School Counselor / Alabama
2026 data Alabama board official source

Alabama School 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 academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Alabama data shows for School Counselors

Alabama sets the entry bar for school counselors at board-approved training and a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), with 1 year 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 Alabama's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

The initial price tag is $117, and renewal costs $86 every 5 years. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, school counselors should know: State-specific reciprocity varies.

Licensing Requirements in Alabama

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$117
Renewal Fee
$86
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

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Compare all states for School Counselor All Alabama licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Alabama licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Alabama? ▼
Alabama's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $117. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Alabama? ▼
To become a licensed school counselor in Alabama, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Alabama licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Alabama from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for school counselors nationally works like this: State-specific reciprocity varies. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alabama. Verify the specifics with the Alabama licensing board.
Does Alabama require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school counselor licensing process in Alabama. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Alabama? ▼
Licensed school counselors in Alabama must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $86.

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.