Can you be a guidance counselor with a bachelors degree

Most public school systems require advanced-degree courses that include the following topics:

• Human growth and development
• Theories
• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Social and cultural foundations
• Testing/appraisal
• Research and program evaluation
• Professional orientation
• Career development
• Supervised practicum
• Supervised internship

ALABAMA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on all courses in the Alabama State Board of Education approved school counseling program.
Required Coursework: A practicum of at least 100 clock hours in a school-based setting, including a minimum of 40 clock hours of supervised, direct service work in individual and group counseling with early childhood/elementary and secondary school students.
Experience Requirement: (1) A supervised elementary and secondary school-based internship (P-12) of at least 600 clock hours, begun subsequent to the completion of the practicum, including a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service work with early childhood/elementary and secondary school students. (2) Effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, two full years of full-time, acceptable professional educational work experience. Effective July 1, 2019, two full years of full-time, acceptable P-12 professional educational work experience.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Examination: For initial certification in school counseling through the completion of a Class A Program the candidate must meet the Praxis requirement(s) of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP).
Certification: P–12
Reciprocity: Through the certificate reciprocity approach to certification, Alabama recognizes valid professional educator certificates issued by other states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories or the Department of Defense Education Activity as the basis to offer professional certification in Alabama. The certificate(s) presented must be at a degree level, in a teaching field or instructional support area and at a grade level in which Alabama offers comparable certification.
Background Check: Background clearance based on a fingerprint review. Applicants for initial certification, additional certification, and certificate renewal who have not been cleared by both the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and FBI through the Educator Certification Section are required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check through the ASBI and FBI.
Alabama Department of Education/school counseling

ALASKA (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree or higher and (Option 1) Completion of a teacher education program, or an alternate teacher preparation program accepted by the board or the commissioner with an endorsement in school counseling or (Option 2) Completion of a counseling program at a regionally accredited institution.
Required Coursework: Completion of three semester hours in Alaska studies, three semester hours in multicultural education or cross-cultural communication and six semester hours or nine quarter hours of credit earned within the last five years.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, recommendation of the preparing institution
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes, with all states, but requirements must be met
Background Check: Yes
Alaska Department of Education

ARIZONA (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree or more advanced degree from an accredited institution and completion of a graduate program in guidance and counseling; OR master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field (counseling, social work, psychology); OR a valid license as an associate counselor, or master or clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist issued by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners; OR master’s degree from an accredited institution in academic advising. Some of these options have deficiencies that must be completed within three years to renew certification. (See Requirements for the Standard School Counselor, PreK-12 Certificate for more information.)
Experience Requirements: (1) Two years of verified, full-time experience as a school counselor or (2) three years of verified teaching experience or (3) completion of a supervised counseling practicum in school counseling from an accredited institution.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required? Official transcripts required
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes, A valid school counselor certificate from another state may substitute for all education and experience requirements.
Background Check: Valid Class 1 or Class 2 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by Arizona Department of Public Education.

Arizona School Counselors
Arizona Professional Skills
Requirements for the Standard School Counselor, PreK-12 Certificate
Educator Certification Home Page for Arizona Department of Education

ARKANSAS (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling and guidance from an approved institution, or individuals holding a master’s degree in a mental health area of licensure other than guidance and school counseling shall complete an ADE-approved graduate, non-degree program of study in guidance and school counseling.
Required Coursework: This is dependent on the university attended. See required competencies.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Guidance/ Counseling (K–12) (Initial License) Praxis Requirements Professional School Counselor 5421 (156 Qualifying score) and Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6 5622 (160 Qualifying score) or Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5–9 5623 (160 Qualifying score) or Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12 5624 (157 Qualifying score) Guidance/Counseling (K–12) Endorsement (added to a current license) Praxis Requirements for individuals who have previously taken the other Praxis exam and who also have teaching experience Professional School Counselor 5421 (156 Qualifying score)
Institution Recommendation Required?: Official transcripts required.
Certification: Guidance and school counseling K-12
Reciprocity: Yes, review of records determines deficiencies if any.
Background Check: Yes

Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, School Counseling

CALIFORNIA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Requirements for the Clear Credential – Specialization in School Counseling (California Prepared)
Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements:
1. A bachelor's degree or higher, except in professional education, from a regionally accredited college or university
2. Complete post-bachelor's degree study consisting of a minimum of 48 semester units in a commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school counseling, including a practicum with school-aged children
3. Obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a commission-approved pupil personnel services program specializing in school counseling. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.
4. Complete the basic skills requirement. See Commission leaflet CL-667,ntitled Basic Skills Requirement for additional information.
5. Complete the Live Scan fingerprint process (form 41-LS)
6. Pay the application processing fee (see Fee Information leaflet CL-659) once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university. Individuals will be notified via e-mail that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database. CL-606C 12/15 Page 2 of 4
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification: Individuals holding certification issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Early Childhood to Young Adulthood – School Counseling may apply directly to the commission for the clear credential. Those applying under this route are exempt from the basic skills requirement and all other credential requirements. Individuals may apply by submitting the following items by mail:
1. Photocopy of National Board Certification
2. Completed application (form 41-4), and, if not previously submitted to the commission, a completed Live Scan receipt (form 41-LS). Out-of-state residents must submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258) in lieu of a Live Scan receipt. If submitting fingerprint cards, current fingerprint processing fees must accompany the application packet.
3. Appropriate application processing fee

Out-of-State Prepared requirements
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)
California Department of Education

COLORADO (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Master's degree or higher degree in school counseling as defined by accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling or Related Educational Programs effective 9/1/2018: Pathway 2 (interim authorization/school counselor) : Master's or higher degree in a clinical counseling domain (e.g., mental health, etc.). Must hold a valid counseling license (LPC) issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Must have three or more years' experience as a licensed clinical counselor. When issued, this interim authorization will be valid for one calendar year and may not be renewed. During that time, the authorized school counselor must complete an approved induction program for SSPs/school counselors and pass the PRAXIS 5421 exam. Upon expiration of the interim license and fulfillment of the exam and induction requirements, the authorization-holder may apply for a professional SSP license with a school counselor endorsement.
Experience Requirements: Minimum of 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, with multiple grade levels of students under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
Examination: Praxis 5421
Certification: 0–21
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes, each applicant for a Colorado educator license, authorization or endorsement, including the renewal of a license or authorization, is required to submit to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation a complete set of his or her fingerprints, taken by a qualified law enforcement agency, and a fingerprint card processing fee.
Colorado Department of Education/school counseling

