How to Become a Licensed Counselor in Arkansas
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas, you need a master's degree in counseling (60+ credit hours from a CACREP-accredited program), 3,200 hours of supervised experience, including 1,600 direct client contact hours, and you must pass both the NCE written exam and ABEC oral exam. The process typically takes 5-7 years from a bachelor's degree to full licensure, with Arkansas LPCs earning a median salary of $49,990 annually.
Arkansas is experiencing strong growth in the counseling field, with demand for qualified mental health professionals increasing across the state. Whether you're starting your counseling education or transitioning from another field, understanding Arkansas's specific licensing requirements will help you plan your path to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a licensed counselor in Arkansas, from education requirements to salary expectations and career opportunities throughout the state.
Table of Contents
Overview of Counselor Licensing in Arkansas
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC) regulates professional counseling licenses in the state. Arkansas offers two main levels of licensure for professional counselors:
- Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) - Entry-level license for those completing their post-master's supervised experience
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Full independent practice license after completing all requirements
Most counselors begin as an LAC while accumulating the required supervised hours before advancing to full LPC licensure. This two-tier system allows you to work in the field while completing your training under proper supervision.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas currently employs approximately 2,860 mental health counselors, with strong projected growth expected through 2030. The counseling profession offers rewarding career opportunities, helping individuals, families, and communities address mental health challenges and improve their well-being.
Education Requirements
To qualify for counselor licensure in Arkansas, you must complete a graduate degree in counseling from an accredited institution. The Arkansas Board has specific educational standards you'll need to meet.
Master's Degree Requirements
Arkansas requires a minimum of 60 semester credit hours of graduate-level coursework in counseling or a closely related field. Your program should align with the standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), though CACREP accreditation itself isn't mandatory.
Your graduate program must include comprehensive coursework in these core areas:
- Professional Identity and Ethics - Understanding counselor roles, ethical standards, and professional boundaries
- Social and Cultural Foundations - Multicultural counseling competencies and diversity awareness
- Human Growth and Development - Lifespan development theories and stages
- Career Development - Career counseling theories and assessment techniques
- Helping Relationships - Counseling theories, techniques, and therapeutic relationships
- Group Work - Group counseling dynamics and facilitation skills
- Assessment and Testing - Psychological assessment and evaluation methods
- Research and Program Evaluation - Research methods and evidence-based practice
Practicum and Internship
Your master's program must include supervised clinical experience through practicum and internship placements. These experiences provide hands-on training working with clients under supervision while you're still a student. Most CACREP-aligned programs require at least 700 hours of supervised clinical experience during your degree program, including a minimum of 280 hours of direct client contact.
Alternative Education Options
If you completed at least 30 credit hours of counseling-related post-master's coursework, you can substitute those hours for up to two years of the supervised experience requirement. This option can accelerate your path to licensure if you've pursued additional graduate education beyond your initial master's degree.
Supervised Experience Requirements
After completing your master's degree, Arkansas requires substantial supervised professional experience before you can practice independently as an LPC. This post-graduate supervision ensures you develop the clinical skills and professional judgment needed for independent practice.
Supervised Hours Breakdown
You must complete a minimum of 3,200 hours of post-master's supervised professional experience. Of these hours:
- 1,600 hours minimum must be direct client contact (face-to-face counseling with clients)
- 1,600 hours maximum can include indirect activities like treatment planning, case notes, staff meetings, professional development, and continuing education
The supervision period typically takes 2-3 years of full-time work to complete, though part-time counselors may take longer. You can begin accruing supervised hours once you've completed your master's degree and obtained your LAC license.
Supervision Requirements
Your clinical supervisor must be:
- A currently licensed LPC, psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker in Arkansas
- Approved by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling
- Actively practicing in a counseling-related field
You must receive at least one hour of individual supervision for every 40 hours of counseling-related work. Supervision sessions should include case consultation, skill development, ethical guidance, and professional development discussions.
