Professional Counselor License in Ohio
Quick Answer
To become a licensed counselor in OH, 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 Ohio
Professional Counselor Salary in Ohio
Entry Level
$39,210
Median
$56,990
Experienced
$83,200
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 Ohio.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Background check required
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party 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 Ohio: What to Know
Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. Licensed as 'Professional Counselor' in OH. Education: Degree required. Exam: Third-party exam required. Background: Background check required.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Professional Counselor license in Ohio?
- 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 Ohio?
- You need to pass the NCE (National Counselor Examination). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Professional Counselor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.