School Counselor / Ohio
2026 data Ohio board official source

Ohio School Counselor License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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Provides academic and social-emotional counseling to students.

What the Ohio data shows for School Counselors

Ohio 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 Ohio's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree in School Counseling".

Upfront cost is $171, with renewal running $120 on a 5-year cycle. 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 Ohio

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$171
Renewal Fee
$120
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 Ohio licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Ohio licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Ohio? ▼
Ohio's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $171. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Ohio? ▼
Ohio licenses school counselors who complete its requirements (1 year of experience) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Ohio licensing board.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Ohio 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 Ohio licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Ohio require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for school counselor licensing in Ohio. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Ohio? ▼
Licensed school counselors in Ohio must complete 150 hours of continuing education every 5 years. The renewal fee is $120.

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.