CONNECTICUT (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree and has completed, as part of or in addition to the master’s degree, a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit in a planned program in school counseling services as attested to by an institution approved for the preparation of school counselors.
Required Coursework: (1) 30 semester hours of graduate credit in a planned program in school counseling services including coursework in each of the following areas: principles and philosophy of developmental guidance and counseling, psychological and sociological theory as related to children, career development theory and practice, Individual and group counseling procedures, pupil appraisal and evaluation techniques and school-based consultation theory and practice; (2) Evidence of practicum and laboratory experiences in school counseling; (3) completion of study in special education comprised of not fewer than 36 clock hours including gifted and talented children and special-needs children in the regular classroom.
Experience Requirements: Holds a professional educator certificate or holds or is eligible for an initial educator certificate and (1) has completed 30 school months of successful teaching experience or (2) A 10-month, full-time (700 hour min.) supervised school counseling internship.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification 068
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Connecticut participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate Agreement. Under this agreement, to waive specific coursework requirements, Connecticut may accept completion of a state-approved educator preparation program at a regionally accredited college or university from another U.S. state, or a minimum of 30 months of successful full-time experience under the other state’s valid educator certificate (at least equivalent to a Connecticut initial educator certificate), appropriate to the subject area being requested. To be considered, the experience must be completed within 10 years of the date of application for Connecticut certification. The interstate agreement does not exempt candidates from degree, testing and/or experiential requirements applicable to the requested certification endorsement. Candidates who do not qualify for Connecticut certification under the terms of the interstate agreement must meet all of Connecticut’s requirements for the endorsement requested, including coursework.
Background Check: Yes, at point of hire
Connecticut Department of Education

DELAWARE (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college in an approved program in elementary or secondary school counseling.
Required Coursework: A minimum of 39 credits of graduate course work in the areas of: introduction to school counseling and theories (three credits), human behavior and Child development (three credits), ethical issues in school counseling (three credits), college and career readiness K-12 (three credits), testing, measurements and research in school Counseling (three credits), the counselor as consultant (three credits), special education law and the school counselor’s role (three credits), group counseling (three credits), individual counseling skills and strategies (six credits), family counseling (three credits), principles and practices of a school counseling program (six credits).
Experience Requirements: (1) Clinical experience of 700 hours in an elementary or secondary setting or clinical experience of 350 hours at each level for dual certification.
Examination: Praxis I: Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators – Reading (156), Writing (162) and Mathematics (150) within the first two years of employment unless granted an exception. Praxis II School Counseling: Praxis II #5421 Professional School Counselor (156) (Required beginning 1/1/17)
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification.
Certification: (1) Elementary: grades 1-6, valid in middle level schools grades 5-8 or (2) Secondary: grades 9-12 and valid in middle level school grades 5-8.
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Elementary School Counselor Requirements
Secondary School Counselor Requirements 

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
Educational Requirements: A master's degree in school counseling from an accredited institution;
Required Coursework: (1) Philosophy and principles underlying guidance and other pupil personnel services; (2) The theory and practice of counseling, including work with exceptional and culturally diverse students; (3) Educational and psychological measurement; (4) Career development theory including career planning and decision-making techniques and the use of occupational and educational information; (5) Understanding the individual (i.e., the nature and range of human characteristics);
(6) Group counseling and group guidance processes; (7) Research and evaluation.
Experience Requirements: (1) Completion of two years of recognized full-time teaching experience. One year could be satisfied by full-time experience in a non-school setting and (2) No less than three hundred (300) clock hours of graduate level university supervised field experience in counseling in a PreK-12 school setting. One hundred (100) of these required hours may be granted prior to classroom teaching experiences. This field experience requirement may be met by completion of a degree in school counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP) or a National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) certificate;
Examination: Successful completion of all portions of the Praxis I – PreProfessional Skills Test and all applicable portions of the Praxis II
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: pre K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes. Chest x-ray or tuberculin-skin test also required.
D.C. Public Schools - School Counselor Requirements

FLORIDA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) A master's or higher degree with a graduate major in guidance and counseling or counselor education that includes three semester hours in a supervised counseling practicum in an elementary or secondary school, (Option 2) A master's or higher degree with 30 semester hours of graduate credit in guidance and counseling to include specific areas
Required Coureswork: (Option 2 Only) (1) Three semester hours in principles, philosophy, organization and administration of guidance, (2) three semester hours in student appraisal including administration and interpretation of standardized tests, (3) tyhree semester hours in education and career development information practices and systems, (4) three semester hours in learning, personality theory,and human development, (5) three semester hours in counseling theories and individual counseling techniques, (6) three semester hours in group counseling and guidance techniques, (7) three semester hours in consultation skills and techniques for conferring with groups such as agencies, teachers, and parents, (8) three semester hours in legal, ethical, and current issues affecting school counselors, (9) three semester hours in specialized counseling techniques for use with elementary or secondary level special populations such as exceptional students, dropouts, and minorities and (10) three semester hours in a supervised counseling practicum in an elementary or secondary school.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Professional Education Test; GKTE
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: Pre-K –12
Reciprocity: Yes. The certificate must be a standard or Level II certificate issued by the other state or U.S. territory, and the certificate must be currently valid (not expired or revoked), and (1) The subject/s shown on your certificate must be considered comparable to a subject/s issued in Florida, or (2) The person holds a valid NBPTS certificate.
Background Check: Employees of Florida traditional and charter public schools have fingerprints taken through the school district's personnel office for employment and certification purposes.
Florida Department of Education/school counseling

GEORGIA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: An applicant is eligible for a standard professional certificate in the field of school counseling based on meeting the following requirements: (A) Fulfilling one of the following options: (1) Completion of a state-approved certification preparation program in school counseling at the master’s degree level or higher, (2) completion of a master’s degree or higher in a counseling area and submission of a valid National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors, or (3) completion of a master’s degree or higher in a counseling area and submission of a valid state of Georgia professional counselor’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State, O.C.G.A. Title 43, and (B) Meeting the Special Georgia Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.24) applicable to the field of school counseling: (1) content knowledge assessment – pass the GACE content knowledge assessment at the professional level, (2) Special education – coursework in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs
Required Coursework: Special education – coursework in the identification and education of children who have special educational needs if not included in graduate coursework.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Yes (see details)
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: K–12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Georgia Department of Education/school counseling

