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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 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 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 6-24 months.
Median 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 | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $57,100 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $63,990 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $60,530 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $59,630 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $60,110 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $53,790 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Carolina | 54 | Low | 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. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- 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 Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6155324384
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| K-12 Teacher | $52,690 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Librarian | $59,710 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in Tennessee?
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 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. 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.