Licensed Professional Counselor / Hawaii
2026 data Hawaii board official source

Hawaii 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Hawaii data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Hawaii, the state licensing board requires 3,289 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 Hawaii's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Upfront cost is $210, with renewal running $170 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in Hawaii

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,289 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$210
Renewal Fee
$170
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 Hawaii licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Hawaii licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Hawaii? ▼
Hawaii's requirements cover 3289 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $210. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Hawaii? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Hawaii means clearing the state's checklist: 3289 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Hawaii licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Hawaii from another state? ▼
Licensed Professional Counselor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Hawaii licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Hawaii require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Hawaii. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Hawaii? ▼
Licensed licensed professional counselors in Hawaii must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $170.

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.