Exams required for licensure in Illinois:

LPC (license) - NCE (National Counselor Exam)

LCPC (license) - This license requires two exams. The  NCE - National Counselor Exam and the NCMHCE -National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam. 

If you have already taken the NCE to become a LPC you do not need to retake it. You do not need to become a LPC to become a LCPC. You can wait until you have the prerequisite experience and then apply and take both exam the NCE and the NCMHCE exams.

If you are a CRC there are exceptions to the testing and degree requirements.

If you do not pass the exam?
According to the NCE Candidate Handbook candidates may take the examination once
every three months. The candidate must reregister by following the following steps: NBCC