Licensed Professional Counselor / Ohio
2026 data Ohio board official source

Ohio Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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 Ohio data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Ohio's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 3,014 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. Ohio folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $158 to get started, plus $132 at each renewal 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.

On reciprocity, licensed professional counselors should know: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Ohio

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,014 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$158
Renewal Fee
$132
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 Ohio licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Ohio licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio? ▼
Ohio requires 3014 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $158. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio? ▼
To become a licensed licensed professional counselor in Ohio, you must meet the state's requirements including 3014 hours of education and 2 years of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Ohio licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Ohio from another state? ▼
For licensed professional counselors, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Ohio licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Ohio require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process in Ohio. 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 Ohio? ▼
Ohio ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $132 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.