Earn a master's degree in pastoral or Christian counseling. This will require both coursework and a certain number of hours of supervised counseling.
Get the application form for state licensure from the National Board for Certified Counselors. The board acts as an examination administrator on behalf of states. All states (excluding California) license professional counselors, but state licensure boards rely on the National Board for Certified Counselors to enforce the license requirements for candidates according to the guidelines and laws of each state.
Complete the application and submit it with the required processing fee.
Register for a National Board for Certified Counselors exam once your application is approved.
Take the exam, and then submit documentation of your passing score to the Center for Credentialing and Education. Include transcripts from all institutions you attended. The CCE grants credentials to counselors which most states will accept in place of a state licensure exam.
Or, register for a state licensing exam by obtaining a form from the National Board of Certified Counselors. The form will list examination dates, locations and registration deadlines. Take the exam, and upon passage, your state will grant licensure.
Research Christian counseling organizations that offer programs, workshops or courses that teach you how to use Christian principles in your practice. Attend one of these and get a certificate of completion.