School Counselor / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee 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 Tennessee data shows for School Counselors

Tennessee'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. Tennessee 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 $135, and renewal costs $97 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.

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

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree in School Counseling
Not specified
Exam Requirement
State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent)
Required
Initial License Fee
$135
Renewal Fee
$97
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 Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Counselor in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover, the State School Counselor Exam (Praxis or equivalent) exam, and an initial fee of $135. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a School Counselor in Tennessee? ▼
To become a licensed school counselor in Tennessee, you must meet the state's requirements and 1 year of work experience. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Tennessee licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Verify the specifics with the Tennessee licensing board.
Does Tennessee require a background check for School Counselor licensing? ▼
Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee ties continued school counselor licensure to 150 continuing-education hours, due every 5 years, alongside a $97 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.