Licensed Professional Counselor / North Dakota
2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota 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 North Dakota data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Becoming a licensed licensed professional counselor in North Dakota means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,608 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. North Dakota regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

The initial price tag is $81, and renewal costs $75 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 North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,608 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$81
Renewal Fee
$75
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 North Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota's requirements cover 2608 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $81. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in North Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed licensed professional counselor in North Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements including 2608 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to North Dakota 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 North Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does North Dakota require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in North Dakota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $75 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.