Professional Counselor License in Georgia
Quick Answer
To become a licensed counselor in GA, you need a master's degree in counseling, pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Most states also require supervised clinical experience.
- Exam
- NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- Timeline
- 2-4 years (including supervised experience)
- Background Check
- Required
Requirements
Professional Counselor license in Georgia
Professional Counselor Salary in Georgia
Entry Level
$39,020
Median
$55,320
Experienced
$93,200
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NCE (National Counselor Examination)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience).
Professional Counselor Licensing in Georgia: What to Know
Counselors must be certified in Georgia. 1. Master's degree from an accredited program and four years of approved experience or 2. Specialist degree in counseling and two years of approved experience or 3. Doctorate degree and one year of approved experience 4. Pass a written exam Licensed as 'Professional Counselor' in GA. Education: Degree required. Exam: State exam required. Background: Background check required.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Professional Counselor license in Georgia?
- The process typically takes 2-4 years (including supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Professional Counselor license in Georgia?
- You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Professional Counselor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.