School Counselor / Colorado
2026 data Colorado board official source

Colorado 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 Colorado data shows for School Counselors

Becoming a licensed school counselor in Colorado means clearing a defined set of hurdles: board-approved training, a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and 1 year of supervised work experience, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Colorado regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Upfront cost is $261, with renewal running $175 on a 5-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: State-specific reciprocity varies.

Licensing Requirements in Colorado

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$261
Renewal Fee
$175
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 Colorado licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Colorado licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Colorado? ▼
Colorado requires, passing an exam (State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $261. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Colorado? ▼
To become a licensed school counselor in Colorado, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Colorado licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Colorado from another state? ▼
School Counselor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: State-specific reciprocity varies. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Colorado licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Colorado require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school counselor licensing process in Colorado. 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 Colorado? ▼
To stay licensed as a school counselor in Colorado, plan on 150 hours of continuing education per 5-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $175.

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.