School Counselor / Arkansas
2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas School Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Arkansas data shows for School Counselors

Arkansas's path to school counselor licensure runs through board-approved instruction, 1 year of supervised work experience, and a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Arkansas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

The initial price tag is $99, and renewal costs $75 every 5 years. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For school counselors, the reciprocity picture is: State-specific reciprocity varies.

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$99
Renewal Fee
$75
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Arkansas? ▼
In Arkansas, the license path calls for, a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $99 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas licenses school counselors who complete its requirements (1 year of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Arkansas licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
For school counselors, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: State-specific reciprocity varies. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Arkansas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Arkansas require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school counselor licensing process in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $75 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.