Licensed Professional Counselor / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Licensed Professional Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

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Provides mental health counseling and therapy services.

What the Washington data shows for Licensed Professional Counselors

Washington sets the entry bar for licensed professional counselors at 3,311 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 Washington's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in Counseling".

Budget $214 to get started, plus $174 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in Counseling
3,311 hours
Exam Requirement
NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE
Required
Initial License Fee
$214
Renewal Fee
$174
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington? ▼
In Washington, the license path calls for 3311 education/training hours, a passing score on NCE (National Counselor Exam) or NCMHCE, and a $214 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington? ▼
Certification as a licensed professional counselor in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 3311 hours of education plus 2 years of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for licensed professional counselors: Counseling Compact: 40+ states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Licensed Professional Counselor licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the licensed professional counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington? ▼
To stay licensed as a licensed professional counselor in Washington, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $174.

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.