Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed professional counselor in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Both state and third-party exams required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,170 median (19% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#47 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $48,170, Licensed Professional Counselors in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $59,190. Tennessee ranks #47 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$48,170Hourly estimate
$23.1619% below national median
Difference: -$11,020
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLicensed Professional Counselor Salary Ranking
#47 of 50 statesfor Licensed Professional Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $79,220 |
| #2 | New Mexico | $70,770 |
| #3 | Oregon | $69,660 |
| #4 | North Dakota | $66,450 |
| #5 | Utah | $65,920 |
Nearby States Comparison
Licensed Professional Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $48,170 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $51,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,410 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $56,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $55,320 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $48,880 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $46,810 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $49,990 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $56,640 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Kentucky | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Licensed Professional Counselors in Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Professional Counselor licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Licensed Professional Counselor salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Licensed Professional Counselors in Tennessee is $48,170. Salaries range from $30,890 (10th percentile) to $75,240 (90th percentile).
How does the Licensed Professional Counselor salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Licensed Professional Counselors in Tennessee earn 19% below the national median of $59,190, with a state median of $48,170.
How many Licensed Professional Counselors work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 7,310 Licensed Professional Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Licensed Professional Counselor license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Professional Counselors in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Licensed Professional Counselor license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.