Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Rehabilitation Counselors Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for rehabilitation counselors in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Rehabilitation Counselors in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Must be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, and meet education, experience and examination requirements
- 2
Education: Degree required.
- 3
Experience: Work experience required.
- 4
Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
Practice of Professional Counseling -Rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public any service involving the application of principles, techniques, methods, or procedures of the counseling profession, including appraisal activities, as defined by the law, counseling, consulting and referral activities.
- 7
Must be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, and meet education, experience and examination requirements.
- 8
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
Two years of post-master professional experience consisting of not less than 10 hours per week and 50 hours of supervision per year.For mental health services, completed two years of postgraduate supervised experience required for licensure in a clinical setting that provides substantial opportunities to diagnose, treat, appraise, and assess mental disorders.
- 10
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
Sixty graduate semester hours based on a program of studies with a major in counseling completed in an accredited institution.
Exam and processing details
- written examination published by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NCE) and an oral examination administered by the licensing authority are required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Counselors (NCE) and an oral examination administered by the licensing authority are 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
$45,370 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Must be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, and meet education, experience and exami...; Must be at least 18 years of age, be highly regarded in moral character and professional ethics, and meet education, experience and exami...).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required written examination published by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NCE) and an oral examination administered by the licensing authority are required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Any conviction is prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Any conviction is prohibited.; Practice of Professional Counseling -Rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the general public any ser...).
- 6. 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 $45,370, Rehabilitation Counselorss in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $46,110. Tennessee ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$45,370Hourly estimate
$21.812% below national median
Difference: -$740
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRehabilitation Counselors Salary Ranking
#35 of 50 statesfor Rehabilitation Counselors median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $82,400 |
| #2 | North Dakota | $60,730 |
| #3 | Washington | $58,620 |
| #4 | Wyoming | $56,520 |
| #5 | Kentucky | $56,150 |
Nearby States Comparison
Rehabilitation Counselors licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $45,370 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 1-18 years |
| Kentucky | $56,150 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $46,540 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $46,670 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $47,060 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $54,320 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $45,950 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $29,330 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $46,750 | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- 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
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Rehabilitation Counselors in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Rehabilitation Counselorss in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Rehabilitation Counselorss.
What education do you need to become a Rehabilitation Counselors in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Rehabilitation Counselors licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Rehabilitation Counselors salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Rehabilitation Counselorss in Tennessee is $45,370. Salaries range from $35,210 (10th percentile) to $62,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Rehabilitation Counselors salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Rehabilitation Counselorss in Tennessee earn 2% below the national median of $46,110, with a state median of $45,370.
How many Rehabilitation Counselorss work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 940 Rehabilitation Counselorss according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Rehabilitation Counselors license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Rehabilitation Counselorss 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 Rehabilitation Counselors license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.