School Counselor / Mississippi
2026 data Mississippi board official source

Mississippi School Counselor License Requirements

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

Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Mississippi data shows for School Counselors

Mississippi sets the entry bar for school counselors at board-approved training and a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), with 1 year of supervised work experience expected. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Mississippi's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

The initial price tag is $114, and renewal costs $84 every 5 years. The license also carries an ongoing 150-hour continuing-education requirement per 5-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

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

Licensing Requirements in Mississippi

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$114
Renewal Fee
$84
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Mississippi licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Mississippi?
Mississippi requires, passing an exam (State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $114. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Mississippi?
To become a licensed school counselor in Mississippi, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Mississippi licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Mississippi 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 Mississippi. Verify the specifics with the Mississippi licensing board.
Does Mississippi require a background check for School Counselor licensing?
Background screening is part of the school counselor licensing process in Mississippi. 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $84 renewal fee.

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