Application fee
$100
Prerequisite
Current PCB counseling credential
Experience
1 year as clinical supervisor
Training
30 hours clinical supervision
Exam
No exam
Renewal
With your credential, 6 hours

An endorsement added to your existing PCB counseling credential that recognizes your education and experience in clinical supervision. It is for certified counselors who already work as clinical supervisors. There is no exam: the endorsement appears on your qualifying credential's certificate and renews with it.

Is this certification right for me?

It's a fit if you hold a current CAAC, CADC, CAADC, CCDP, CCDPD or CCJP in good standing, you currently work as a clinical supervisor in the substance use or co-occurring field, and you want your supervision training recognized on your existing credential.

Consider a different certification if you have five years of counseling experience, including two years supervising, and want a full, reciprocal supervision credential with an exam (see Certified Clinical Supervisor), or you don't yet hold a PCB counseling credential (see Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor).

Requirements

All requirements must be met before you apply. Your qualifying credential must be current, valid and in good standing.

  • A current PCB counseling credential
    CAAC, CADC, CAADC, CCDP, CCDPD or CCJP that is current, valid and in good standing. Select it on the application.

  • One year full-time or 2,000 hours part-time as a clinical supervisor
    In the substance use or co-occurring field, within the last seven years, and you must be working as a clinical supervisor when you apply. Volunteer work and mutual support groups do not count. Document hours from previous employers with a letter on their letterhead, not a resume.

  • Current job description
    Your current clinical supervisor job description, signed and dated by you and your supervisor.

  • 30 hours of clinical supervision education and training
    Workshops, trainings, seminars, in-services, college courses or online education. Include copies of your training certificates and/or college transcript.

  • Live or work in Pennsylvania
    At the time you apply.

Your journey

  1. Build your supervision experience

    Work at least one year full-time, or 2,000 hours part-time, as a clinical supervisor while holding your qualifying credential.

  2. Complete 30 hours of clinical supervision training

    Any mix of workshops, seminars, college courses or online education. There is no limit on online education.

  3. Gather your documents

    Training certificates or transcript, your signed job description, and previous employer letters if you need them.

  4. Apply online or by PDF

    Apply through your online account and pay by credit card, or send the PDF application by mail, email or fax. We email you if anything is missing.

    Review: up to 10 business days

  5. You're endorsed

    The endorsement is added to the certificate for your qualifying credential and expires on the same date. Your certificate is mailed within 10 business days.

Fees

Item Fee
Application (includes first exam attempt) $100
Paper certificate (optional) $20

The application fee must be sent with your endorsement application. There is no exam fee.

What counts as clinical supervision experience

Qualifying clinical supervision is staff development focused on the clinical skills and competencies of people who provide counseling. It is usually one-on-one or in small groups on a regular basis, and often includes case review and discussion with direct and indirect observation of a counselor's clinical work. Hours can come from more than one employer.

The exam

There is no exam for the Clinical Supervision Endorsement. Your application is reviewed on your credential, experience, job description and training. If you want a supervision credential with an exam, see the Certified Clinical Supervisor.

Keeping your certification current

The endorsement expires on the same date as your qualifying credential, and you renew it at the same time. You need 6 hours of education specific to clinical supervision, plus the endorsement renewal fee. These 6 hours count toward the total hours you need to renew your qualifying credential. Recertification requirements and fees

Since January 1, 2026 there is no "lapsed" status: a credential is active or expired.

Common questions about the CS

When can I apply for the Clinical Supervision Endorsement?

At any time once you meet the experience and education requirements and hold a current, valid qualifying credential in good standing.

Will I get a separate certificate for the endorsement?

No. The endorsement is added to the certificate for your qualifying credential, and it expires on the same date.

What is the difference between the endorsement and the CCS?

The endorsement recognizes supervision training on top of your existing counseling credential, needs one year of supervisor experience and has no exam. The Certified Clinical Supervisor is a full, reciprocal IC&RC certification that needs five years of counseling experience, including two years supervising, and an exam.

Do I have to live or work in Pennsylvania to be eligible for most of the credentials offered by PCB?

YES

Does employment have to be acquired within 7 years from the date of my application?

YES

Should I submit all documentation with full application and fee at the same time?

YES, if a test is required you will be notified of future dates, locations and times after approval of application.