School Counselor / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota School Counselor License Requirements

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Minnesota data shows for School Counselors

To practice as a school counselor in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires board-approved training, a passing score on the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) examination, and 1 year of supervised work experience. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies training as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Upfront cost is $128, with renewal running $93 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 is available: State-specific reciprocity varies. Compared to the profession-wide pattern, the numbers above should be cross-checked against other states before relocating — licensing cost, training hours, and exam requirements vary enough that a different state may cut thousands of dollars and months of training from the path. The state board, not this page, is the final authority; verify every field below with the official regulator before you pay fees or enroll in training.

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$128
Renewal Fee
$93
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

License Reciprocity

State-specific reciprocity varies

Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Minnesota?
Minnesota requires, passing an exam (State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $128. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Minnesota?
To become a licensed school counselor in Minnesota, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Minnesota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Minnesota from another state?
Minnesota has reciprocity provisions: State-specific reciprocity varies. Many professions are covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability. Contact the Minnesota licensing board for specific reciprocity details.
Does Minnesota require a background check for School Counselor licensing?
Yes, Minnesota requires a criminal background check as part of the school counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Minnesota?
Licensed school counselors in Minnesota must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $93.

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

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