HAWAII (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Completion of a master’s degree in School Counseling and Guidance from a regionally accredited college or University. Counseling and Guidance program must meet the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or state standards.
Experience Requirements: Program must include a practicum, internship or equivalent in a k-12 school setting as requirements of the degree.
Examination: Must pass all scores by 4th year of employment. (1) Praxis I (PPST): Reading: 172, Writing: 171, Mathematics: 173; AND (2) Praxis II (PLT): Principles of Learning & Teaching: K-6: 163 or 7-12: 157; AND (3) Praxis II: School Counseling and Guidance: 580.
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: Pre K –12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background: Yes
Hawaii Department of Education
Hawaii Teacher Standards Board

IDAHO
Educational Requirements: Hold a master’s degree and provide verification of completion of an approved program of graduate study in school guidance and counseling from a college/university approved by the Idaho State Board of Education or the state educational agency of the state in which the program was completed.
Required Coursework: Must meet recent credit requirement of six semester credit hours within the last five years.
Experience Requirements: 700 clock hours of supervised field experience, 75 percent of which must be in a K-12 school setting, to include elementary, middle and high schools. Previous school counseling experience may be considered to help offset the field experience clock hour requirement
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: Grades K-12; Idaho Code, allows certificated school social workers to be employed as elementary school counselors without any credential change.
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Must complete Idaho Criminal History Check before initial certification can be granted.
Idaho State Department of Education
Idaho State Department of Education Certification

ILLINOIS
Educational Requirements: (1) Hold a master’s degree awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in school counseling, another counseling or related field (e.g., social work or psychology), or an educational field; and (2) Have completed an Illinois program approved for the preparation of school counselors or a comparable approved program in another state or country or hold a comparable certificate issued by another state or country; and (3) Have completed a supervised counseling practicum of at least 100 clock hours that provided interaction with individuals and groups of school age and included at least 40 hours of direct service work.
Required Coursework: Applicants must hold or be qualified to hold a teaching certificate; OR have completed, as part of an approved program, coursework addressing: (1) the structure, organization and operation of the educational system, with emphasis on P-12 schools; AND (2) the growth and development of children and youth, and their implications for counseling in schools; AND (3) the diversity of Illinois students and the laws and programs that have been designed to meet their unique needs; and (4) effective management of the classroom and the learning process.
Experience Requirements: The internship shall be of a length that is determined by the approved program to be adequate to enable candidates to meet the standards but shall entail at least 600 hours and last no less than one semester, during which candidates shall engage in the performance of various aspects of the counseling role and shall be gradually introduced to the full range of responsibilities associated with that role. However, the internship for an individual with at least two years of teaching experience may, at the discretion of the institution offering the approved program, consist of no fewer than 400 hours. In each case at least 240 hours of the internship shall involve direct service work with school-age individuals and groups.
Examination: Pass the ISBE Examination for School Counseling and meet all requirements for certification.
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: preK-12
Reciprocity: Yes, (1) but must have Obtained certification and worked fulltime as a school counselor in another state for a minimum of two years OR (2) hold a teaching certificate OR (3) Complete a master’s degree program complete with an internship and practicum that is similar to that in the state of Illinois AND (4) Pass the ISBE Examination for School Counseling and meet all Illinois requirements for certification.
Background Check: Not required by state
Illinois State Board of Education

INDIANA (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Obtain a master’s degree in school counseling or related field or, if already degreed, completed additional course work in a school counseling program from an institution of higher education that is approved by the board to offer such a degree.
Experience Requirements: Successfully completed all field experiences as set forth by the institution offering the counselor education program in both the content and all developmental levels. CPR and suicide training also required for initial license.
Examination: Yes, for initial license
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification.
Certification: Pre-K–12
Reciprocity: Yes, with conditions
Background Check: Yes
Indiana Department of Education/school counseling

IOWA
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; completion of an approved human relations component; completion of an approved exceptional learner component; teaching and counseling practicum (at either the K-6 or 7-12 level) consisting of a minimum of 500 contact hours.
Required Coursework: (1) Completion of an approved human relations component and (2) Completion of an approved exceptional learner component. and (3) as part of the school counseling program coursework in: nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels, social and cultural foundations, fostering of relationships, group work, career development, education, postsecondary planning, assessment and evaluation, professional orientation, school counseling skills, classroom management, curriculum, and learning theory.
Experience Requirements: The school counselor demonstrates competency in conducting classroom sessions with elementary, middle (elementary certification) OR middle and secondary school students (secondary certification). The practicum consisting of a minimum of 500 contact hours provides opportunities for the prospective counselor, under the supervision of a licensed professional school counselor, to engage in a variety of activities in which a regularly employed school counselor would be expected to participate including, but not limited to, individual counseling, group work, developmental classroom guidance and consultation.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification Certification: (1) Elementary - Grades K-6 OR (2) Secondary - Grades 7-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes
Iowa Departmentt of Education

KANSAS (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree with a 3.25 cumulative GPA in graduate coursework. The applicant must have at least eight credit hours or one year of accredited experience completed within the last six years.
Experience Requirements: Must hold a valid Kansas professional teaching certificate to be eligible for a school counseling license and have a supervised internship by enrolling in internship credits during your first year of employment as a school counselor under your conditional license. Parallel pathway program also available for those without teaching experience.
Examination: Praxis II: School Guidance Counseling, minimum 600.
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: Pre K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background: Yes. Fingerprinting will be required for all expired certificates/licenses. This is a change from the six month expiration date for certificates/licenses.
Kansas State Department of Education/school counseling

KENTUCKY
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in guidance counseling from an approved program.
Experience Requirements: None for provisional license; (1) one year teaching or (2) two years as a full-time school counselor and three to six additional graduate credits needed for standard license
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes, Applicants with certification in other states can satisfy the teaching experience requirement with 3 years of experience as a guidance counselor, a practicum experience at either the secondary or elementary level for one year is needed before employment.
Background Check: Yes, at the local school district level.
Kentucky Department of Education

LOUISIANA
Educational Requirements: Hold a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from a regionally accredited institution or a master’s degree with the equivalent hours and courses in school counseling.
Required Coursework: The graduate training must include a total of 24 semester hours in:
(1) Principles and Administration of School Counseling Programs; (2)Career and Lifestyle Development; (3) Individual Appraisal; (4) Counseling Theory and Practice; (5) Group Processes; (6) Human Growth and Development; (7) Social and Cultural Foundations in Counseling .
Experience Requirements: (1) Must hold or be eligible to hold a valid LA teaching certificate except for ancillary counselor certification and (2) Must have 3 credits in a supervised practicum in a school setting.
Examination: (1) NTE Core Battery (Communication: 645, General Knowledge: 644, and Professional Knowledge: 645); AND (2) NTE Specialty Area Exam in school counseling.
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes, at point of hire
Louisiana Department of Administration (page 39-40)

