Licensed Professional Counselor / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas 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 Texas data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Texas sets the entry bar for licensed professional counselors at 3,027 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 Texas's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $160 to get started, plus $134 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Counseling Compact: 40+ states.

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,027 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$160
Renewal Fee
$134
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 Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 3027 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE), and an initial fee of $160. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas? ▼
Texas licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (3027 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Texas licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Texas 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 Texas licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Texas require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for licensed professional counselor licensing in Texas. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Texas, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $134.

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.