Licensed Professional Counselor / New Jersey
2026 data New Jersey board official source

New Jersey 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 New Jersey data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, the state licensing board requires 3,149 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 New Jersey's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Upfront cost is $183, with renewal running $151 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in New Jersey

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,149 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$183
Renewal Fee
$151
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 New Jersey licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Jersey licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey? ▼
New Jersey's requirements cover 3149 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $183. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey means clearing the state's checklist: 3149 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The New Jersey licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to New Jersey 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 New Jersey. Verify the specifics with the New Jersey licensing board.
Does New Jersey require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $151.

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.