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School Counselor Licensing in Colorado

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Colorado

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,900 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #23 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 Colorado

With a median salary of 63,900, School Counselors in Colorado earn 2% below the national median of $65,140. Colorado ranks #23 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$63,900

Hourly estimate

$30.72
2% below national median

Difference: -$1,240

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$48,440
  • P2525th percentile$55,430
  • P50Median$63,900
  • P7575th percentile$77,350
  • P9090th percentile$96,610

State vs National Median

State: $63,900
National: $65,140

Total employment: 6,220 | Annual openings: N/A

School Counselor Salary Ranking

#23 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California94,320
#2Washington83,930
#3Alaska80,020
#4Massachusetts78,840
#5New Jersey77,940

Nearby States Comparison

School Counselor licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$63,900Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Wyoming$65,070Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$66,650Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Kansas$58,430Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Oklahoma$51,140Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$76,490Degree requiredNo exam required6-24 months
Arizona$57,940Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Utah$62,500Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-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

Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202

Phone: 3038947800

Related Careers in Colorado

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
K-12 Teacher$61,550Degree required6-24 months
Librarian$64,980Specific course required6-24 months
Architect$95,620Degree required6-24 months
Audiologist$94,670Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Colorado?

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 School Counselors in Colorado?

Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.

What education do you need to become a School Counselor in Colorado?

The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical School Counselor salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for School Counselors in Colorado is 63,900. Salaries range from $48,440 (10th percentile) to $96,610 (90th percentile).

How does the School Counselor salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

School Counselors in Colorado earn 2% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 63,900.

How many School Counselors work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 6,220 School Counselors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my School Counselor license to Colorado 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 School Counselors in Colorado?

The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Licensed Professional Counselors.