Licensed Professional Counselor / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Minnesota data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires 2,851 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 Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $127, and renewal costs $109 every 2 years. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,851 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$127
Renewal Fee
$109
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 Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota's requirements cover 2851 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $127. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (2851 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Minnesota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for licensed professional counselors nationally works like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Minnesota. Verify the specifics with the Minnesota licensing board.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Minnesota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota? ▼
Licensed licensed professional counselors in Minnesota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $109.

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.