MAINE
Educational Requirements: Earned a master’s or a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university AND earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Educational Requirements (For 1 year conditional certificate): Earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Matriculated into an approved program for school counselor education, or current enrollment in graduate coursework for school counselor education. Completed a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate study in school counselor education coursework.
Required Coursework: Completed an approved course for “Teaching Exceptional Students in the Regular Classroom" and applicant must pass pedagogical knowledge and skills assessment at the appropriate grade level if they did not graduate from a Maine university.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Praxis I (PPST): Reading: 176, Writing: 176, Mathematics: 175; Praxis II: School Guidance Counseling, minimum 570 .
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Maine Department of Education

MARYLAND (updated 1/22)
Education/Experience Requirements: Option I: The applicant shall submit: (1) a master's degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from an institution of higher education, (2) a National Board of Certified Counselors certificate and (3) two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor in a school setting. Option II; The applicant shall submit: (1) a master's degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling in a program approved using state-approved standards under COMAR 13A.07.06.01 and (2) two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor or 500 clock hours in a supervised practicum in school counseling or school guidance and counseling. Option III: The applicant shall submit a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Option IV: The applicant shall submit: (1) a master's degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from an approved program under the interstate contract agreement for support services and (2) two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor or 500 clock hours in a supervised practicum in school counseling or school guidance and counseling. Option V: The applicant shall submit: (1) a master’s degree from an institution of higher education and (2) a valid, professional certificate from another state and verification of at least 27 months of satisfactory performance as a school counselor during the past seven years on the basis of which application is being made for a comparable Maryland certificate.
Special Provisions: (1) Prior to the renewal or reinstatement of the current certificate, an educator certified as a school counselor shall provide one of the following: (a) one semester hour of coursework from an institution of higher education, (b) one department-approved continuing professional development credit or (c) an equivalent number of continuing education units. (2) The coursework, professional development, or continuing education unit required by §F(1) of this regulation shall address: (a) the need for intervention or referral in response to indicators of mental illness and behavioral distress, including, but not limited to: (i) depression, (ii) trauma, (iii) violence, (iv) youth suicide and (v) substance abuse. (b) The identification of professional resources and best practices for distributing resources to parents or guardians to help students in crisis
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: Pre-K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Maryland Department of Education

MASSACHUSETTS (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree with a major in counseling, a practicum of 450 hours in an educational setting.
Required Coursework: Subject matter in the following courses: (1) familiarity with the Curriculum Frameworks and their use in the advising responsibilities of the guidance counselor, (2) understanding and interpretation of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System and other academic test results to students, teachers and parents, (3) psychology of learning, (4) understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of learning and behavior disorders, (5) theories of normal and abnormal intellectual, social and emotional development, (6) knowledge of strategies used for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse, the spectrum of mental illnesses and violence in pre-K–12 students, (7) philosophy, principles and practices in school guidance counseling, (8) federal, state, municipal and school laws and regulations, (9) career counseling, (10) resources within the school system or the community for referral, (11) knowledge of statistics, research design and research in guidance counseling, (12) group counseling and group leadership, (13) development of skills for consultation with parents, teachers and administrators and (14) college counseling and use of college and other postsecondary resource materials
Experience Requirements: A practicum of 450 hours in an educational setting
Examination: Passing score on Massachusetts Communication and Literacy Skills Test
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: (1) Elementary: grades pre-K–8, (2) Secondary: grades 5-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: National background check done at point of hire, not as a component of licensure.
Massachusetts Department of Education/school counseling

MICHIGAN (updated 2/22)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) School Counselor Endorsement (completion of a minimum of 30 semester credit hours in a school counselor education program) issued on a standard/professional teaching certificate or (Option 2) School Counselor License (SCL) : master’s degree from an approved program in school counseling.
Required Coursework: In-State Applicants: Applicants who are enrolled in a school counselor program at an approved educator preparation institution will be evaluated for eligibility of a school counselor license by the in-state university certification officer. An evaluation for a school counselor credential may lead to an applicant initially being recommended for a preliminary school counselor credential and subsequently a school counselor license. The school counselor license is valid for five years and is issued to candidates who have fulfilled all Michigan institutional and academic requirements, including the following: (1) completion of at least 30 graduate level semester hours in an approved school counselor education program, (2) all program requirements including an internship of not less than 600 clock hours based on an approved school counselor program in a school district under the supervision of a credentialed school counselor or a school counselor educator. At least 300 of the 600 clock hours shall be in a school setting, (3) passage of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) School Counselor examination.
Out-of-State Applicants: Applicants who complete all requirements of an approved, out-of-state school counselor education program and/or fulfilled other requirements are evaluated for a school counselor license by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Educator Excellence. This license is valid for five years and is issued to candidates who have fulfilled all out-of-state institutional and academic requirements applicable to being evaluated by MDE for a Michigan school counselor license, including: (1) applicant completed a master’s degree or higher in a school counselor educator program including internship in a school setting at an out-of-state university or its equivalency, or (2) applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree and has successfully worked out of state as a school counselor five out of the immediately preceding seven years, plus holds a valid school counselor certificate/license issued by another state and passage of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification School Counselor examination.
Completion of not less than a 600-clock hour internship with school-aged pupils under the supervision of a person who is a counselor educator in an approved school counseling program. At least 300 of the 600 clock hours shall be in a school setting.
Application Process: Applicants apply for certification or a license via the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). A permit can be applied for by a Michigan school district to allow someone to be hired in the interim, and in the event an individual has yet to meet requirements to be credentialed as a school counselor.
Examination: Michigan Test for Teacher Certification – School Counselor (NT) exam.
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, required for in-state candidates.
Certification: K-8, 6-12, K-12
Reciprocity: Yes. Those who complete a master’s degree or higher in an approved out-of-state school counselor education program or who complete a bachelor’s degree and hold an out-of-state bachelor's degree and hold a valid out-of-state school counselor certificate and have successfully served five out of the immediately preceding seven years as a school counselor can apply to be evaluated for a school counselor credential.
Background Check: Yes
Renewal Requirements
Michigan Department of Education/school counseling
Michigan Department of Education/out-of-state applicants

