Arkansas School Counselor Certification
To earn your Arkansas school counselor certification, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling (or an ADE-approved preparation program), a passing score on the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (5421), a criminal background check, and a $75 application fee (subject to change). If you don’t hold a current Arkansas teaching license, you’ll typically also need to pass a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam. Licenses are valid for five years and renewable.
Arkansas Links
The certification process is relatively straightforward once you identify the correct pathway. The state uses the same Praxis exam that most other states require, but there’s an important distinction depending on whether you already hold an Arkansas teaching license. If you don’t, you’ll need to pass an additional exam. Getting that detail right before you register for tests can save you real time and money.
Arkansas counselors are licensed through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) under a K-12 School Counselor credential. It covers all grade levels, so you’re not limited by the age range you want to work with.
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Initial Arkansas School Counselor Certification
Step 1: Educational Requirements
Arkansas issues an initial standard license valid for five years. There are two pathways, and which one applies to you depends on your graduate degree.
Pathway 1: You hold a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution. This is the most direct route. If you’re still choosing a program, make sure it’s aligned with Arkansas credentialing requirements — our school counseling master’s degree guide covers what to look for.
Pathway 2: You hold a master’s degree in any field and have completed an ADE-approved school counselor preparation program through an Arkansas institution. If your degree is in a mental health field other than guidance and school counseling, you’d complete a non-degree graduate program of study approved by the ADE. A list of approved educator preparation programs is available on the Arkansas DESE website.
Both pathways lead to the same K-12 School Counseling credential.
Step 2: Submit to a Criminal Background Check
Applicants must complete two background checks: an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history check and a check through the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry. Background checks must be cleared before initial licensure is issued. You’ll complete a background consent form and then schedule fingerprinting at a Live Scan location near you.
Step 3: Examination Requirements
All applicants must pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (ETS test code 5421) with a minimum qualifying score of 156 (subject to change — confirm current requirements with ADE or ETS before registering). The exam covers the foundations of school counseling, service delivery, management, and accountability.
If you do not hold a current Arkansas teaching license, you’ll typically need to pass one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exams as well: K–6 (5622, score of 160), grades 5–9 (5623, score of 160), or grades 7–12 (5624, score of 157). These score thresholds are also subject to change — verify with ADE before registering.
Most accredited school counseling programs will prepare you for the Praxis 5421 as part of your coursework. Many programs also often include practicum hours (commonly 100+ hours, depending on the program) before you complete your internship.
Step 4: Know the Fees
Application fee: $75 (subject to change)
The fee can be paid online or by check/money order made payable to the Arkansas Department of Education.
Step 5: Organize Your Application Materials
Your complete application includes:
- Completed profile and application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits
- Proof of passing score for the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (5421) — and PLT exam scores if applicable
- $75 application fee (subject to change)
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Most materials are submitted through AELS; background checks are completed through separate state-approved systems. If you need a paper application, email the Office of Educator Licensure at [email protected]. For questions, reach the department at 501-682-4342 during normal business hours CST. Contact details are subject to change — see the ADE website for the latest information.
Arkansas School Counselor Certification Renewal
Standard licenses are renewable every five years. Renewals can be processed starting January 1 of the expiration year.
Arkansas requires a total of 180 continuing education hours over the five-year license period (averaging 36 hours per year), signed off by a designated school official. Background checks must also be cleared again prior to renewal approval.
Required for renewal:
- Completed profile and application through AELS (paper applications are no longer accepted for renewal)
- Newly cleared background checks
- Proof of professional development completion, signed by a designated official
- $75 renewal application fee (subject to change)
For renewal questions, email [email protected] or call 501-682-4342. Contact details are subject to change — see the ADE website for the latest.
Arkansas School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you’re licensed in another state, Arkansas may issue your credential through reciprocity. A licensure specialist will review your education and credentials and contact you if any deficiencies need to be addressed. Approval is not automatic and may require additional coursework or exams, depending on the credential review.
Required materials for reciprocity applicants:
- Completed profile and application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits
- Copy of your current, valid out-of-state credential
- Proof of passing score for the Praxis 5421, or the equivalent exam from your licensing state. If you haven’t passed an equivalent exam, you’ll be required to complete the Praxis 5421 — details at ETS
- FBI criminal background check and Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry background check
- $75 application fee (subject to change)
For reciprocity questions, contact the Recruitment and Retention Program at 501-682-6349 or 501-682-3606 during normal business hours CST. Contact details are subject to change — see the ADE website for the latest.
Arkansas School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education, professional development, and career support:
- Arkansas School Counselor Association
- Arkansas Department of Education School Counseling Resources
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What score do I need on the Praxis to get certified in Arkansas?
You need a minimum score of 156 on the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (ETS test code 5421), though cut scores are subject to change — confirm the current requirement with ADE or ETS before registering. If you don’t hold a current Arkansas teaching license, you’ll typically also need to pass a Principles of Learning and Teaching exam. Score requirements for those exams are 160 for the K–6 and grades 5–9 versions, and 157 for grades 7–12.
Do I need a teaching license to become a school counselor in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas removed the teaching experience requirement, so you can pursue school counselor certification without a teaching background. The difference is that applicants who don’t hold a current Arkansas teaching license will typically need to pass a Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam in addition to the Praxis 5421. Applicants with an active Arkansas teaching license only need the Praxis.
How long does the Arkansas school counselor certification process take?
That depends mostly on how long your graduate program takes — there’s no separate waiting period after you graduate. Once you’ve finished your degree, completed your background checks, and passed your exams, most applicants are ready to submit within a few weeks. Processing time through DESE can vary. Check the Arkansas Educator Licensure System for current timelines, or contact ADE directly.
How do I renew my Arkansas school counselor certification?
Arkansas school counselor licenses renew every five years. You’ll need to complete 180 continuing education hours total over the license period, pass new background checks, and file your renewal application through AELS starting January 1 of your expiration year. Paper renewals are no longer accepted. The renewal fee is $75 (subject to change).
Can I transfer my school counselor license from another state to Arkansas?
Arkansas offers reciprocity for out-of-state applicants, but approval isn’t automatic. A licensure specialist will review your credentials and flag any deficiencies. If your licensing state requires an exam equivalent to the Praxis 5421, that score may be accepted. If not, you’ll need to pass the Praxis 5421 before your application can be approved.
- Two pathways to certification — A master’s in school counseling is the most direct route. A degree in another field can still qualify you if paired with an ADE-approved preparation program.
- Non-teachers typically need an extra exam — Without a current Arkansas teaching license, you’ll generally need to pass both the Praxis 5421 (score of 156+, subject to change) and a Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
- Background checks are required upfront and before renewal — Both an FBI fingerprint check and an Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry check must be cleared before initial licensure is issued, and again prior to renewal approval.
- Licenses require 180 CE hours to renew — That’s a total of 180 hours over the five-year license period, averaging 36 per year, signed off by a designated school official.
- Reciprocity is available but not automatic — Out-of-state licensees can apply through AELS, though additional exams or coursework may be required depending on your credential review.
If you’re still figuring out your path to certification — which program to choose, what your timeline looks like, or how the process works from start to finish — the Arkansas Become a School Counselor page walks through the full picture.
