North Carolina § 90-332 - 1. Exemptions from licensure.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 90-332 — 1. Exemptions from licensure., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90-332. 1. Exemptions from licensure.

It is not the intent of this Article to regulate members of other regulated professions who do counseling in the normal course of the practice of their profession. Accordingly, this Article does not apply to: Lawyers licensed under Chapter 84, doctors licensed under Chapter 90, and any other person registered, certified, or licensed by the State to practice any other occupation or profession while rendering counseling services in the performance of the occupation or profession for which the person is registered, certified, or licensed. Any school counselor certified by the State Board of Education while counseling within the scope of employment by a board of education or private school. Any student intern or trainee in counseling pursuing a course of study in counseling in a regionally accredited institution of higher learning or training institution, if the intern or trainee is a designated "counselor intern" and the activities and services constitute a part of the supervised course of study. Repealed by Session Laws 2009-367, s. 3, effective October 1, 2009. Any person counseling within the scope of employment at: (i) a local community college as defined in G.S. 115D-2(2); (ii) a public higher education institution as defined in G.S. 116-2(4); or (iii) a nonprofit postsecondary educational institution as described in G.S. 116-280. Repealed by Session Laws 2009-367, s. 3, effective October 1, 2009. Any ordained minister or other member of the clergy while acting in a ministerial capacity who does not charge a fee for the service, or any person invited by a religious organization to conduct, lead, or provide counseling to its members when the service is not performed for more than 30 days a year. Any nonresident temporarily employed in this State to render counseling services for not more than 30 days in a year, if the person holds a license or certificate required for counselors in another state. Any person employed by State, federal, county, or municipal government while counseling within the scope of employment. through (10) Repealed by Session Laws 2009-367, s. 3, effective October 1, 2009. Persons who claim to be exempt under subsection (a) of this section are prohibited from advertising or offering themselves as "licensed clinical mental health counselors". Persons licensed under this Article are exempt from rules pertaining to counseling adopted by other occupational licensing boards. Nothing in this Article shall prevent a person from performing substance abuse counseling or substance abuse prevention consulting as defined in Article 5C of this Chapter. History (1993, c. 514, s. 1; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 591, ss. 12, 16(a), 16(b); c. 685, s. 2; 1997-456, s. 27; 2001-487, s. 40( l ); 2009-367, s. 3; 2011-145, s. 9.18(e); 2019-240, s. 2(a).) Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-367, s. 3, effective October 1, 2009, deleted subdivisions (a)(4), (a)(4b), and (a)(8) through (a)(10); and, in subdivision (a)(4a), substituted "at: (i) a local community college as defined in G.S. 115D-2(2) ; (ii) a public higher education institution as defined in G.S. 116-2(4) ; or (iii) a private higher education institution as defined in G.S. 116-22(1) " for "at a local community college." Session Laws 2011-145, s. 9.18(e), effective July 1, 2012, substituted "a nonprofit postsecondary educational institution as described in G.S. 116-280 " for "a private higher education institution as defined in G.S. 116-22(1) " in subdivision (a)(4a). Session Laws 2019-240, s. 2(a), effective January 1, 2020, substituted "licensed clinical mental health" for "licensed professional" in subsection (b).

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 90-332

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 90-332 cover?

Section 90-332 ("1. Exemptions from licensure.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite North Carolina § 90-332?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 90-332" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of North Carolina law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.

How does North Carolina § 90-332 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.