School Counseling Regs 2012

A Guide to State Laws
and Regulations on
Professional School
Counseling
Office of Public Policy & Legislation | March 2012

ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORT
The information in this report was compiled through a survey of state education agencies
conducted at the end of 2011. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the
information presented here, but due to the complexity of some of the regulations and the
frequency with which state regulations can and do change, we cannot guarantee that this
report is completely without error. Readers are invited to bring any errors, omissions, or
changes to our attention by contacting the American Counseling Associations Office of
Public Policy & Legislation.
For additional information, or clarification or interpretation of any of the laws and regulations
summarized in this report, please contact the appropriate state agency.
Updated by Guila Todd, Office of Public Policy & Legislation.
Copyright 2012 by the American Counseling Association. Permission is granted to

reproduce and adapt only with attribution.
Single copies of this publication are free to members of the American Counseling Association.
Non-members may purchase this publication for $10. Please call (800) 347-6647, x222 to
Obtain a copy.
American Counseling Association

Office of Public Policy & Legislation
5999 Stevenson Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22304
(800) 347-6647
www.counseling.org
Scott Barstow, Director, Public Policy and Legislation (ext. 234) (sbarstow@counseling.org)
Art Terrazas, Grass Roots Advocacy Coordinator (ext. 242) (aterrazas@counseling.org)
Guila Todd, Public Policy Coordinator (ext. 354) (gtodd@counseling.org)
American School Counselor Association

1101 King Street, Suite 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 306-4722
www.schoolcounselor.org
Don W. Locke, President

Bradley T. Erford, President Elect
Richard Yep, Executive Director
Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CREDENTIALING
Background on Certification 2
An Overview of State Credentialing Requirements 3
Using and Understanding the Information Presented in the Chart 5
Certification/Licensure Requirements Chart 7
U.S. Territories 60
Certification/Licensure Renewal Requirements 63
STATE MANDATES
Background on Counseling Mandates 71
State Counseling Mandates Chart 72
Examples of Mandates 81
ASCA POSITION STATEMENTS
The Professional School Counselor and Comprehensive

School Counseling Programs 87
The Professional School Counselor and Credentialing

and Licensure 90
STUDENT-TO-COUNSELOR RATIOS
Student-to-Counselor Ratio Chart 92
CREDENTIALING OF
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Professional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state, the District of
Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to obtain a state-issued credential in order
to be employed in public schools. In some states, this credential is called certification while in
others it is termed licensure or endorsement.
The requirements and qualifications needed to obtain this credential in each of the 50 States, the
District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are summarized in the chart on
pages 7-62 of this report. The requirements outlined for each state/territory are those necessary
to obtain an initial entry-level credential as a professional school counselor. Some states permit
school counselors to obtain provisional or temporary credentials pending their satisfaction of all
requirements. Readers who are interested in this option should contact their state agency to learn
whether, and under what circumstances, it may be available in their state.
Renewal and Different Tiers of Licensure
Most states require professional school counselors to complete additional coursework or earn
continuing education credits in order to renew their credentials. Renewal requirements are
summarized on pages 63-70.
Some states also have different tiers of credentialing, granting counselors with greater experience
and/or educational attainment, credentials of longer duration. This information was not made
available by every state; readers should contact the appropriate certification/licensing agency for
more information.
Alternative Routes to Certification
A growing number of states are establishing alternative paths for the credentialing of teachers
and other school personnel. In compiling this report, we have tried to include any alternative
certification program that affects requirements for professional school counselors. Information on
this issue was difficult to obtain, however, and we would welcome more information and feedback
from professional school counselors and state officials in those states that are implementing
alternative certification programs.
AN OVERVIEW OF STATE CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
All states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require
graduate education in school counseling as an entry-level prerequisite for state
credentialing as a professional school counselor. Forty-four (44) states, the District of
Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require attainment of a masters degree in
school counseling or a related field.
Seven (16) states, Guam, and the Virgin Islands require applicants to complete a specific
minimum number of credit hours of graduate study in school counseling before they can
be credentialed. An additional six (6) states require this only if the masters degree earned is in a
field other than school counseling. The number of required hours ranges from 24-48 semester
hours. Most states require completion of 30 credit hours or more.
Eleven (11) states, Guam, and the Virgin Islands require applicants to supplement their
graduate education in school counseling with training or coursework in additional subject
areas. These areas include:
Education of children with disabilities (6 states: CT, GA, IA, MO, NE, NV, and the VI)
Multicultural issues (2 states: AK, NE)
Substance abuse counseling (1 state: NV)
State and/or Federal laws and constitutions (2 states: NV, WY)
Use and applications of technology in education/computer competency (2 states: GA, NV, and
the VI)
Identification and reporting of child abuse (3 states: NY, OH, WA)
School violence intervention and prevention (1 state: NY)
History and culture (Alaska, Guam, and the Virgin Islands)
Twenty-six (26) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands require
completion of a supervised, school-based internship and/or practicum. An additional four
(4) states require this only if the masters degree earned is in a field other than school counseling.
The prescribed duration of the internship/practicum ranges from 100-700 clock hours.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Fifteen (15) states, Guam, and Puerto Rico require applicants to have previous counseling
or teaching experience (1-3 years).
Five (5) of these states require applicants to have previous counseling or teaching experience,
but permit this requirement to be satisfied by completion of a supervised, school-based
internship or practicum (AZ, CT, DE, IL, and OR).
Two (2) states require applicants to have previous school counseling or related experience
only if their masters degree was in a field other than school counseling (NV and NH).
The Virgin Islands only require counseling or teaching experience if applicant does not hold, or
is eligible to hold, a valid teaching certificate.
Four (4) states require a teaching certificate/license in order to be certified/licensed as a
school counselor (AR, CT, NE, and RI).
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Thirty-nine (39) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico use one or more
standardized examinations as part of the credentialing process.
Twenty-four (24) states use examinations that measure professional knowledge of the practice
of school counseling (Praxis II: School Guidance & Counseling or equivalent).
Fourteen (14) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico use examinations that
measure basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing (Praxis I or equivalent).
Four (4) states use examinations that measure professional knowledge of teaching and
learning (Praxis II: Principles of Learning & Teaching or equivalent) ((FL, HI, ME, and OK).
Puerto Rico also requires passage of the National Counselor Exam (NCE).
Four (4) states require examinations in additional areas:

