Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WV Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in West Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
COUNSELING
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,420 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#46 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet West Virginia eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to COUNSELING and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in West Virginia
With a median salary of $55,420, School Counselors in West Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $65,140. West Virginia ranks #46 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,167Median annual salary
$55,420Hourly estimate
$26.6415% below national median
Difference: -$9,720
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#46 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $55,420 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $61,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $74,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $67,350 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $64,390 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $61,960 | Degree required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Ohio | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
COUNSELING
See official licensing board website
Phone: 8005203852
Related Careers in West Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,810 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $77,020 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,670 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in West Virginia.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in West Virginia?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in West Virginia is $55,420. Salaries range from $36,840 (10th percentile) to $73,670 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
School Counselors in West Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $55,420.
How many School Counselors work in West Virginia?
West Virginia employs approximately 1,390 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
The licensing agency is COUNSELING. Review agency details at http://www.wvbec.org/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in West Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.