As in many other states, licensed counselors in Oregon are known as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and counselors still in the supervision portion of the licensure process are known as Registered Interns.

The state’s premier professional organization for LPCs is the Oregon Counseling Association, which was founded in 1947 as the Oregon Personnel and Guidance Association to serve and support professional counselors in their work. Licensure for LPCs in Oregon is managed by the state Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, whose mission is to “assist the public by identifying and regulating the practice of qualified mental health counselors.”

Licensure requirements for counselors in Oregon, including education, supervision, examination, fees, renewal and “licensure by reciprocity,” are examined in further detail below, along with salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as scholarships and loan repayment programs available to aspiring LPCs in the state.

Licensure as a professional counselor in Oregon requires the completion of a graduate degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited counseling program, a CORE-accredited counseling program, a program at a regionally accredited institution that meets Oregon requirements, or a foreign program evaluated by a Board-recognized credentialing body.

Appropriate degree programs will be at least 60 semester credit hours in length, including at least two semester credit hours of coursework in:

In addition to the coursework listed above, LPC licensure in Oregon also requires the completion of a clinical/applied experience, sometimes referred to as an internship. This practicum or internship must include at least 280 clock hours of direct client contact.  This is a distinct requirement from post-graduate supervision, which is also necessary for LPC licensure in Oregon.

“Supervision” is shorthand for directed, post-graduate experience in professional counseling under supervision in a work setting. Oregon requires aspiring LPCs to complete at least three years (36 months) of supervised clinical counseling experience, including at least 1,900 hours of supervised direct client contact. 

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LPC licensure in Oregon requires a passing score on either the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification, the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Exam. Additionally, aspiring LPCs must also pass the Oregon Laws and Rules Exam.

National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE)

The NCE is a 200-question, multiple-choice examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors. It assesses knowledge, skills and abilities in effective counseling services.

National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE)

The NCMHCE tests knowledge of assessment, diagnosis, counseling, psychotherapy, administration, consultation, and supervision. It consists of 11 case studies and assesses clinical problem-solving ability by testing identification, analysis and treatment. It is also administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors.

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Exam

The CRC Exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions across 10 subjects underlying rehabilitation counseling. One portion of the exam tests knowledge regarding counseling, while the other pertains to rehabilitation and disability issues. It is administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

Oregon Laws and Rules Exam

In addition to passing an approved national competency exam, applicants for LPC licensure in Oregon must also pass the Oregon Law and Rules Examination. The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists administers this exam online after an application has been approved. Approved applicants receive an email from the Board’s automated system with instructions and a link to access the exam. The Board requires all applicants to pass both a competency examination and a Board-approved Oregon law and rules exam before a license can be issued.

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LPCs in Oregon can expect to pay the following fees for their application, license and renewal:

LPC Application: $175

LPC License: $125

LPC License Renewal: Active status license $290 (biennial) or Inactive status license $180. Oregon changed license renewals from annual to biennial beginning January 1, 2024 

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LPC licenses in Oregon renew biennially and are due by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Oregon changed license renewals from annual to biennial effective January 1, 2024.

Oregon LPCs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year “reporting period”. That amount is prorated to 20 hours for licenses issued between 12 and 23 months before the reporting date, and is completely waived for licenses issued less than 12 months before the reporting date.

At least 6 hours of CE must cover professional ethics and/or Oregon laws and regulations, and Oregon also requires at least 4 hours of cultural competency and 2 hours of suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management during each reporting period. Licensees on the Supervisor Registry must also complete 3 hours of supervision-related training. CE hours may be obtained through attendance of college or university courses, seminars, workshops, conferences, training and home study. Up to 20 CE hours per period may be earned through publication, professional presentations and leadership.

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For Counselors Licensed in Other States

The Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists has an alternative route to licensure for counselors who have already obtained their licenses in other states. This process is called “licensure by reciprocity”. Generally, applicants from another state must submit proof that their license is active and that their preparation for licensure meets the requirements set forth by the state of Oregon.

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The following types of counselors in Oregon can expect to earn the respective average hourly and average annual wages, according to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

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The following scholarships and loan repayment programs may be relevant to aspiring LPCs, LPCs, and Oregon Registered Associates. Some programs are awarded to schools rather than directly to students, and some loan repayment programs require applicants to hold a full, independent license. 

Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program

Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program

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*Licensure information, including requirements, salaries, renewals, scholarships, and fees, was retrieved as of March 2026. Information may have changed since; check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.

Last Updated: March 2026