How to Become a Counselling Therapist in Nova Scotia
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists to work as a counselling therapist in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Registered Counselling Therapist
Show the source
“Only those licensed with the College may use the title Registered Counselling Therapist.”
From nscct.ca/counselling-therapy, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 12 steps (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Licensed in another province: 11 steps (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
- Trained outside Canada: 15 steps (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
- Annual fees
-
- Annual License Fee: $520 (applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date)
Source
“The full annual license fee of $520 applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date.”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Annual renewal fee: $520
- Late Registration Renewal Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied for late renewal)
Source
“Late Registration Renewal Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reactivation Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reactivated)
Source
“Expired License Reactivation Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reinstatement Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reinstated)
Source
“Expired License Reinstatement Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal
- Annual License Fee: $520 (applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date)
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 12 done
- 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 10 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $520
- Listed time: 0.3 months (only 1 of 12 steps state a time)
-
Complete the initial registration/licensure application form and submit it with all required documents, including those sent through third parties.
Source
“A complete initial registration/licensure application, which is generated automatically once the form is completed. The application must include all required documents (including those submitted through a third-party.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Pay the application fee, which is invoiced automatically after the application is finally submitted.
- Application fee: $260 (for applicants who have completed an approved education program)
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program - Application fee: $360 (for applicants who have not completed an approved education program)
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program. An automated invoice will be sent upon final submission of the application.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program - Application fee: $260 (for applicants who have completed an approved education program)
-
Submit proof of legal name and proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, affidavit, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
Source
“Proof of legal name, which may be in the form of a government issued birth certificate, marriage license, or legal affidavit. Proof of identification, which may be in the form of a copy of a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Provide evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada, which may be in the form of a Canadian Birth Certificate or documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
If registered with other healthcare regulators, provide verification of those registrations.
Source
“Verification of registration/licensure with all other healthcare professional regulators with whom you are currently registered (if applicable)”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check that is current within three months before the application.
Source
“Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, current within three months prior to the application.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Submit proof of professional liability insurance with a claim amount of at least $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 with no deductible.
Source
“Proof of Professional Liability Insurance. The coverage shall include a claim amount of not less than $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 with no deductible.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Obtain the agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor.
Source
“Agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor. A list of approved candidacy supervisors can be found under the Applicants Menu of the website.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
Submit an official transcript confirming completion of all required graduate courses and conferral of the counselling therapy master's degree, and a completed Graduate Course Description Form unless the program is on the Schedule of Approved Programs.
Source
“An official transcript from a degree-granting institution indicating successful completion of all required graduate courses and confirmation that the counselling therapy master’s degree has been conferred. A completed Graduate Course Description Form meeting the published Graduate Course Content Requirements. Note: The Graduate Course Description Form is NOT required for graduates of a counselling therapy master’s program listed in the Schedule of Approved Programs”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
The College processes complete applications, generally within ten business days.
Time: 10 daysTime source
“Complete applications are generally processed within ten business days.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-programSource
“Complete applications are generally processed within ten business days.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program -
After approval, pay the invoiced annual registration/licensing fee of $520, prorated to the approval date if applicable; the license takes effect after payment.
- Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated to the approval date if applicable)
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated to the approval date if applicable).”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated to the approval date if applicable). Your license will take effect following payment of the fee and an automated receipt will be generated.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program - Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated to the approval date if applicable)
-
After paying all fees, receive a welcome package by email, a Registration Certificate by mail, and complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.
Source
“Following payment of all fees, you will receive a welcome package by email and your proposed candidacy supervisor will be notified of your status. You will be issued a Registration Certificate by mail and also asked to complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program
Listed fees for this route
3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
10 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $520 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 4 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Annual License Fee: $520 (applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date)
Source
“The full annual license fee of $520 applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date.”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Annual renewal fee: $520
- Late Registration Renewal Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied for late renewal)
Source
“Late Registration Renewal Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reactivation Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reactivated)
Source
“Expired License Reactivation Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reinstatement Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reinstated)
Source
“Expired License Reinstatement Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal
Licensed in another province
0 of 11 done
- 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
- 10 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $520
- Listed time: 0.2 months (only 1 of 11 steps state a time)
-
Complete the initial registration/licensure application form and submit it with all required documents, including those sent through third parties.
Source
“A complete initial registration/licensure application, which is generated automatically once the form is completed. The application must include all required documents (including those submitted through a third-party).”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
No application fee is charged to CFTA transfer applicants under the NS Patient Access to Care Act.