MINNESOTA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Hold a master's degree or the equivalent from a college or university that is regionally accredited and show verification of completing a Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board preparation program leading to the licensure of school counselors or (Option 2) Provide evidence of having completed a preparation program in school counseling accredited by CACREP;
Required Coursework: See link at bottom
Experience Requirements: 700 hours experience in CACREP programs (100 hours practicum and 600 hours internship) and 700 hours total in non-CACREP programs.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: National and state fingerprint check
Minnesota Department of Education 

MISSISSIPPI
Education Requirements: (Option 1) Hold standard teaching license and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling; or (Option 2) Master’s degree in another area AND completion of an approved program for guidance and counseling (with a year internship in school counseling) AND scoring a passing score on the Praxis II; or (Option 3) Complete an approved master’s degree program for guidance and counseling which includes a full year internship; or (Option 4) Hold National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC).
Experience Requirements: If applicant does not already hold a MS teaching certificate, must complete a full-year internship.
Examination: Pass Praxis I and/or Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling depending on option
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: No
Mississippi Department of Education

MISSOURI (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Completion of a master’s degree with a major emphasis in school counseling from a college or university meeting approval of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Required Coursework: Completion of a planned program of at least 42 semester hours of approved graduate credit in courses in school counseling with at least 12 semester hours focused upon school counseling (elementary certification) or secondary schools (secondary certification). Completion of a three-semester hour internship (minimum of 300 clock hours). (Option 2) A master’s degree in education, school counseling, counseling, counseling psychology or a closely related mental health discipline and additional graduate course work specific to school counseling. Complete additional graduate coursework specified to school counseling, as designated by the recommending institution. Must either possess a bachelor’s degree in education from a state-approved teacher preparation program or complete a curriculum in teaching methods and practices, classroom management and the psychology of the exceptional child, as specified by the recommending certification officer of a state-approved program. Completion of a three-semester hour internship (minimum of 300 clock hours).
Experience Requirement: Note internship requirements above
Examination: Missouri School Counselor Content Assessment with a score of 220 or higher and the School Counselor Candidate Assessment
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, must recommend for certification
Certification: Elementary: grades K-8 or Secondary: grades 7-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Missouri Department of Education/school counseling

MONTANA (updated 11/19)
Educational Requirements: There are two pathways: (1) Completion of a CACREP-accredited school counselor program, which includes an internship in a school setting of 600 hours, or (2) Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university, including an internship in a school setting of 600 hours.
Experience Requirements: A supervised internship of at least 600 hours in a school or school-related setting
Examination: Yes, specific Montana-required PRAXIS
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes and must be of “good moral and professional character.”
Montana Educator Licensing
Montana School Counselor Application

NEBRASKA (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling with at least 36 semester graduate hours.
Experience Requirements: (1) Must have two years of teaching experience and (2) At least 100 clock hours of clinical experience prior to internship; and at least 450 clock hours of internship. Nebraska school counseling endorsement on teaching certificate and alternative route if candidate does not have a Nebraska teaching certificate first.
Examination Required:
(1) Praxis I PPST: Reading: 170, Writing: 172, and Mathematics: 171; or
(2) Praxis I CBT: Reading: 316, Writing: 318, and Mathematics: 316; or
(3) Content Mastery Exam for Education–Basic Skills Test (CMEEBST): Minimum Score of 850.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-6, 4-9, 7-12, K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes, for all residents. Must also “be of good moral character,” have no felony conviction or misdemeanor involving abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct, and have not been determined mentally incompetent
http://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/index.html
Nebraska Departmentt of Education/school counseling

NEVADA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Complete three semester credits in a course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement and (1) must hold a master’s or more advanced degree in school counseling or (2) must hold a specialty credential as a National Certified School Counselor issued by the National Board for Certified Counselors or (3) must hold a master’s or more advanced degree with a major in counseling conferred by a regionally accredited college or university and meet the additional requirements noted below or (4) must hold a master’s or more advanced degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university and have at least two years of teaching experience or at least two years of school counseling experience and meet the additional requirements noted below. Additional requirements for (4) and (5) above: A. Must have at least two years of teaching experience or at least two years of school counseling experience B. Must have completed 600 hours of a school counseling practicum, internship or field experience in grades K-12. C. Must have completed 36 semester graduate credits in school guidance and counseling to include coursework in each of the following areas of study:
Required Coursework: (1) process of individual counseling, (20, process of group counseling, (3) testing and educational assessments, (4) legal and ethical issues in counseling, (5) career counseling, (6) organization and administration of school counseling programs, (7) multicultural counseling, (8) child and family counseling and (9) two of the following areas: a. use of technology in education, b. exceptional children ; c. human growth and development or d. substance abuse and counseling.
Experience Requirements: (Option 1 and 2) None; (Option 3 and 4) 280 hours of practicum, internship or field experience in school counseling at any grade level in K-12.
Examination: Praxis – professional school counselor
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: The Office of Educator Licensure encourages educators who are currently licensed in other states or U.S. territories to apply for reciprocal licensure in Nevada. Pursuant to the passage of Assembly Bill 77 during the 2017 legislative session, most valid and unexpired licenses will directly reciprocate without verification of passing licensure examinations. However, some conditional, provisional, residency, temporary or other license types will require additional documentation to determine eligibility. Any additional documentation needed to determine eligibility for reciprocity will be requested from a licensing analyst upon review of submitted and paid application. Pursuant to NRS 391.230 and NRS 391.302, you may not be employed by a Nevada school district unless you hold a valid Nevada educator license.
Background Check: A criminal background check is a requirement of all applicants for Nevada Department of Education licensure pursuant to NRS 391.033.
Nevada Department of Education

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Have completed a state board of education approved school counseling collegiate program at the master’s degree level or higher; or (Option 2) Alternative certification is possible if the following three requirements are met: (1) The candidates has at least a master's degree in a closely related counseling field and (2) documents/demonstrates that they have also acquired the competencies, skills, and knowledge that they would have gained if they had graduated from a NHDOE approved graduate program in school counseling (this is demonstrated through written thesis and oral board review) and (3) must have worked for three months as guidance counselor to qualify for an alternative certification. In order to accomplish #2 above, additional coursework specifically in school counseling is usually required. The whole alternative process usually takes one year.
Experience Requirements: (Options 1) Qualify for state certification as a school counselor, candidates must have completed a 600-hour internship in a general school setting under the direct supervision of a state certified school counselor with at least 2 years experience as a state certified school counselor in NH public schools; or (Option 2) Candidates for alternative certification must have worked for three months, full time, as a school counselor before beginning the alternative certification process. This is usually accomplished from having been a certified school counselor in another state, or from taking classes, including internship classes, through a NH approved program with a view towards qualifying for alternative certification.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes. Candidates seeking to be state certified through reciprocal agreement must still verify that they have receive training and experience comparable to that which they would have received if they had graduated from a NHDOE approved graduate program in school counseling. In the case of certification through reciprocal agreement, this is done through a review of transcripts, curriculum vitae, and experience descriptions. Candidates seeking to be state certified school counselors must still have been trained in all three grade levels in order to receive certification to work in NH public schools.
Background Check: Criminal background check is required before any certification process is begun. The NHDOE sends prospective candidates for certification paperwork instructing them on who to contact to arrange for their background check. When the NHDOE receives the verification of background from the state authorities, the certification process commences.
http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/ed500.html (Ed 507.07)
New Hampshire Department of Education

