School Counselor / Massachusetts
2026 data Massachusetts board official source

Massachusetts School 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 academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Massachusetts data shows for School Counselors

Massachusetts'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. Massachusetts folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Budget $203 to get started, plus $140 at each renewal on a 5-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 150 hours of continuing education are due every 5-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

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

Licensing Requirements in Massachusetts

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$203
Renewal Fee
$140
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 Massachusetts licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Massachusetts licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $203. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Massachusetts? ▼
Massachusetts licenses school counselors who complete its requirements (1 year of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts. Verify the specifics with the Massachusetts licensing board.
Does Massachusetts require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the school counselor licensing process in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts? ▼
Licensed school counselors in Massachusetts must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $140.

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.