Counseling License from Tennessee to Arkansas: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Yes, for working in Arkansas — both Tennessee and Arkansas are active members of the Counseling Compact. If Tennessee is your primary state of residence and your Tennessee license is active and unencumbered, you can buy a compact privilege to practice in Arkansas without a second license. A privilege is not a license transfer: if you are moving your residence to Arkansas, you will need a Arkansas license once Arkansas becomes your home state.

National exam is not retaken: counselor applicants need a passing NCE or NCMHCE, and the Board may waive the NCE/NCMHCE when it finds another exam equivalent or the applicant meets the licensure-by-endorsement rule (17 CAR 75-901(b)(4)). The Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling Jurisprudence Exam, administered through NBCC, IS required of all applicants except uniformed-service applicants under 17 CAR 75-904.

To work in Arkansas while living in Tennessee: a $30 commission fee plus Arkansas's state privilege fee, paid in CompactConnect. To relocate and take an Arkansas license: $100 (initial LPC application fee per 17 CAR 75-1301(a)(1) (2026 Rule Revision). The Board may waive it for applicants on public assistance, recently approved for unemployment, or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Separate fees: $250 LPC license fee (75-1302, first fee prorated), jurisprudence exam fee paid to NBCC, and background-check fees. NOT the Counseling Compact privilege fee (Arkansas charges $50 + $30 commission admin fee = $80 for a privilege, and requires the jurisprudence exam).)

A privilege can issue once CompactConnect confirms your eligibility and any Arkansas jurisprudence requirement is done, usually well ahead of a license. A Arkansas license for a relocation: the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications.

Yes, on an Arkansas privilege. It covers telehealth and in-person counseling with clients located in Arkansas, as long as your Tennessee license stays active and unencumbered and Tennessee remains your primary residence.

No. A privilege is for practice away from your home state, not for moving. Once you relocate, Arkansas is your home state and you need an Arkansas license. Because both states are compact members, Arkansas verifies you through the compact's data system, and you complete its background checks and any jurisprudence requirement.