Section 1375.80  Restoration of License as a Professional Counselor

a)         Any professional counselor whose license has expired or has been placed on inactive status for 5 years or less may have the license restored by filing the form provided by the Division and paying the fees required by Section 1375.205.  Individuals seeking restoration of a license are to submit proof of completing the continuing education requirements pursuant to Section 1375.220.  Continuing education must be completed during the 24 months preceding application for restoration. For any licensed clinical professional counselor who has had no disciplinary action taken against their license in this State or in any other jurisdiction during the entire period of licensure, the following requirements are suspended:  proof of fitness, certification of active practice in another jurisdiction, and the payment of a renewal fee.  An individual may not restore a license in accordance with this subsection more than once.

b)         Any professional counselor seeking restoration of a license that has been expired or placed on inactive status for more than 5 years shall file an application, on forms supplied by the Division together with the fee required by Section 1375.205.  Individuals seeking restoration of a license are required to submit proof of having met the continuing education requirements pursuant to Section 1375.220.  Continuing education must be completed during the 24 months preceding application for restoration.  The applicant shall also submit either:

1)         Certification of active practice in another jurisdiction.  Such certification shall include a statement from the appropriate board or licensing authority in the other jurisdiction that the licensee was authorized to practice during the term of said active practice; or

2)         An affidavit attesting to military service as provided in Section 60(d) of the Act; or

3)         Proof of passage of the National Counselor Examination or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination during the period the license was lapsed or on inactive status.

c)         A professional counselor who is seeking restoration of a license after disciplinary action must complete all requirements of the disciplinary order and submit a petition for restoration to the Department for adjudication through the hearing process established under 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1110.  The petition must contain evidence demonstrating rehabilitation to warrant the public trust as provided in Section 1375.227.

d)         When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the coursework or experience is questioned by the Division because of a lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking restoration of a license shall be required to:

1)         Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

2)         Appear for an interview before the Board to explain such relevance or sufficiency, clarify information or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.  Upon recommendation of the Board and approval by the Division, an applicant shall have the license restored.

(Source:  Amended at 48 Ill. Reg. 8776, effective June 4, 2024)