Licensed Professional Counselor / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Massachusetts data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Massachusetts's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 3,135 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. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Upfront cost is $181, with renewal running $149 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.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,135 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$181
Renewal Fee
$149
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 Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover 3135 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $181. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Massachusetts? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Massachusetts means clearing the state's checklist: 3135 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $149 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.