Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Tied to business
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,100 median (12% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#43 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of 57,100, School Counselors in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $65,140. North Carolina ranks #43 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$57,100Hourly estimate
$27.4512% below national median
Difference: -$8,040
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#43 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | 83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | 80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | 77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $57,100 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $63,990 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $57,400 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners
7001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699
Phone: 9198140640
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $49,400 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $59,860 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $79,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in North Carolina?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for School Counselor licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in North Carolina is 57,100. Salaries range from $38,580 (10th percentile) to $74,840 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
School Counselors in North Carolina earn 12% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 57,100.
How many School Counselors work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 9,630 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Barber and Electrolysis Examiners. Review agency details at https://barbers.nc.gov/.