LPC Counseling Licensure Requirements in Arkansas in 2025

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Getting an LPC license in Arkansas opens doors in a growing mental health field. About 70% of Arkansas residents report needing counseling services at some point, making LPCs highly in demand. The state requires a master’s degree in counseling, supervised experience, and passing a national exam. This process ensures skilled professionals are ready to support community mental health. Pursuing licensure here not only boosts career opportunities but also allows counselors to make a real difference.

This article, created by career planning experts, breaks down the Arkansas LPC licensure steps clearly and helps readers avoid common pitfalls on their path to becoming licensed counselors.

Key Things to Know About LPC Counseling Licensure Requirements in Arkansas

You need a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited program, usually with at least 60 credit hours.
Arkansas requires you to complete 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience after graduation before you can get fully licensed.
The state mandates passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or an equivalent test to prove you have the skills to practice safely.

What degree is required to become an LPC in Arkansas?
What core coursework is required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?
How many supervised counseling hours are required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?
What exams are required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?
How do you apply for LPC licensure in Arkansas?
How long does it take to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas?
What types of LPC licenses are offered in Arkansas?
Does Arkansas have LPC reciprocity with other states?
What is the demand for LPCs in Arkansas?
How does LPC licensure affect career growth in Arkansas?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming an LPC in Arkansas

What degree is required to become an LPC in Arkansas?

To get licensed as a professional counselor in Arkansas, you have a few solid degree options that meet the state's standards. Each path sets you up well, depending on your background and career goals.

Master’s Degree in Counseling (Preferred): This is the most straightforward route, usually from a program accredited by recognized bodies and designed specifically for counseling.
Master’s Degree in a Closely Related Field: If you studied psychology, social work, or human services, that can also work as long as your coursework fits what the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling requires.
Doctoral Degree in Counseling or a Related Field: A doctorate focused on counseling or a similar area is accepted too, provided it covers the same core topics and credit hours expected in master’s programs.

What core coursework is required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?

Choosing the right coursework is key for any aspiring counselor, especially in Arkansas where the state outlines clear educational guidelines to prepare competent professionals. This ensures graduates develop both the knowledge and practical skills needed for effective counseling. Here’s a quick look at the core coursework required for LPC licensure in Arkansas:

Human Growth and Development: Understanding life span development and how it informs counseling approaches.
Social and Cultural Foundations: Emphasizing multicultural competence to work effectively with diverse clients.
Helping Relationships (Counseling Theories): Exploring major counseling theories and how to build therapeutic alliances.
Group Counseling and Dynamics: Learning how to facilitate and lead counseling groups.
Lifestyle and Career Development: Covering career counseling models and life planning techniques.
Appraisal of Individuals: Training in assessment tools and testing interpretation.
Research and Evaluation: Providing skills for evidence-based practice through research methods.
Professional Orientation: Introducing ethics, professional roles, and counseling standards.
Family and Relationship Counseling: Focusing on working with couples and families.
Abnormal Psychology/DSM: Studying mental disorders and diagnostic criteria.
Practicum: Requires 100 hours including 40 hours of supervised direct client contact.
Internship: Involves 600 hours with at least 240 hours of supervised client service.
Telemental Health or Technology-Assisted Counseling: At least one credit hour covering the use of technology in counseling.

The list above highlights the comprehensive nature of the core counseling courses required in Arkansas, designed to equip students with diverse skills across theory, practice, and ethics. These requirements reflect Arkansas’s commitment to preparing well-rounded counselors who can meet the state’s mental health needs.

For those wondering about the overall timeline, resources like licensed counselor how long provide valuable insight into the path from education to licensure. The coursework must be part of a graduate degree with at least 60 semester credits from an accredited institution, ensuring a solid academic foundation. This focus on quality training is essential for anyone serious about meeting the LPC degree requirements Arkansas has in place.

How many supervised counseling hours are required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, you need to complete 3,000 supervised counseling hours after earning your master’s degree to get your LPC license. These hours are carefully divided to make sure you’re getting the right mix of experience and supervision before practicing independently.

