Licensed Professional Counselor / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Alabama data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Alabama, the state licensing board requires 2,811 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 Alabama's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $119 to get started, plus $104 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 Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,811 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$119
Renewal Fee
$104
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Licensed Professional Counselor All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama? ▼
Alabama requires 2811 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $119. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama? ▼
Alabama licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (2811 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Alabama licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Alabama 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 Alabama. Verify the specifics with the Alabama licensing board.
Does Alabama require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Alabama. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Alabama? ▼
Licensed licensed professional counselors in Alabama must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $104.

Related Guides

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

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.