What Counts as Supervised Experience
| Experience Type | Counts Toward Hours? | Maximum Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Individual counseling sessions | Yes - Direct Contact | Unlimited |
| Group counseling sessions | Yes - Direct Contact | Unlimited |
| Family counseling sessions | Yes - Direct Contact | Unlimited |
| Treatment planning | Yes - Indirect | 1,600 total indirect |
| Case documentation | Yes - Indirect | 1,600 total indirect |
| Supervision meetings | Yes - Indirect | 1,600 total indirect |
| Professional development | Yes - Indirect | 1,600 total indirect |
| Graduate school internship | No | 0 |
Important: Internships completed during your graduate program do not count toward your post-master's supervised experience requirement. Only hours accumulated after receiving your master's degree are eligible.
Examination Requirements
Arkansas requires all counselor license applicants to pass two examinations: a written exam and an oral exam administered by the state board.
National Counselor Examination (NCE)
The written examination requirement is satisfied by passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE), administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCE is a comprehensive 200-question multiple-choice exam covering eight major content areas:
- Professional Practice & Ethics
- Intake, Assessment & Diagnosis
- Areas of Clinical Focus (various specializations)
- Treatment Planning
- Counseling Skills & Interventions
- Core Counseling Attributes
- Group Work
- Professional Development, Supervision & Consultation
You can schedule your NCE exam after completing your master's degree. Many candidates take the exam shortly before graduation or immediately after completing their degree program. The exam fee is approximately $275, and you'll need to register through the NBCC website.
ABEC Oral Examination
After passing the NCE, you must also pass an oral examination administered by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC). This oral exam assesses your professional judgment, ethical reasoning, and knowledge of Arkansas-specific counseling regulations.
The oral exam can be scheduled after you've completed the NCE. The board will provide specific instructions on scheduling and preparing for this examination when you submit your license application.
Exam Preparation Tips
To maximize your chances of passing both examinations:
- Review the NCE study guides and practice exams available through NBCC
- Join study groups with other counseling graduates
- Focus on Arkansas-specific regulations and ethical standards for the oral exam
- Review case studies and practice applying ethical decision-making frameworks
- Allow adequate preparation time - most successful candidates study 6-8 weeks before the NCE
Application Process and Fees
Once you've completed your education, supervision, and examinations, you're ready to apply for your Arkansas counselor license.
LPC Application Steps
- Gather Required Documentation
- Official transcripts from your graduate program
- Verification of supervised experience hours (signed by your supervisor)
- NCE exam scores
- Criminal background check results
- Professional references
- Complete the Application
- Submit the official ABEC application form
- Provide detailed information about your education and experience
- Disclose any disciplinary actions or criminal history
- Pay Application Fee
- Non-refundable application fee: $200
- Criminal background check fee (varies)
- Background Check
- Submit to fingerprinting for a criminal background check
- Any criminal history will be reviewed by the board
- Board Review
- ABEC reviews your complete application
- Processing typically takes 2-3 months
- You may be contacted for additional information
- Oral Examination
- Schedule and complete the ABEC oral exam
- Receive notification of results
- License Issuance
- Upon approval, pay the initial licensing fee
- Receive your LPC license certificate
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Arkansas counselor licenses must be renewed regularly to maintain validity. Licensed Professional Counselors are required to complete continuing education hours during each renewal period to stay current with best practices, emerging research, and evolving ethical standards in the counseling profession.
The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling sets specific continuing education requirements and renewal procedures. Visit the ABEC website for current renewal requirements and continuing education guidelines.
Salary and Job Outlook for Counselors in Arkansas
The counseling profession offers competitive compensation and strong job growth prospects in Arkansas. Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career and evaluate the return on your educational investment.
Arkansas Counselor Salary Data (2024)
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), Arkansas employs approximately 2,860 substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Here's the salary breakdown:
| Percentile | Annual Salary | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,600 | Entry-level positions |
| 25th Percentile | $37,280 | Early career counselors |
| Median (50th) | $49,990 | Typical mid-career salary |
| 75th Percentile | $69,630 | Experienced counselors |
| 90th Percentile | $102,400 | Senior counselors, supervisors |
| Mean (Average) | $58,960 | Overall state average |
Salary by Arkansas Metropolitan Area
Counselor salaries vary significantly across Arkansas. Metropolitan areas generally offer higher compensation than rural regions:
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers | $58,490 | 300 |
| Jonesboro | $58,940 | 240 |
| Fort Smith | $51,790 | 200 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway | $50,030 | 880 |
| Hot Springs | $47,120 | 90 |
Little Rock and its surrounding area employ the most counselors in Arkansas, offering diverse opportunities in private practice, community mental health centers, hospitals, and schools.
