CE hour). Counselors licensed by examination are exempt from CE for their first renewal after initial licensure.

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Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does an LPC need in Virginia?

An LPC must complete 20 CE / continuing-education hours every 1 years in Virginia. That total includes 2 hours of ethics.

Are there required CE topics for LPC in Virginia?

Yes. Virginia requires the following CE topics for LPC: Ethics (2 h).

Can LPC CE be completed online in Virginia?

Generally yes — Virginia does not require live or interactive hours for LPC, so approved online / home-study CE can typically satisfy the requirement. Home-study note: No explicit cap; home study permitted as part of formally organized learning activities..

What else should LPC renewals know in Virginia?

Annual renewal cycle (20 hours per year, not biennial). No face-to-face or real-time interactive hours mandated. Up to 2 of the 20 hours may be satisfied via uncompensated counseling to low-income clients at a local health department or free clinic (3 volunteer hours = 1 CE hour). Counselors licensed by examination are exempt from CE for their first renewal after initial licensure.

Other Virginia licenses
LPC CE requirements in other states
Updated July 2026 from official licensing-board, regulatory-college, and government sources. CE / CPD requirements change often — always confirm current rules directly with your licensing board or regulator before you renew. Informational only, not legal advice.