Licensed Professional Counselor / Arkansas
2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Arkansas data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Becoming a licensed licensed professional counselor in Arkansas means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,743 training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and 2 years of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Arkansas regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $106, and renewal costs $94 every 2 years. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, licensed professional counselors should know: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,743 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$106
Renewal Fee
$94
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas requires 2743 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $106. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (2743 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Arkansas licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed professional counselors: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Arkansas licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in Arkansas. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $94 renewal fee.

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.