Source
“Pursuant the NS Patient Access to Care Act (s.6) the application fee for CFTA transfer applicants is waived by the College.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Submit proof of legal name and proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, affidavit, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
Source
“Proof of legal name, which may be in the form of a government issued birth certificate, marriage license, or legal affidavit. Proof of identification, which may be in the form of a copy of a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Provide evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada, which may be in the form of a Canadian Birth Certificate or documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Submit a copy of your current license and written confirmation from your Canadian licensing authority that you are in good standing with no unresolved disciplinary matters and no previous, current or pending sanctions or licensing restrictions.
Source
“A copy of your current license. Written confirmation from the Canadian licensing authority under which you are currently the licensed, that you are a member in good standing and are not the subject of any unresolved disciplinary matters and that there are no previous, current or pending sanctions or licensing restrictions imposed upon you due to be imposed upon you.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
If registered with other healthcare regulators, provide verification of those registrations.
Source
“Verification of registration/licensure with all other healthcare professional regulators with whom you are currently registered (if applicable).”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check that is current within three months before the application.
Source
“Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, current within three months prior to the application.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Submit proof of professional liability insurance with a claim amount of at least $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 with no deductible.
Source
“Proof of Professional Liability Insurance. The coverage shall include a claim amount of no less than $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 with no deductible.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
Complete applications from regulated Canadian provinces are processed within five business days.
Time: 5 daysTime source
“all license transfers from regulated Canadian provinces with complete applications will be processed within five business days”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...Source
“Pursuant to the NS Patient Access to Care Act (s.5(3)) all license transfers from regulated Canadian provinces with complete applications will be processed within five business days.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... -
After approval, pay the invoiced annual registration/licensing fee of $520, prorated based on the time of approval if applicable; the license takes effect after payment.
- Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated based on the time of the approval if applicable)
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated based on the time of the approval if applicable).”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated based on the time of the approval if applicable). Your license will take effect following payment of the fee and an automated receipt will be generated.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... - Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated based on the time of the approval if applicable)
-
After paying all fees, receive a welcome package by email, a Registration Certificate by mail, and complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.
Source
“Following payment of all fees, you will receive a welcome package by email and you will be issued a Registration Certificate by mail and also asked to complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...
Listed fees for this route
1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.
10 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $520 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 4 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Annual License Fee: $520 (applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date)
Source
“The full annual license fee of $520 applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date.”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Annual renewal fee: $520
- Late Registration Renewal Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied for late renewal)
Source
“Late Registration Renewal Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reactivation Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reactivated)
Source
“Expired License Reactivation Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reinstatement Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reinstated)
Source
“Expired License Reinstatement Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal
Trained outside Canada
0 of 15 done
- 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
- 13 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $520
- Listed time: 1 month (only 1 of 15 steps state a time)
-
Complete the initial registration/licensure application form and submit it with all required documents, including those sent through third parties.
Source
“A complete initial registration/licensure application, which is generated automatically once the form is completed. The application must include all required documents (including those submitted through a third-party.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Pay the application fee, which is invoiced automatically after the application is finally submitted.
- Application fee: $260 (for applicants who have completed an approved education program)
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... - Application fee: $360 (for applicants who have not completed an approved education program)
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Source
“Application fee (CDN): $260.00 for applicants who have completed an approved education program, or $360.00 for applicants who have not completed an approved education program. An automated invoice will be sent upon final submission of the application.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... - Application fee: $260 (for applicants who have completed an approved education program)
-
Submit proof of legal name and proof of identification, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, affidavit, driver's license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.
Source
“Proof of legal name, which may be in the form of a government issued birth certificate, marriage license, or legal affidavit. Proof of identification, which may be in the form of a copy of a driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued photo identification.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Provide evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada, which may be in the form of a Canadian Birth Certificate or documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
If your first language is not English, submit a verifiable English proficiency score as outlined by the College.
Source
“Internationally educated applicants whose first language is not English must submit a verifiable English proficiency score as outlined here”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
If registered with other healthcare regulators, provide verification of those registrations.
Source
“Verification of registration/licensure with all other healthcare professional regulators with whom you are currently registered (if applicable)”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check that is current within three months before the application.
Source
“Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, current within three months prior to the application.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Submit proof of professional liability insurance with a claim amount of at least $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 with no deductible.
Source
“Proof of Professional Liability Insurance. The coverage shall include a claim amount of no less than $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 with no deductible.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Obtain the agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor.
Source
“Agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor. A list of approved candidacy supervisors can be found under the Applicants Menu of the website.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Submit an official transcript confirming completion of all required graduate courses and conferral of the counselling therapy master's degree, plus a Credential Evaluation Report from one of the five NSCCT-approved credential assessment services.
