How to become a Counselor in Arkansas

Learn how to earn your counseling licensure in AR

Click on the link that best describes your current situation...

Below are basic guidelines for those wishing to earn their counseling certification in Arkansas. Most requirements such as earning your Master's degree, completing 3000 hours of supervised experience and passing the NCE examination have been and will continue to be mandatory in the Alaska counseling licensure process. However, it is wise to contact the Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling at (870) 901-7055 to make sure you are on the right track.

I'm a High School Graduate...

Well, congratulations for being motivated! You will find doing this kind of career research early on will serve you well. There are two main steps you should take in order to best set yourself up for success as an Arkansas Counselor. 1.) Begin working on your higher education. Contact schools offering associate or bachelor degree programs. 2.) Learn where and in what context you can begin gaining experience in a counseling like environment.

Click on the links below to browse schools offering programs you are currently qualified to begin!

The following are organizations that provide volunteering opportunities in Arkansas. You will not be able to experience actual counseling since you are not yet qualified; however, many volunteer options require similar mentalities for success.

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I've already received my Bachelor's degree...

Once you have your bachelor's degree, you will need to find a school offering a master's or doctoral degree program in counseling.

Step One:

Click on the links below to contact schools offering Master's or PhD programs in counseling or related field.

Or request information from additional schools offering counseling programs in Arkansas.

Step Two:

After receiving a masters degree, an Arkansas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) needs to begin 3 or more years of supervised full-time professional experience in counseling. One year can be gained with every 30 graduate semester hours in counseling completed.

An LAC does not need to meet these requirements but must always practice under supervision.

You can find more information regarding experience requirements as well as links to download application materials on the following Arkansas Board of Examiners of Counseling webpage.

Step Three:

Once you are ready to apply, you will need to submit a Statement of Professional Intent outlining your plan of practice as a counselor, letters of recommendation, and documentation of supervised professional experience. All of these forms plus the general application for both LPC and LAC can be found on the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling website.

Step Four:

Once your application is accepted, you will need to pass a written and oral exam. First you will need to apply for the written exam and once that is passed you may take the oral. Details and contact information is available here.

When you become licensed, make sure to renew your Arkansas counseling license every other year. You will be sent a reminder from the Board; however, if you let your license expire, you will have to apply again.

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