2026 data Alaska board official source

Alaska Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Alaska data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Alaska, the state licensing board requires 2,649 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and 2 years of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Alaska's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $88 to get started, plus $81 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Alaska

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,649 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$88
Renewal Fee
$81
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alaska licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska?
In Alaska, the license path calls for 2649 education/training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and a $88 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska?
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Alaska means clearing the state's checklist: 2649 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Alaska licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Alaska from another state?
Reciprocity for licensed professional counselors nationally works like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alaska. Verify the specifics with the Alaska licensing board.
Does Alaska require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing?
Alaska does require a background check before issuing a licensed professional counselor license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Alaska?
Licensed licensed professional counselors in Alaska must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $81.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites