LicenseCompass

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) License in Arkansas

Quick Answer

Arkansas returned an LPC credential instead of a substance abuse-specific license. Substance abuse counselors in Arkansas may practice under the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, which requires a graduate degree, 3,000 supervised hours, and costs approximately $350 initially.

Exam
Board-prescribed examinations
Total Cost
$350 (est.)
Timeline
4-6 years (master's degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every Every 2 years

Requirements

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Arkansas

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Both state and third-party exams required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
Expedited processing is available for military and spouses

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
$250
Total Estimated Cost
$350

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Health~Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Arkansas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Total Estimated Cost$100

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Arkansas licensing board.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Salary in Arkansas

Entry Level

$31,600

Median

$49,990

Experienced

$102,400

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Arkansas.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Both state and third-party exams required — Board-prescribed examinations

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience).

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensing in Arkansas: What to Know

MISMATCH: COS returned 'Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)' rather than a substance abuse-specific credential. The LPC is a general counseling license that can include substance abuse work. Requires graduate degree meeting CACREP standards, 3,000 hours supervised experience, board exams, and criminal background check. Application fee $100, license fee $250, renewal $250 every 2 years. Arkansas may not have a separate substance abuse counselor credential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost is $350, including application fees, and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Arkansas?
The process typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + 3,000 hours supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Arkansas?
You need to pass the Board-prescribed examinations. Both state and third-party exams required

Considering another state?

Compare Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) requirements across states.

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.