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Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in Arkansas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed professional counselor in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: Background check required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $49,990 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of 49,990, Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas earn 16% below the national median of $59,190. Arkansas ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$49,990

Hourly estimate

$24.03
16% below national median

Difference: -$9,200

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,600
  • P2525th percentile$37,280
  • P50Median$49,990
  • P7575th percentile$69,630
  • P9090th percentile$102,400

State vs National Median

State: $49,990
National: $59,190

Total employment: 2,860 | Annual openings: N/A

Licensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking

#42 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Alaska79,220
#2New Mexico70,770
#3Oregon69,660
#4North Dakota66,450
#5Utah65,920

Nearby States Comparison

Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arkansas$49,990Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Missouri$56,640Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Tennessee$48,170Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Mississippi$46,810Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Louisiana$40,200Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Texas$60,630Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Oklahoma$58,610Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Health • Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

101 East Capitol, Suite 202, Little Rock, AR, 72201

Phone: 5016835800

Related Careers in Arkansas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$99,330Degree required6-24 months
Chiropractor$77,780Degree required6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$50,480Varies by state board6-24 months
Dental Assistant$37,680Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas?

Arkansas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Professional Counselors.

What education do you need to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in Arkansas.

What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas is 49,990. Salaries range from $31,600 (10th percentile) to $102,400 (90th percentile).

How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?

Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas earn 16% below the national median of $59,190, with a state median of 49,990.

How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in Arkansas?

Arkansas employs approximately 2,860 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Arkansas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy. Review agency details at https://www.abec.statesolutions.us/.