Direct Client Contact: At least 2,200 of your hours must be face-to-face work with individuals, couples, families, or groups. This is where you really develop your counseling skills in a clinical setting.
Indirect Client Contact: You can spend up to 800 hours doing related tasks like case management, paperwork, test administration, and client consultation. These activities don’t involve direct interaction but are essential for effective client care.
Supervision Requirements: Supervision is key and happens at different rates depending on your hours. For the first 500 direct contact hours, you get 1 hour of supervision per 10 hours worked. For the remaining 2,500 hours, it’s 1 hour per 20 hours of client contact. All supervision must be with an experienced LPC or LMFT approved by the Arkansas Board.
Practicum and Internship Hours: Before those 3,000 post-master’s hours, you also have to complete a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship during your graduate program, both with minimum direct client contact hours.
Post-Master’s Experience: The bulk of the supervised hours must be done once you hold the Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) credential after graduation, making sure you’re ready for full LPC status.

A licensed professional counselor from Arkansas who graduated from a local school she shared how the whole 3,000-hour process was a real test of patience and persistence. “It definitely took me about two and a half years to finish my supervised hours after I graduated,” she said. “Juggling clients and meeting supervision requirements was tough, especially early on when I wasn’t used to the pace.” She mentioned how important the supportive supervisors were, helping her navigate paperwork and build the confidence she needed. “The whole experience made me appreciate the structure Arkansas has because it really prepared me for the variety of cases I see now.” It was clear she valued the time it took, saying, “It wasn’t quick, but it was worth every hour to feel ready and competent as a counselor.”

How many CACREP counseling programs were there in 2023?

What exams are required for LPC licensure in Arkansas?

Exams play a big role in making sure future counselors in Arkansas really know their stuff before they start working with clients. The arkansas lpc licensure exam requirements are designed to check your knowledge, legal understanding, and counseling skills with several key tests.

National Counselor Examination (NCE): This 200-question multiple-choice exam covers counseling theory, assessment, intervention, and professional practice, ensuring you have the core skills needed. It’s the foundation exam for the national counselor examination in Arkansas and must be passed first.
Arkansas Jurisprudence Exam: Focused on Arkansas laws and ethical rules, this test makes sure you understand the state-specific legal side of counseling. It’s required after you pass the NCE to ensure you’re aware of local regulations and professional standards.
Oral Examination before ABEC: This face-to-face exam with the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling evaluates your ethical thinking and readiness to practice, using real-world scenarios. It’s the final step in demonstrating your applied knowledge and communication skills.
Optional National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE): Licensed Associate Counselors can take this board-approved clinical test focusing on mental health diagnosis and treatment, which can count towards supervised experience hours.

Before diving into these exams, it’s smart to explore options for how to become a therapist without a bachelor's in psychology if your background is different, helping you plan your path effectively.

The chart below shows the distribution of CACREP-accredited programs among public and private institutions:

How do you apply for LPC licensure in Arkansas?

Getting licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas involves a clear set of steps to make sure you’re ready for the job. From earning the right degree to passing exams and getting supervised experience, here’s a straightforward guide on how to apply.

Complete Educational Requirements: You need a master’s degree in counseling or something really close, from an accredited school. Make sure your program includes at least 60 semester hours and covers the core topics set by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling (ABEC), including one credit hour focused on technology-assisted counseling services.
Fulfill Practicum and Internship Requirements: Your degree should include a practicum and an internship, adding up to at least nine semester credits over six months. That means 100 practicum hours (40 with actual clients) and 600 internship hours (240 direct client hours).
Apply for Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) Status: After graduation, submit your application for a Licensed Associate Counselor license, which lets you start supervised work. You’ll need to provide transcripts, pay a $200 fee, and prove you’re allowed to work legally in the U.S.
Complete Supervised Work Experience: As an LAC, you must rack up 3,000 hours of supervised client contact under an approved LPC supervisor. This includes both individual and group supervision sessions to help you grow professionally.
Pass Required Examinations: Once supervised hours are done, you take the National Counselor Examination (NCE). After passing, you’ll have an oral exam with ABEC, which is public—watching one beforehand is a smart move.
Submit Final LPC Application and Documentation: When everything’s finished, send in your final LPC application with transcripts, exam results, proof of supervision, three professional references, and your plans for client records. Another $200 fee applies here, too.
Receive LPC Licensure: Once approved, you get your LPC license and can practice counseling independently in Arkansas, enjoying the protections and benefits that come with it.

How long does it take to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arkansas?

Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas typically takes about nine years, starting with undergraduate education and ending with full licensure. This timeline includes earning degrees, completing supervised experience, passing exams, and submitting your application for approval.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree: This first step usually takes around four years, often focusing on psychology or a related field to build a solid foundation for graduate studies.
Completing a Master’s in Counseling: Graduate programs usually last two to three years and include specific coursework, a practicum, and an internship with direct client contact to prepare you for clinical work.
Accruing Supervised Experience: After your master’s, you’ll work as a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) for about three years, completing 3,000 hours of supervised client contact before moving on to full licensure.
Passing Required Examinations: You need to pass the National Counselor Examination and a state oral exam to become an LAC, then potentially the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam to speed up final licensure.
Applying for Full LPC Licensure: The last step involves submitting detailed documentation, including references and a background check, with the application review process taking several weeks to a few months.

A licensed professional counselor from Arkansas who completed this entire process after graduating from a local school described his journey as “intense but rewarding,” mentioning how balancing coursework with practicum requirements tested his time management early on. Gaining those 3,000 supervised hours took more patience than expected, especially when juggling client needs and supervision sessions.

He recalled, “Sometimes it felt like the clock was racing, but each step helped me grow professionally and personally.” It took him nearly a full decade to reach licensure, including exam preparation and waiting for application approval, but he stressed the importance of staying focused and having a support network throughout the process. Reflecting on his path, he said, “It’s definitely a long haul, but worth it when you’re finally able to practice independently and make a difference in people’s lives.”

What types of LPC licenses are offered in Arkansas?

States like Arkansas offer different types of LPC licenses to guide counselors through stages of supervised practice, full licensure, and supervisory roles. This tiered approach helps counselors build experience and professionalism step-by-step in their careers, fitting well with national standards.

Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC): For new grads with a master’s degree, this license requires 3,000 supervised client hours before moving up.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC): Once LACs complete supervised hours and pass exams, they can practice independently and must renew every two years with continuing education.
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S): Experienced LPCs earn this to mentor associates, requiring extra training in supervision.

If you’re thinking about advancing your career beyond these licenses, consider options like a PhD in counseling online to deepen your expertise.

Does Arkansas have LPC reciprocity with other states?

Arkansas does not have true LPC reciprocity with other states, so if you’re a Licensed Professional Counselor moving here, you can’t just transfer your license directly. Instead, the state offers licensure by endorsement. This means you need to send in proof of your current license and show that your education and supervised hours match Arkansas’s standards, like completing a 60-hour graduate program and logging 3,000 supervised client contact hours. Passing the National Counselor Examination (NCE) is usually required, along with an oral interview before the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling.

Sometimes, applicants must take extra state-specific courses, like training in technology-assisted counseling, or add more supervision hours if their previous experience doesn’t quite fit Arkansas’s rules. Because each application is reviewed case-by-case, some counselors may even get a temporary license while finishing these requirements. So, while there’s no simple reciprocity, Arkansas provides a clear pathway to get licensed if you’re willing to meet their standards.

The chart below lists the top skills of LPCs:

What is the demand for LPCs in Arkansas?

Arkansas is seeing a positive shift in the demand for licensed professional counselors thanks to growing mental health awareness and an expanding population. As more people prioritize mental wellness, healthcare systems across the state are adapting to better serve these needs. This rising awareness, combined with ongoing healthcare challenges, is driving steady job growth for LPCs. If you’re curious about the outlook, the demand for licensed professional counselors in Arkansas looks strong and promising.

LPCs find opportunities in a variety of places including schools, hospitals, private practices, and community mental health agencies, especially around urban areas and places like Northwest Arkansas. Rural communities also need more counselors, creating a broad range of options for newly licensed professionals. In fact, in 2022 there were hundreds of job openings for LPC therapists listed at once, showing a vibrant job market. For anyone exploring their path, considering the most affordable CACREP accredited counseling online programs can be a smart move to meet these growing demands and prepare for future opportunities.

What is the average salary of professional counselors?

How does LPC licensure affect career growth in Arkansas?

Getting your LPC licensure is a game changer if you’re aiming to grow your career in counseling in Arkansas. It’s more than just a credential — it unlocks better job options, higher pay, and professional respect that can take you places you couldn’t get without it. For anyone serious about counseling as a career, especially with so much licensed professional counselor job growth in Arkansas, this certification is key.

