(a) In order to be eligible as a licensed associate counselor, an applicant must:

1. (1)

   1. (A) Have received a graduate degree that is primarily professional counseling in content from a regionally accredited institution.
   2. (B) The graduate semester hours must meet or exceed the national academic and training content standards adopted by the:

(i) Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling; or

1. (ii) Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs;
2. (2) Demonstrate professional competencies by passing written examinations and/or oral interviews as prescribed by the board;
3. (3) Arrange supervision with a board-approved LAC supervisor and have the agreement for the supervision approved by the board prior to license issue;
4. (4) Have met the criminal background check mandated by Arkansas Code § 17-27-313; and
5. (5) Be a citizen of the United States or have current documentation of legal alien work status issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.