Licensed Professional Counselor / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Rhode Island's path to licensed professional counselor licensure runs through 3,243 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. Rhode Island folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $201 to get started, plus $164 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,243 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$201
Renewal Fee
$164
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island requires 3243 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $201. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Rhode Island means clearing the state's checklist: 3243 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. Verify the specifics with the Rhode Island licensing board.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Rhode Island. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued licensed professional counselor licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $164 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.