Factors Affecting Counselor Salaries
Several factors influence how much you'll earn as a licensed counselor in Arkansas:
- Experience level - Counselors typically see salary increases as they gain experience and develop specialized expertise
- Work setting - Private practice, hospitals, schools, and community agencies offer different compensation structures
- Specialization - Counselors with specialized training (substance abuse, trauma, couples therapy) may command higher rates
- Geographic location - Urban areas and Northwest Arkansas generally offer higher salaries than rural regions
- Additional credentials - National certifications and advanced training can increase earning potential
- Licensure level - Fully licensed LPCs typically earn more than LACs
National Comparison
For context, the national median salary for mental health counselors is $59,190 (May 2024 BLS data), slightly higher than Arkansas's median of $49,990. However, Arkansas's lower cost of living often means comparable purchasing power compared to higher-salary states.
Job Growth Projections
The counseling profession is experiencing strong growth nationally and in Arkansas. The increasing recognition of mental health's importance, expanded insurance coverage for mental health services, and growing demand for substance abuse treatment all contribute to positive job prospects for licensed counselors.
Career opportunities for licensed counselors in Arkansas include:
- Community mental health centers
- Private practice (individual or group)
- Hospitals and medical centers
- School counseling programs
- Substance abuse treatment facilities
- Employee assistance programs
- Correctional facilities
- Veterans services
- University counseling centers
CACREP-Accredited Programs in Arkansas
While CACREP accreditation isn't mandatory for Arkansas licensure, attending a CACREP-accredited program ensures your education meets national standards and may provide advantages when seeking employment or pursuing licensure in other states.
Arkansas Universities Offering Counseling Programs
Several Arkansas universities offer master's degree programs in counseling that align with CACREP standards:
- University of Central Arkansas - Offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs
- Arkansas State University - Provides Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Rehabilitation Counseling tracks
- Harding University - Features Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling programs
- John Brown University - Offers Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling specializations
When evaluating programs, consider factors like:
- CACREP accreditation status
- Program format (on-campus, online, hybrid)
- Specialization tracks offered
- Practicum and internship placement support
- Faculty credentials and research interests
- Program cost and financial aid availability
- Cohort size and student-to-faculty ratio
- Graduation rates and licensure exam pass rates
Out-of-State and Online Programs
Arkansas accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions nationwide, including online programs. If you're considering an out-of-state or online program, verify that it meets Arkansas's 60-credit-hour requirement and covers all required core content areas. Contact ABEC before enrolling to confirm your chosen program will qualify for Arkansas licensure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between LAC and LPC in Arkansas?
A Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) is an entry-level license allowing you to practice counseling under supervision while completing your post-master's hours. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is the full independent practice license you receive after completing all supervision hours and passing both examinations. Most counselors work as LACs for 2-3 years before advancing to LPC status.
How much does it cost to become licensed in Arkansas?
The direct costs include approximately $200 for the LPC application fee, $275 for the NCE examination, background check fees (typically $50-100), and the initial license fee upon approval. Additionally, you'll need to budget for your master's degree program costs, which vary by institution. Total out-of-pocket costs for the licensing process itself typically range from $500-700, excluding educational expenses.
Can I get licensed in Arkansas with an online counseling degree?
Yes, Arkansas accepts degrees from regionally accredited online programs as long as they meet the state's 60-credit-hour requirement and cover all required core content areas. However, you must complete in-person practicum and internship experiences. Before enrolling in any online program, confirm with ABEC that it will qualify for Arkansas licensure.
How long does the application process take?
After submitting your complete application to ABEC, the review process typically takes 2-3 months. This timeline can vary depending on the board's workload and whether your application is complete. You can expedite the process by ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete when you first submit your application.
What if I fail the NCE exam?
