Licensed Professional Counselor License in Mississippi
Quick Answer
Mississippi returned an LPC credential. Substance abuse counseling in Mississippi may fall under the LPC credential, requiring a master's degree (60 hours) and the NCE or NCMHCE exam. Contact the MS State Board for addiction-specific credentials.
- Exam
- NCE or NCMHCE
- Timeline
- 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience)
- Background Check
- Required
Requirements
Licensed Professional Counselor license in Mississippi
Licensed Professional Counselor Salary in Mississippi
Entry Level
$32,590
Median
$46,810
Experienced
$78,480
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 in Mississippi.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NCE or NCMHCE
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience).
Licensed Professional Counselor Licensing in Mississippi: What to Know
MISMATCH: COS returned 'Licensed Professional Counselor' (LPC) -- a general counseling credential. The LPC requires a master's in counseling (60 semester hours), supervised experience, and NCE or NCMHCE. Mississippi may not have a separate substance abuse counselor credential; addiction counseling may fall under LPC scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Licensed Professional Counselor license in Mississippi?
- The process typically takes 4-6 years (master's degree + supervised experience), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Licensed Professional Counselor license in Mississippi?
- You need to pass the NCE or NCMHCE. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Licensed Professional Counselor requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.