NEW JERSEY (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: To be eligible for the standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement, a candidate must hold a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The office may issue an emergency certificate upon the request of the county superintendent to a candidate who meets the following requirements: (1) A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and (2) 15 graduate semester hour credits of study from the areas below.
Required Coursework: (1) A department-approved graduate curriculum in school counseling or (2) a minimum of 48 graduate semester hour credits in the following areas: (1) counseling (minimum of 18 hours must include study in theory and procedures of individual and group counseling, counseling and interviewing techniques and career counseling), (2) testing and evaluation (minimum of three hours), (3) psychology (minimum of six hours in study related to child and adolescent psychology, psychology of exceptional children and psychology of learning), (4) sociological foundations (minimum of six semester hours that must include study in the community agencies, organizations and resources and multicultural counseling) or a candidate who has completed a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university whose school counseling program meets the standards of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) will be issued a standard school counselor certificate.
Experience Requirements: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, Unless candidate holds national certification
Certification: pre-K-12
Examination: None
Reciprocity: Yes, Out-of-state applicants qualifying under any form of reciprocity in accordance with the Interstate Certification Compact will have met the content area and professional education requirements but must pass the required test for issuance of an instructional license in a specific field. Transcripts, copies of state licenses and original documentation of teaching experience will be reviewed to determine eligibility for reciprocity.
Background Check: Yes at the point of hire. Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants applying for instructional certification must pass an examination in physiology and hygiene, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol.
New Jersey Department of Education

NEW MEXICO (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) A national certified school counselor credential issued by the national board for certified counselors; or (Option 2) A licensed professional mental health counselor (LPC) or licensed professional clinical mental health counselor (LPCC) credential issued by the New Mexico counseling and therapy practice board and a minimum of six semester hours of graduate credit in school counseling coursework; (Option 3) A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; the master’s degree requirement shall be satisfied by meeting the requirements:
(1) master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited college or university or
(2) master’s degree in a discipline other than school counseling and 36-42 graduate hours in school counseling, (which may be completed as a part of the master’s degree program or in addition to the master’s).
Experience Requirements: Option 1 and 2: None; Option 3: 300 hour practicum or internship in a school setting.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Examination: New Mexico Content Knowledge Assessment for School Counselor
Reciprocity: No; however, if you obtain a master’s degree in a school outside of NM that meets the BOE standards, a license can be granted
Background Check: Yes
New Mexico Public Education Department

NEW YORK 
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Completion of a NY registered school counseling program OR
(Option 2) Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or from an institution authorized by NY Department of Education; AND At least 30 semester hours of approved graduate study in the field of school counseling, OR (Option 3) Be Nationally certified as a school counselor by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).
Required Coursework: (Option 1): None; (Option 2 and Option 3) - Completion of a Child Abuse Identification and a school violence prevention and intervention Workshop.
Experience Requirements: (Option 1 and Option 3) - None; (Option 2) - Supervised practice in school counseling. The internship must be in a K-12 school setting under the supervision of a regionally accredited college or university having an approved program of preparation for the certificate in question. One year of paid full-time approved experience as a school counselor in PreK-12 setting may be substituted fro the internship/practice.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: (Option 1) - Yes, required for certification; (Option 2 and 3) - No
Certification: prek-12
Reciprocity: Yes This pathway allows an educator who holds a valid certificate in a state that has a reciprocity agreement with New York State to obtain a comparable New York State certificate. The candidate must either (1) have completed an approved preparation program OR (2) possess a valid, advanced-level certificate in the other jurisdiction and three years of service. At least two of those three years must have been completed under the reciprocal certificate. Specified non-coursework requirements, such as the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations and fingerprint clearance, must also be satisfied
Background Check: Yes. Fingerprint Clearance.
http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do#cfocus

NORTH CAROLINA (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Completion of an approved program in school counseling at the master's level or above. Required coursework as determined by the institute of higher education approved school counseling program at the master's level or above.
Required Coursework: As determined by the institute of higher education approved school counseling program at the master's level or above.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Praxis: Professional School Counselor 5421
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Certain requirements specific to North Carolina, such as the Praxis Series testing requirement, are not covered by reciprocity and must be met before a clear North Carolina license can be issued.
Background Check: Yes, required at the school district level.
Alternative route to licensure: (1) A school district can elect to request a provisional license for a school counselor candidate and employ them in a school counseling position while they complete the school counselor preparation program if the candidate is enrolled in an accredited school counselor preparation program and has already completed a minimum of 24 graduate semester hours. (2) Those who have previously completed a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in another counseling discipline noted in State Board of Education Policy LICN-001 section 1.30a may enroll in a university/college school counseling master's program of their choice to complete the additional courses specific to school counseling. While enrolled, a district can elect to request a provisional license for the candidate and employ them in a school counseling position while they complete the program courses required for full licensure. Both options require completion of the remaining school counselor preparation program requirements within three years.
North Carolina Department of Education/school counseling

NORTH DAKOTA (updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: Have a master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related human service field.
Required Coursework: (1) elementary school counseling, (2) secondary school counseling, (3) school counseling internship, (4) counseling program management, (5) counseling theories, (6) Assessment techniques, (7) group counseling, (8) career counseling and assessment; (9) social and multicultural counseling, (10) ethics and law, (11) counseling techniques.
Experience Requirements: (1) Hold a valid educator's professional license, (2) have a supervised school-based internship of at least 450 hours, with at least 150 hours at the elementary level and at least 150 hours at the secondary level.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Obtain a favorable letter of recommendation from the counselor’s state-approved school counseling program advisor
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes, FBI background check and fingerprinting.
North Dakota Department of Education