If you don't pass the NCE on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. You must wait at least 90 days between exam attempts, and you'll need to pay the examination fee again for each retake. Many counselors who don't pass initially use the score report to identify weak areas and focus their studying before the next attempt. Consider using NCE study guides, practice exams, or joining a study group to prepare more effectively.
Does Arkansas have reciprocity with other states?
Arkansas doesn't have automatic reciprocity agreements with other states. However, if you're already licensed as a professional counselor in another state, Arkansas may accept some of your credentials through license portability provisions. You'll still need to meet Arkansas's specific requirements, pass the ABEC oral examination, and submit a complete application. Contact ABEC to discuss your specific situation and determine which requirements you may already satisfy.
Can I work as a counselor while completing my supervision hours?
Yes, this is the typical path. Most counselors obtain their LAC license and work in counseling positions while accumulating the required 3,200 supervised hours. You'll need to work under an approved supervisor and ensure your employer understands you're working under a restricted license. Many community mental health centers, group practices, and treatment facilities hire LACs specifically to provide this supervised experience.
How do I find an approved supervisor in Arkansas?
Your supervisor must be an actively licensed LPC, psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker approved by ABEC. Many counselors find supervisors through their employers, as agencies often have licensed supervisors on staff. You can also contact ABEC for a list of approved supervisors or reach out to local counseling practices. Some supervisors offer contract supervision arrangements if your employer doesn't have an approved supervisor on staff.
What continuing education is required to maintain my license?
Arkansas requires licensed professional counselors to complete continuing education hours during each renewal period. These requirements ensure you stay current with best practices, new research, and evolving ethical standards. Contact ABEC for specific continuing education requirements, approved providers, and renewal deadlines, as these may be updated periodically.
What counseling specializations are most in-demand in Arkansas?
Arkansas has particularly strong demand for counselors specializing in substance abuse treatment, trauma counseling, and child and adolescent therapy. Rural areas often have critical shortages of mental health professionals. Additionally, counselors with expertise in military family support (given Arkansas's military installations) and geriatric mental health (reflecting the state's aging population) find strong job opportunities.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to become licensed in Arkansas?
No, U.S. citizenship isn't required for Arkansas counselor licensure. However, you must have legal authorization to work in the United States, and you'll need to pass a criminal background check regardless of your citizenship status. International applicants should verify that their educational credentials meet Arkansas standards and may need to have their foreign degrees evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service.
Can I maintain licenses in multiple states?
Yes, many counselors hold licenses in multiple states, particularly those in border regions or those who practice telehealth. Each state has its own requirements, fees, and renewal procedures. If you plan to practice in multiple states, research each state's licensing requirements and be prepared to meet continuing education and renewal obligations for each license you hold.
Key Takeaways
- Education requirement: You need a master's degree with at least 60 credit hours in counseling from a program that meets CACREP standards
- Supervised experience: Arkansas requires 3,200 total supervised hours, including a minimum of 1,600 hours of direct client contact completed after your master's degree
- Two examinations required: You must pass both the NCE written exam (administered by NBCC) and the ABEC oral examination
- Timeline expectations: The complete process from bachelor's degree to full LPC licensure typically takes 5-7 years, including 2-3 years of post-master's supervised work
- Career outlook: Arkansas counselors earn a median salary of $49,990 annually, with experienced counselors in metropolitan areas earning $60,000-$70,000 or more
- Two-tier licensing: Most counselors begin as Licensed Associate Counselors (LAC) while completing supervision, then advance to Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status
- Strong job growth: The counseling field is expanding in Arkansas, driven by increased mental health awareness and expanded insurance coverage
- Geographic variation: Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers) and Jonesboro offer the highest median salaries for counselors in the state
Ready to Start Your Counseling Career in Arkansas?
Explore CACREP-accredited master's programs in counseling that align with Arkansas licensure requirements and match your schedule and career goals.
Find Arkansas Counseling Programs
Additional Resources for Arkansas Counseling Professionals
- Arkansas Psychologist Licensing Requirements
- How to Become a Social Worker in Arkansas
- Arkansas Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Counseling Career Paths
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
