Licensed Professional Counselor / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Illinois data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Becoming a licensed licensed professional counselor in Illinois means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,419 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. Illinois regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $235, and renewal costs $189 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,419 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$235
Renewal Fee
$189
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 Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois? ▼
Illinois's requirements cover 3419 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $235. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois? ▼
To become a licensed licensed professional counselor in Illinois, you must meet the state's requirements including 3419 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Illinois licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Illinois 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 Illinois licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Illinois require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Illinois 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 Illinois? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Illinois, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $189.

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.