2026 data Utah board official source

Utah Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Utah data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

To practice as a licensed professional counselor in Utah, the state licensing board requires 2,784 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 Utah's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $114 to get started, plus $100 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Utah

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
2,784 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$114
Renewal Fee
$100
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
2 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Utah licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Utah?
Utah's requirements cover 2784 hours of education or training, the NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE exam, and an initial fee of $114. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Utah?
Utah licenses licensed professional counselors who complete its requirements (2784 education hours, 2 years of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Utah licensing board.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Utah 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 Utah. Verify the specifics with the Utah licensing board.
Does Utah require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing?
Utah does require a background check before issuing a licensed professional counselor license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Utah?
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Utah, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $100.

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