OHIO
Education/Experience Requirements (Initial License): Master’s degree from an approved program of preparation; recommendation by the dean or head of teacher education; successful completion of an examination as prescribed by the state board of education and successful completion of an internship consisting of 600 contact hours in a school setting.
Education/Experience Requirements (Temporary License): A temporary school counselor license may be issued to an individual who holds a currently valid Ohio teaching license or Ohio counselor licensed issued by the OCSWMFT Board. Must be employed by a school and have request for temporary license approved by school official. Must be enrolled in an approved school counselor preparation program and, in the case of licensed teachers, must demonstrate an understanding of professional identity, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, helping relationships, group work, assessment, research and program evaluation.
Examination: Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) School Counselor Test #040.
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: No, but criteria is established to support those with an out-of-state license to transition to an Ohio license.
Background Check: Yes, BCI and FBI background checks required for initial and renewal license.
Ohio Department of Education New License
Ohio Department of Education Out-of-State License
Ohio Administrative Code

OKLAHOMA (updated 1/21)
Traditional Certification: Master’s degree in school counseling program and passing score on all required examinations – Oklahoma General Education Test, Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam, Oklahoma Subject Area Test in School Counseling
Alternative Certification: Master's degree in a related field that contains: 

• 30 or more counseling related credit hours OR 15 or more counseling-related credit hours plus one year of counseling-related work experience OR three or more years of counseling-related work experience
• Passing score on all required examinations – Oklahoma General Education Test, Oklahoma Professional Teaching Exam, Oklahoma Subject Area Test in School Counseling
• Participants in the Alternative Certification program must complete a college credit course addressing classroom management and a college credit course addressing general or subject-specific pedagogical principles, or approved equivalents within three years of certification.

Institution Recommendation Required? Yes, required for certification
Certification: preK-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: No; however, districts have the option of requiring a background check.
Oklahoma Department of Education

OREGON (updated 11/18)
Education Requirement: (1) A master’s or higher degree in counseling, education or related behavioral sciences from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, (2) a bachelor’s degree and (3) completion in Oregon or another U.S. jurisdiction, as part of the master’s degree or separately, of an initial graduate program in school counseling.
Required Coursework: Evidence of knowledge of laws prohibiting discrimination in Oregon. This requirement can be completed at a workshop or via a correspondence course through Oregon State University and (1) Submit Form C-2 showing you completed a counselor education program within the last three years or (2) submit transcripts verifying nine quarter hours of approved academic credit completed within the last three years germane to counseling or (3) submit verification of one year of full-time licensed educator experience in public schools or regionally accredited* U.S. private schools begun and completed within the last three years.
Experience Requirement: (1) Completion of a practicum approved by the commission in early childhood and elementary counseling or in middle level and high school counseling as part of the initial graduate program or separately and (2) two academic years of experience as a full-time licensed teacher in a public, private, charter or otherwise licensed school.
Examination: (1) Must score a minimum of 610 on the Praxis Test of School Guidance and Counseling; and (2) pass a test of basic verbal and computational skills (either Praxis I CBEST or Praxis/PPST). The professional knowledge test in school counseling may be waived if you verify five years of full-time counseling in a public school or regionally accredited private school in the U.S. on a license valid for the assignment before obtaining any Oregon license.
Institution Recommendation Required? Yes, required for certification
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes via transitional school counselor license, a three-year nonrenewable license issued to applicants who have held an out-of-state school counselor license or who have completed an out-of-state program in school counseling. The applicant must hold a master’s degree or higher. It is valid for regular or substitute school counseling at any level.
Background Check: Yes, fingerprints
Oregon Department of Education/school counseling

PENNSYLVANIA
Educational Requirements: Completion of an approved program in school counseling;
Required Coursework: Supervised counseling practicum experiences, prior to and separate from the field experience, providing direct service with individuals and groups (60 clock hours)
Experience Requirements: A minimum of an additional 300 clock hours of internship/supervised field experiences to include instructional experience and a minimum of 70 hours (elementary) OR 75 hours (secondary) of direct service with individual and group clients.
Examination: Professional School Counseling Praxis
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, required for certification
Certification: (1) Elementary - grades K-6; or (2) Secondary - grades 7-12
Reciprocity: No, but Pennsylvania has signed an Interstate Agreement with 45 other states/jurisdictions based upon the mutually agreed-upon conditions of that contract. They are AL, AK, AZ,AR, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL,GA,HI,ID, IL, IN, KA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MN, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC ,TN, TX , UT, VE, VA, WA, WV, WY. It should be noted, however, that in all cases, candidates for Pennsylvania certification must complete the Praxis test required by Pennsylvania.
Background Check: Yes, for employment and have integrity and ethical behavior, professional conduct as stated in Pennsylvania’s Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
Pennsylvania Department of Education

RHODE ISLAND (updated 9/22)
Educational Experience: Advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Required Coursework: Completion of an approved program for the preparation of school counselor support professional and completion of 300-hour Internship. Applicants who have not completed an approved program can be certified by utilizing the Credential Review Pathway, which allows eligible individuals to pursue Rhode Island certification by following a differentiated program of study (determined by a consortium institution or RIDE). Educators pursuing this pathway will need to complete and submit the entrance/exit assessment document. This pathway requires compliance with current Rhode Island certification requirements, including Rhode Island testing requirements.
Experience Requirements: Demonstration of meeting the content competencies as prescribed by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs
Examination: Yes – Praxis II Professional School Counselor test (5421) with a score of 156.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: Pre-K–12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: At the district level
Rhode Island Department of Education/school counseling

SOUTH CAROLINA (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: (1) Bachelor’s Degree and (2) Master’s degree in any subject and (3) Completion of an advanced program approved by the State Board of Education for the preparation of school counselors.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: (1) Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT): 165 AND (2) Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling: 550
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes, Undergo a criminal records check by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and a national criminal records check supported by fingerprints conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
South Carolina Educators Certification

SOUTH DAKOTA (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Complete a master's degree in school guidance or counseling; or (option 2) complete a master's degree or higher in counseling and passage of the state-designated school counselor test and one year of supervision by a mentor school counselor who has a mentor school counselor endorsement and verification of three or more years of experience as a school counselor.
Required Coursework: One clock hour of suicide awareness and prevention training
Experience Requirements: For option 2, one year of supervision by a mentor school counselor
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: Pre-K–12
Examination: Praxis II Professional School Counselor (5421)
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: At district level
South Dakota Department of Education/school counseling