Source
“An official transcript from a degree-granting institution indicating successful completion of all required graduate courses and confirmation that the counselling therapy master’s degree has been conferred. A Credential Evaluation Report from one of the five credential assessment services approved by NSCCT.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
Submit a completed Graduate Course Description Form meeting the published Graduate Course Content Requirements, unless the program is on the Schedule of Approved Programs.
Source
“A completed Graduate Course Description Form meeting the published Graduate Course Content Requirements. Note: The Graduate Course Description Form is NOT required for graduates of a counselling therapy master’s program listed in the Schedule of Approved Programs”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
The College processes complete applications, generally within thirty business days.
Time: 30 daysTime source
“Complete applications are generally processed within thirty business days.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...Source
“Complete applications are generally processed within thirty business days.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
After approval, pay the invoiced annual registration/licensing fee of $520, prorated to the approval date.
- Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated to the approval date)
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated to the approval date).”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated to the approval date).”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... - Annual registration/licensing fee: $520 (prorated to the approval date)
-
The license takes effect when the College receives evidence that you are resident in Canada and all fees have been paid.
Source
“Your license will take effect when the College receives evidence that you are resident in Canada and after all fees have been paid.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... -
After paying all fees, receive a welcome package by email, a Registration Certificate by mail, and complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.
Source
“Following payment of all fees, you will receive a welcome package by email and your proposed candidacy supervisor will be notified of your status. You will be issued a Registration Certificate by mail and also asked to complete a Supplemental Data Questionnaire.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Listed fees for this route
3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
13 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees: $520 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 4 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.
- Annual License Fee: $520 (applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date)
Source
“The full annual license fee of $520 applies at renewal for RCTs and RCT Candidates regardless of the initial registration date.”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Annual renewal fee: $520
- Late Registration Renewal Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied for late renewal)
Source
“Late Registration Renewal Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reactivation Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reactivated)
Source
“Expired License Reactivation Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal - Expired License Reinstatement Fee: $260 (50% of annual renewal fee, applied when an expired license is reinstated)
Source
“Expired License Reinstatement Fee 50 % of annual renewal fee = $260”
nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal
Other listed fees
The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.
- Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate application fee: $260 (applies to applicants who have completed an approved education program)
Source
“Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate This fee applies to applicants who have completed an approved education program. $260.00”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate application fee: $360 (applies to applicants who have not completed an approved education program)
Source
“Registered Counselling Therapist – Candidate This fee applies to applicants who have not completed an approved education program $360.00”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Quarterly pro-rated licensing fee (May 1 – July 31): $520
- Quarterly pro-rated licensing fee (August 1 – October 31): $390
- Quarterly pro-rated licensing fee (November 1 – January 31): $260
- Quarterly pro-rated licensing fee (February 1 – April 30): $130
- Late Renewal Penalty: $260 (applies to those who fail to renew their license by March 31 or submit an incomplete renewal application)
Source
“Late Renewal Penalty This fee appliesThis fee applies to those who fail to renew their license by March 31. This fee also applies if an incomplete renewal application is submitted. $260.00”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Lapsed License Reactivation Fee: $260 (in addition to the Late Renewal Penalty, applies to those who failed to renew by April 30)
Source
“Lapsed License Reactivation Fee This fee is in addition to the Late Renewal Penalty and applies to those who failed to renew their license by April 30. $260.00”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - License Reinstatement Fee: $360 (applies to those previously licensed with NSCCT who apply for reinstatement of their active license)
Source
“License Reinstatement Fee This fee applies to those who were previously licensed with NSCCT and who apply for reinstatement of their active license. $360.00”
nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees - Transfer of Registration Category (RCT-C to RCT): $50
- Confirmation of Good Standing: $25
- Documents sent to third parties: $25
- Physical copy of file documents (e.g., application): $25
- Replacement Certificate of True Authorized Duplicate: $50
- Leave from Active Practice Request: $10
- Retired Affiliate membership: $55
- Student Affiliate membership: $55
- Associate Affiliate membership: $110
Requirements
Education
A master's degree in counselling therapy, including course work and clinical training, is required to become a Registered Counselling Therapist.
Source
“To become an RCT, a master’s degree in counselling therapy is required This includes course work and clinical training.”
nscct.ca/counselling-therapy
Experience
Applicants must complete a supervised candidacy period of two to five years, including at least 2,000 hours of supervision, before practising independently as an RCT.
