School Counselor / North Dakota
2026 data North Dakota board official source

North Dakota 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 North Dakota data shows for School Counselors

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

Upfront cost is $64, with renewal running $53 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.

On reciprocity, school counselors should know: State-specific reciprocity varies.

Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$64
Renewal Fee
$53
Renewal Cycle
Every 5 years
Continuing Education
150 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Work Experience Required
1 year

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Compare all states for School Counselor All North Dakota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with North Dakota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in North Dakota? ▼
North Dakota requires, passing an exam (State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)), and an initial fee of $64. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in North Dakota? ▼
To become a licensed school counselor in North Dakota, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the North Dakota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to North Dakota from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for school counselors: State-specific reciprocity varies. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the North Dakota licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does North Dakota require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
North Dakota 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 North Dakota? ▼
Licensed school counselors in North Dakota must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $53.

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.