2026 data Kansas board official source

Kansas Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Kansas data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Kansas sets the entry bar for licensed professional counselors at 2,676 training hours and a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, with 2 years of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Kansas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $93 to get started, plus $85 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Kansas

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,676 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$93
Renewal Fee
$85
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Kansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas?
Kansas requires 2676 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $93. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas?
To become a licensed licensed professional counselor in Kansas, you must meet the state's requirements including 2676 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Kansas licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Kansas 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 Kansas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Kansas require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing?
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Kansas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Kansas?
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Kansas, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $85.

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