Source
“After graduation, applicants can be licensed as an RCT candidate. They work under the supervision of an experienced RCT. This period of supervision is two to five years. It includes at least 2,000 hours of supervision. After they complete this period, they may practise independently as an RCT.”
nscct.ca/counselling-therapy
Police check
Applicants must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check current within three months prior to the application.
Source
“Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, current within three months prior to the application.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program
Insurance
Applicants must hold professional liability insurance with a claim amount of at least $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount of at least $5,000,000 with no deductible.
Source
“Proof of Professional Liability Insurance. The coverage shall include a claim amount of not less than $2,000,000 and an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 with no deductible.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program
Residency
For applicants educated outside Canada or the United States, the license takes effect when the College receives evidence that the applicant is resident in Canada.
Source
“Your license will take effect when the College receives evidence that you are resident in Canada and after all fees have been paid.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Other
Applicants must have the agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor.
Source
“Agreement of an NSCCT approved candidacy supervisor. A list of approved candidacy supervisors can be found under the Applicants Menu of the website.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-programApplicants must provide evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada.
Source
“Evidence of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to live and work in Canada, which may be in the form of a Canadian Birth Certificate or documentation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-programInternationally educated applicants whose first language is not English must submit a verifiable English proficiency score.
Source
“Internationally educated applicants whose first language is not English must submit a verifiable English proficiency score as outlined here”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...Applicants educated outside Canada or the United States must provide a Credential Evaluation Report from one of the five credential assessment services approved by NSCCT.
Source
“A Credential Evaluation Report from one of the five credential assessment services approved by NSCCT.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Already licensed in another province?
Direct transfer
Applicants holding a current license in another regulated Canadian province or territory can have their license transferred to Nova Scotia under the Canada Free Trade Agreement, with the application fee waived and no entry-to-practice exam or competence assessment required. Source
“If you hold a current license in another regulated Canadian province or territory (i.e., currently Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and PEI), you can have your license transferred to Nova Scotia under the terms of the Canada Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...
Submit complete application
Source
“A complete initial registration/licensure application, which is generated automatically once the form is completed. The application must include all required documents (including those submitted through a third-party).”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...Provide license and standing confirmation
Source
“A copy of your current license. Written confirmation from the Canadian licensing authority under which you are currently the licensed, that you are a member in good standing and are not the subject of any unresolved disciplinary matters and that there are no previous, current or pending sanctions or licensing restrictions imposed upon you due to be imposed upon you.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...Pay annual licensing fee
Source
“On approval of the application, you will receive an automated invoice for the annual registration/licensing fee of $520 (prorated based on the time of the approval if applicable). Your license will take effect following payment of the fee and an automated receipt will be generated.”
nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n...
Processing time: 5 days
Credential assessment
Credential Evaluation Report
education assessment
Source
“A Credential Evaluation Report from one of the five credential assessment services approved by NSCCT.”
nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-...
Exams
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Language tests
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists
Supervised practice
Required · 2,000 hours
After graduation, applicants are licensed as RCT candidates and work under the supervision of an experienced RCT for two to five years, including at least 2,000 hours of supervision, before practising independently. Source
“After graduation, applicants can be licensed as an RCT candidate. They work under the supervision of an experienced RCT. This period of supervision is two to five years. It includes at least 2,000 hours of supervision. After they complete this period, they may practise independently as an RCT.”
nscct.ca/counselling-therapy
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Scotia | $20.00 | $30.67 | $43.00 | Good (4 of 5) |
| Canada | $23.00 | $34.00 | $50.00 | — |
Counselling therapists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Not confirmed yet
- Alberta Not confirmed yet
- Saskatchewan Not confirmed yet
- Manitoba Not confirmed yet
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
- Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
- Yukon Not confirmed yet
- Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
- Nunavut Not confirmed yet
Sources checked
- Counselling Therapy | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/counselling-therapy · fetched October 10, 2026
- Graduate of a Canadian Counselling Therapy Master's Program | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-canadian-counselling-therapy-masters-program · fetched October 10, 2026
- Transfer of License from a Regulated Province Outside of Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/transfer-of-license-from-a-regulated-province-outside-of-n... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Graduate of a Counselling Therapy Master's Program Outside Canada or the United States | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/graduate-of-a-counselling-therapy-masters-program-outside-... · fetched October 10, 2026
- Schedule of Fees | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/schedule-of-fees · fetched October 10, 2026
- Annual License Renewal | Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists nscct.ca/annual-license-renewal · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
1
Do you need a licence to work as a counselling therapist in Nova Scotia?
Yes. Registration with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists is required to practise in Nova Scotia, and to use the title Registered Counselling Therapist.
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