Licensed Professional Counselor / Montana
2026 data Montana board official source

Montana Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Montana data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Montana sets the entry bar for licensed professional counselors at 3,257 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 Montana's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $204, and renewal costs $166 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.

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

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
24/100
Licensed Professional Counselor · Montana

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,257 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$204
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$83/yr
$166 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required F
2 years
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Montana

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,257 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$204
Renewal Fee
$166
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Montana? ▼
In Montana, the license path calls for 3257 education/training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and a $204 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Montana? ▼
To become a licensed licensed professional counselor in Montana, you must meet the state's requirements including 3257 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Montana licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Montana 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 Montana licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Yes, Montana requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Montana? ▼
Licensed licensed professional counselors in Montana must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $166.

Related Guides

What to do with this licensed professional counselor license

Licensed Professional Counselor in Montana, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a licensed professional counselor-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.