Licensed Professional Counselor / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Colorado data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Colorado's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 3,351 hours of approved instruction, 2 years of supervised work experience, and a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Colorado folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Upfront cost is $222, with renewal running $179 on a 2-year cycle. 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.

For licensed professional counselors, the reciprocity picture is: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,351 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$222
Renewal Fee
$179
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 Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado? ▼
In Colorado, the license path calls for 3351 education/training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and a $222 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Colorado means clearing the state's checklist: 3351 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Colorado 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 Colorado. Verify the specifics with the Colorado licensing board.
Does Colorado require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Yes, Colorado requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado? ▼
Colorado ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $179 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.