School Counselor / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania data shows for School Counselors

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

Upfront cost is $185, with renewal running $129 on a 5-year cycle. 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 Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$185
Renewal Fee
$129
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 Pennsylvania licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Pennsylvania? ▼
In Pennsylvania, the license path calls for, a passing score on State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent), and a $185 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Pennsylvania? ▼
Certification as a school counselor in Pennsylvania means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Pennsylvania licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. Verify the specifics with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for school counselor licensing in Pennsylvania. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Pennsylvania? ▼
Pennsylvania ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $129 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.