School Counselor / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota School Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Minnesota data shows for School Counselors

Minnesota'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. Minnesota 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 $128, and renewal costs $93 every 5 years. 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.

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

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

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for School Counselor All Minnesota licenses
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? ▼
In Minnesota, the license path calls for, a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $128 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Minnesota? ▼
Certification as a school counselor in Minnesota means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Minnesota 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 Minnesota licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Minnesota require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Minnesota does require a background check before issuing a school counselor license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $93 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.