School Counselor / Michigan
2026 data Michigan board official source

Michigan 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 Michigan data shows for School Counselors

Becoming a licensed school counselor in Michigan 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. Michigan regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Upfront cost is $160, with renewal running $113 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Michigan

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$160
Renewal Fee
$113
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 Michigan licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Michigan licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Michigan? ▼
Michigan's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $160. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Michigan? ▼
Certification as a school counselor in Michigan means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Michigan licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Michigan 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 Michigan licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Michigan require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for school counselor licensing in Michigan. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Michigan? ▼
Licensed school counselors in Michigan must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $113.

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.