Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam 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
$59,090 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#39 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam 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 $59,090, School Counselors in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $65,140. Tennessee ranks #39 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
$59,090Hourly estimate
$28.419% below national median
Difference: -$6,050
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#39 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $59,090 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $57,100 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $63,990 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Alabama | $60,530 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Mississippi | $59,630 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $60,110 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $53,790 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| 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, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324384
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,000 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,190 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $99,280 | Specific course required | 2 months |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,480 | Specific course required | 2 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School 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 School Counselors in Tennessee?
Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for School Counselor licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in Tennessee is $59,090. Salaries range from $41,810 (10th percentile) to $83,850 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
School Counselors in Tennessee earn 9% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $59,090.
How many School Counselors work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 6,090 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School 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 School 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 School Counselor license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.