TENNESSEE
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Complete a graduate degree with an approved preparation program in school guidance and counseling or (Option 2) Hold a graduate degree in community/agency counseling and must be enrolled in a approved graduate program in school counseling and has completed at least 30 hours leading to completion of an approved graduate program in school counseling and must be supervised by a licensed school counselor for a minimum of one hour per week.
Experience Requirements: (1) Internship will be on a full time basis for at least one semester in length. Guidance and counseling experiences at both the preK-6 and 7-12 grade levels will be provided to the candidate during the internship or practicum and (2) School counselor candidates without teaching experience will have a one semester long orientation experience in a school as an early part of the preparation program. The orientation experience will be structured to provide observation, participation in, and analysis of classroom instruction.
Examination: Praxis II: School Guidance & Counseling, Minimum 580
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes recommended for licensure by the Dean of Education and the Certification Office of the college/university
Certification: Pre K-12
Reciprocity: Yes. School counselors from out-of-state with a limited license (K-8 or 7-12) may work on an Interim license while completing TN PreK-12 licensure requirements.
Background Check: Yes at the district level.
Tennessee Department of Education

TEXAS
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education; successfully complete a school counselor preparation program.
Experience Requirements: Must have two years of classroom teaching experience.
Examination: Minimum score of 240 on School Counselor Exam (TExES #152)
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: pre-K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes, national fingerprint-based background check.
Texas Education Agency

UTAH (updated 9/22)
Educational Requirements: Completion of an accredited counselor education program.
Experience Requirements: Completed an approved 600-hour field experience.
Examination: Praxis
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: No
Background Check: Yes, Utah is a member of the Compact for Interstate Qualification of Educational Personnel
Utah Department of Education/school counseling

VERMONT
Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in school counseling or its equivalent.
Experience Requirements: A supervised internship experience (600 clock hours) in counseling with a minimum of 60 hours of experience in school counseling at both the elementary (PK-6) and middle/secondary (7-12) levels, under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
Examination: Praxis I: Must have a minimum score of 177 in reading, 174 in writing and 175 in mathematics UNLESS have a minimum of 1000 on the SAT’s OR 1100 on GRE’s OR 22 on the ACT’s
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: PreK-12
Reciprocity: Yes. All states are recognized by Vermont for reciprocity except IA, and MN. A candidate has a current, comparable license (teacher, or administrator) from a state with which Vermont has signed the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement provided the candidate can demonstrate at least 3 years of successful work in a school within the past 7 years in the licensure endorsement or subject area. Those who do not meet this condition can obtain licensure through Vermont’s Alternative Route: The Peer Review process.
Background Check: Yes, criminal background check, and fingerprinting.
Vermont Department of Education

VIRGINIA (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) An earned master's degree from an approved counselor education program; or (Option 2) An earned master’s degree from an accredited college or university and certification from an approved counselor education program that the candidate has completed sufficient course work and clinical experience to acquire the competencies described herein.
Experience Requirements: (Option 1) At least 100 clock hours of clinical experiences in the preK-6 setting and 100 clock hours of clinical experiences in the grades 7-12 setting; (Option 2) Two years of successful, full-time teaching experience or two years of successful, full-time experience in guidance and counseling. Two years of successful, full-time experience in guidance and counseling under a provisional license may be accepted to meet this requirement.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: PreK-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: No
Virginia Department of Education

WASHINGTON (updated 1/21)
Educational Requirements: Master's degree in counseling. Must submit official transcripts showing degree completion of any state's approved program leading to certification for the school counselor role or three years of out-of-state experience in the school counselor role and completion of a comprehensive exam relevant to the role.
Required Coursework: To earn a Professional Certificate, applicants must attest to completion of an issues of abuse course [for more information see WAC 181-79A-030(9)]. This course must be entered into the PD Hours section of your E-Certification account prior to applying. Applicants must also attest to completion of a suicide prevention training approved by the Professional Educator Standards Board in the state of Washington within the five years previous to application.
Experience Requirements: For initial certificate applicants without a master's degree in school counseling and/or completion of a state-approved program leading to ESA certification, three years of out-of-state experience in the school counselor role and completion of a comprehensive exam relevant to the role are required.
Examination: Applicant must have successfully completed a comprehensive examination of the knowledge included in the coursework for the required master's degree in counseling or the National Counselor Examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors. Provided, that if any candidate has been awarded a master's degree without a comprehensive examination, the candidate, as a condition for certification, shall successfully complete the Praxis II specialty area test (code 5421) in guidance and counseling, administered by the Educational Testing Service. The minimum passing score is 156.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Washington Department of Education/school counseling

WEST VIRGINIA (updated 1/22)
Educational Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited institution and completion of an accredited program for school counselors; or holds a valid out-of-state licensed endorsed in school counseling, holds a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited IHE, has completed a minimum of three years of successful experience in a public school within the last seven years in counseling and in the state where the license was issued. Applicants who do not meet the experience requirement may be issued a Provisional Certificate.
Experience Requirements: None
Examination: Praxis II Professional School Counselor Examination (5421) score of 156.
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: pre-K–Adult
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: No
West Virginina Department of Education/school counseling

WISCONSIN (last updated 11/18)
Educational Requirements: A master's degree from an approved school counseling and guidance program and the institutional endorsement.
Experience Requirements: (1) Eligibility for a WI license to teach in the elementary/secondary schools and two years of successful teaching experience at the elementary/secondary school levels; or (2) Completion of an approved one year full-time internship in school counseling; or (3) A minimum of two years of successful experience as a licensed school counselor in an assigned position of 1/2 time or more.
Examination: None
Institution Recommendation Required?: Yes, if do not have experience requirement completed at the time of hire
Certification: K –12
Reciprocity: No. In most cases Wisconsin license based on completion of a state-approved program, not based on licensure in another state. Applicants for a Wisconsin license must be licensable in the state in which they completed their school counseling preparation program.
Background Check: Yes
Wisconsin Department of Education/school counseling

WYOMING
Educational Requirements: (Option 1) Master’s degree with a major in school counseling and guidance or (Option 2) A master’s degree with at least 30 semester credits in approved school counseling and guidance coursework.
Experience Requirements: (1) Eligibility for a license to teach and 2 years of successful teaching experience; or (2) An approved one-year full-time internship in school counseling or (3) a minimum of 2 years of successful experience as a school counselor in an assigned position of one-half time or more OR (4) three years of comparable experience in a human services setting.
Examination: Applicants are required to demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the Wyoming Constitution either through coursework or an exam
Institution Recommendation Required?: No
Certification: K-12
Reciprocity: Yes
Background Check: Yes
Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board

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