Application Fee
See agencyVerified by ND Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in North Dakota
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in North Dakota, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in North Dakota
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
ND Board of Medicine
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,330 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 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 Dakota
With a median salary of 60,330, School Counselors in North Dakota earn 7% below the national median of $65,140. North Dakota ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$60,330Hourly estimate
$29.007% below national median
Difference: -$4,810
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#34 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 Dakota | $60,330 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $63,230 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $52,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Montana | $59,480 | 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 Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Montana | 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
ND Board of Medicine
4204 Boulder Ridge Rd Ste 260, Bismarck, ND, 58503-6162
Phone: 7014504060
Related Careers in North Dakota
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $57,820 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $61,540 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $77,640 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $91,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in North Dakota?
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 Dakota?
North Dakota lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in North Dakota?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in North Dakota.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in North Dakota?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in North Dakota is 60,330. Salaries range from $46,400 (10th percentile) to $84,380 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in North Dakota compare to the national average?
School Counselors in North Dakota earn 7% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of 60,330.
How many School Counselors work in North Dakota?
North Dakota employs approximately 770 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to North Dakota 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 Dakota?
The licensing agency is ND Board of Medicine. Review agency details at http://www.ndbom.org/.