How to Become an Arkansas School Counselor
Becoming a school counselor in Arkansas requires a master’s degree in school counseling, a supervised practicum and internship, and a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam. Arkansas offers two licensure pathways, depending on whether you hold a teaching certificate. Most people complete the process in about 2 to 3 years after earning their bachelor’s degree.
Arkansas Links
If you’ve decided school counseling is the right path, Arkansas has a clear licensure process — but the steps differ depending on where you’re starting from. Teachers already hold one of the key requirements. Non-teachers follow a slightly longer route that includes a supervised internship in place of classroom experience.
Either way, the end goal is the same: a Standard School Counselor K-12 License issued by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
I’m a High School Graduate…
If you’re still in the early stages, you don’t need to have everything figured out yet. High school graduates entering college should focus on earning a bachelor’s degree — ideally in psychology, education, sociology, or a related field. School counseling programs at the master’s level accept applicants from a range of undergraduate backgrounds, so your undergrad major isn’t locked in.
What you can do now is get some exposure to the field. Many school districts welcome volunteers, and organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Arkansas offer hands-on work with young people that helps clarify whether this career is a good fit before you commit to graduate school.
Don’t stress about mapping out every step right now. Focus on your bachelor’s degree and build some experience working with kids or in educational settings. The master’s program is where the real professional training happens.
I have already earned a college degree…
This is the main path to Arkansas school counselor licensure. Here’s what you’ll need to complete.
Step One: Earn a master’s degree in school counseling
Arkansas requires a master’s degree in school counseling from a program approved by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Some applicants with a master’s degree in a related field may also qualify by completing a DESE-approved school counseling preparation program at an Arkansas institution.
Most master’s programs in school counseling require 48 to 60 credit hours and typically take about 2 to 3 years to complete. If you don’t already hold a teaching license, look for a program with the Initial License Track, which is specifically designed for non-teachers.
Step Two: Complete your practicum
During your program, you’ll complete a supervised practicum of at least 100 clock hours over a minimum 10-week academic term. This hands-on component covers individual and group counseling skills in a school setting. It happens before your internship.
Step Three: Complete your internship
After your practicum, you’ll complete a supervised school counseling internship of at least 600 clock hours in a P-12 school setting, with a minimum of 240 direct-service hours. This is where you take on the full scope of a school counselor’s responsibilities under supervision.
The internship is substantial — often completed over one academic year, though program schedules vary. Talk to your program advisor early about how your internship will be structured.
Step Four: Pass the Praxis School Counselor exam
To earn your Arkansas license, you’ll need to pass the Praxis School Counselor exam (ETS 5422). Confirm the current qualifying score with the Arkansas DESE before you register, as score requirements are subject to change.
Non-teachers must also pass one of the Principles of Learning and Teaching tests (K-6, 5-9, or 7-12). Teachers with an active Arkansas teaching license are exempt from this additional exam. Register for the Praxis through the ETS website.
Step Five: Complete your background check
Arkansas requires an FBI noncriminal fingerprint-based criminal history check and a background check with the Arkansas Child Maltreatment Central Registry. You’ll complete a background consent form and then visit a Live Scan location to complete fingerprinting.
Step Six: Submit your transcripts
Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended and have them sent directly to the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Step Seven: Apply for licensure
Submit your complete application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System (AELS) online portal. The application includes your completed profile, official transcripts, proof of passing Praxis scores, and documentation of your background check. The application fee is $75 — confirm the current fee with DESE when you apply.
Arkansas issues a Standard School Counselor K-12 License valid for five years.
I’m a teacher in Arkansas and wish to become a school counselor…
If you already hold a valid Arkansas teaching license, you’re ahead of the curve. You’re exempt from the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam, and your teaching experience satisfies the experiential component that non-teachers fulfill through a supervised internship.
What you still need:
- A master’s degree in school counseling from a DESE-approved program (or a related master’s plus a DESE-approved preparation program)
- A passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam (ETS 5422)
- A current background check
Many Arkansas universities offer an Add-On License Track specifically for certified teachers — often around 45 credit hours, though requirements vary by program. These tracks are designed to fit around a teaching schedule.
Contact the Arkansas DESE’s Office of Educator Licensure at (501) 682-4342 or email [email protected] with specific questions about your situation.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Arkansas participates in reciprocity for licensed educators and school counselors from other states. The DESE reviews out-of-state credentials and transcripts on a case-by-case basis, and additional testing or coursework may be required depending on how your preparation aligns with Arkansas requirements.
To pursue licensure through reciprocity, you’ll need to submit an application through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System along with supporting documentation. Learn more about licensure through reciprocity here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need teaching experience to become a school counselor in Arkansas?
No. Arkansas no longer requires prior teaching experience for school counselor licensure. Non-teachers complete the Initial License Track, which includes a 600-hour supervised internship in a P-12 setting. Teachers who already hold a valid Arkansas teaching license can follow the Add-On License Track and are exempt from the Principles of Learning and Teaching Praxis test.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Arkansas?
For most people, the process typically takes about two to three years after their bachelor’s degree. A master’s program generally runs two to three years full-time, and the practicum and internship requirements are built into most program timelines rather than added on top.
Can I complete my master’s program online?
Yes. Several Arkansas universities offer fully online or hybrid master’s programs in school counseling that meet DESE licensure requirements, including Arkansas State University and Southern Arkansas University. Make sure any program you choose is DESE-approved before enrolling, as requirements can vary by institution.
What happens after I get licensed?
Arkansas issues a Standard School Counselor K-12 License valid for five years. To renew, you’ll typically need to complete 36 clock hours of professional development annually — 180 hours total over the five-year period — subject to DESE requirements at the time of renewal. Renewal applications are submitted through the Arkansas Educator Licensure System, and a new background check is required. For full details on renewal requirements, visit the Arkansas school counselor certification page.
What if I earned my master’s degree in a field other than school counseling?
You may still be eligible if you complete a DESE-approved school counseling preparation program through an Arkansas institution. These post-master’s programs are designed for people who hold a master’s in a related counseling or education field but didn’t complete a school counseling-specific degree. Some programs can be completed in about a year.
- Two pathways — Arkansas offers separate licensure tracks for teachers (Add-On License, often around 45 credit hours) and non-teachers (Initial License, typically 48 credit hours). Choose the right one before you enroll.
- Teaching experience not required — The internship requirement replaced the old teaching experience mandate. Non-teachers complete 600 supervised hours in a P-12 setting.
- Fieldwork is substantial — Plan for 100 hours of practicum followed by 600 hours of internship. Most programs build this into the degree timeline.
- The Praxis is required — You’ll need to pass the Praxis School Counselor exam (ETS 5422). Confirm the current qualifying score with Arkansas DESE before you register.
- Five-year license with renewal — Arkansas licenses are valid for five years and typically require 36 hours of annual professional development to renew, subject to DESE requirements.
Ready to find a master’s program that meets Arkansas DESE requirements? Choosing a DESE-approved program aligned with the pathway that fits your background is the most important early decision you’ll make.
