Licensed Professional Counselor / Idaho
2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho 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 Idaho data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Idaho's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 2,635 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. Idaho folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $86, and renewal costs $79 every 2 years. 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 Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,635 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$86
Renewal Fee
$79
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 Idaho licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Idaho licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Idaho? ▼
Idaho's requirements cover 2635 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $86. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Idaho? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Idaho means clearing the state's checklist: 2635 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Idaho licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Idaho from another state? ▼
For licensed professional counselors, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Idaho licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Idaho require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in Idaho. 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 Idaho? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Idaho, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $79.

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.