Licensed Professional Counselor / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Becoming a licensed licensed professional counselor in District of Columbia means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,073 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. District of Columbia regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $169, and renewal costs $140 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 District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,073 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$169
Renewal Fee
$140
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 District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia's requirements cover 3073 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $169. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in District of Columbia? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in District of Columbia means clearing the state's checklist: 3073 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The District of Columbia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $140 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.