School Counselor / Rhode Island
2026 data Rhode Island board official source

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island data shows for School Counselors

Rhode Island'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. Rhode Island 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 $232, and renewal costs $158 every 5 years. 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 Rhode Island

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$232
Renewal Fee
$158
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 Rhode Island licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Rhode Island licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $232. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Certification as a school counselor in Rhode Island means clearing the state's checklist plus 1 year of work experience, and a passing exam score. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Rhode Island from another state? ▼
School Counselor licenses generally reciprocate as follows: State-specific reciprocity varies. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Rhode Island licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Rhode Island require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Yes, Rhode Island requires a criminal background check as part of the school counselor licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for School Counselor in Rhode Island? ▼
Rhode Island ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $158 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.