Expanded Job Opportunities: Many counseling roles require LPC licensure, so having it lets you apply for clinical and supervisory jobs at hospitals, schools, and mental health agencies that are off-limits to non-licensed candidates.
Higher Earning Potential: Licensed counselors earn noticeably more, with average salaries around $59,467 yearly and top counselors making over $83,500, reflecting the added expertise and responsibility LPC licensure represents.
Eligibility for Private Practice: Only LPCs can open their own private practices in Arkansas, giving them freedom to set fees, manage clients, and enjoy greater professional independence and higher income.
Opportunities for Clinical Supervision and Leadership: With an LPC, you’re qualified to supervise interns and junior counselors, paving the way toward leadership or administrative roles within your organization.
Access to Specialization and Advanced Credentials: Licensure opens doors to advanced certifications and specialty areas, boosting your employability and standing out in a competitive field.
Industry Demand and Job Security: The counseling field is growing fast in Arkansas—by about 27% through 2030—so LPCs are in a prime spot to secure stable, evolving career paths.
Requirement for Continuing Education and Professional Growth: Keeping up with yearly education keeps your skills fresh and relevant, ensuring you stay competitive as a licensed counselor.

For those looking to streamline their journey, exploring a list of shortest online MFT programs can be a great step toward meeting licensure requirements efficiently.

What do LPCs in Arkansas say about their career?

Completing my counseling degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock really grounded me in both theory and practical skills tailored to our state’s diverse populations. Starting my career working in a local school allowed me to witness firsthand the resilience and potential of young minds. The job stability here and support from the community have been crucial in building my confidence as a professional. I feel honored to contribute to the well-being of children facing various challenges and to grow alongside them emotionally and academically. Luna
After graduating from Arkansas State University, I began my work as a licensed professional counselor in a community school setting. The experience has been both humbling and inspiring, as Arkansas’s unique cultural fabric demands adaptive approaches to counseling. The opportunity to engage deeply with families and local traditions has enriched my practice and personal understanding. This path has offered clear avenues for career advancement and continuing education, fueling my passion for lifelong learning and impactful service. Miles
Choosing to study counseling at Harding University was a turning point for me, but the real growth came from serving students in rural areas across Arkansas. The challenges here, such as limited resources and accessibility, strengthened my problem-solving skills and empathy. Being able to make a tangible difference in a community that values connection and authenticity has been deeply rewarding. Professionally, the support for advancement through licensure renewals and ongoing training makes Arkansas a great place to build a meaningful counseling career. Teresa

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming an LPC in Arkansas

In Arkansas, becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requires a master’s degree in counseling or a closely related field that meets specific coursework and supervised practicum criteria. While degrees in psychology or social work may provide a strong foundation, they typically do not fulfill the LPC educational requirements unless they include the required counseling-specific content. Applicants with psychology or social work degrees should verify whether their program aligns with Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling standards or consider pursuing additional coursework or a counseling degree. Ultimately, a psychology or social work degree alone usually does not qualify one to become an LPC in Arkansas without supplementary counseling education and supervised experience.

Do LPCs in Arkansas have the same scope of practice as psychologists?

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) in Arkansas do not have the same scope of practice as psychologists. While LPCs provide counseling and therapy services focusing on mental health treatment and support, psychologists have broader qualifications, including conducting psychological testing, diagnosing complex mental health disorders, and engaging in research. The differences stem from the distinct educational and training requirements: psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees with extensive training in assessment and diagnosis, whereas LPCs usually have a master's degree centered on counseling techniques. Therefore, although both professionals support mental health, their roles, responsibilities, and legal permissions within Arkansas differ significantly.

What is the difference between an LPC and an LMHC in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the titles Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) refer to distinct but related credentials governed by different state boards. LPCs are regulated by the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and focus on providing a broad range of counseling services, including mental health, career, and substance abuse counseling. LMHCs, meanwhile, are overseen by the Arkansas State Medical Board and tend to emphasize clinical mental health treatment.

Although both licenses require similar educational backgrounds and supervised experience, the LPC is generally the more common certification for counselors seeking versatility in practice settings, while LMHC licensure may suit those aiming to highlight clinical mental health specialization. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the licensure path that aligns best with their career goals within Arkansas.

Can LPCs in Arkansas diagnose and treat mental health disorders?

In Arkansas, Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) are authorized to diagnose and treat mental health disorders within the scope of their training and licensure. LPCs must meet specific education and supervised experience requirements to gain licensure through the Arkansas LPC Board, ensuring they are qualified to provide comprehensive counseling services. While LPCs can assess, diagnose, and implement treatment plans for mental health conditions, they typically do not prescribe medication, which requires a medical license. Therefore, pursuing licensure in Arkansas equips counselors to effectively support clients’ mental health needs through therapy and counseling interventions but often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals for medication management.