Georgia requires passage of an examination to demonstrate computer competency if no
coursework has been completed in this area.
Nevada requires passage of examinations on NV School Law and the U.S. and Nevada
Constitutions if no coursework has been completed in these areas.
Oregon requires passage of an examination to demonstrate knowledge of Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and state and federal
statutes prohibiting discrimination.
Wyoming requires passage of an examination on the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions if no
coursework has been completed in these areas (this is the only exam WY requires).
RECIPROCITY
Thirty-eight (38) states, The District of Columbia , Guam, and the Virgin Islands allow
recognition of school counseling credentials from other states. These reciprocity provisions
are unique to each state, however, and counselors interested in becoming credentialed in a new
state should contact that states school counselor oversight agency to learn more about this
process. (CT, IA, KS, LA, MN, NE, NM, ND, PA, SD, TX and WI DO NOT allow reciprocity)
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
All fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands
require a criminal background check. Thirty-two (32) states, the District of Columbia, Guam,
Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require the background check when applying for initial
certification/licensure, and eighteen (18) states require the background check at the local school
district level (at point of hire). One (1) state, Nebraska, requires a background check only if the
applicant is a non-Nebraska resident or has not lived in the state for 5 consecutive years.
USING AND UNDERSTANDING THE INFORMATION
PRESENTED IN THE CHART
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
This column sets out the minimum educational qualifications required to be credentialed as a
professional school counselor. Special coursework or training requirements (i.e., multicultural
training, identification of child abuse) are also detailed.
Recency Credit and Recency Experience
Many states require applicants to have earned at least a portion of their academic credits within the
past several years (generally, five years). Some also require that any experience applied toward
meeting experience requirements be recent as well. These requirements are denoted on the chart by
the terms recency credit and recency experience. The state agency should be contacted for more
information about the specifics of these requirements.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
This column indicates what previous experience is required in order to obtain credentialing as a
professional school counselor. A number of states, for example, require applicants to have previous
school counseling experience. In some instances, these experience requirements may be satisfied
while working under a provisional or temporary credential. The state agency should be contacted to
learn whether this option is available.
EXAMINATION
A number of states require professional school counselors to pass standardized examinations as part
of their credentialing requirements. This column outlines the tests required and, if available, the
minimum passing score required.
Educational Testing Service Assessments
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the two main tests that are used by state
agencies in their credentialing program:
Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) measure proficiency in mathematics, reading,

and writing through multiple choice questions and an essay question on the Writing test. The tests
are designed to evaluate whether you have the academic skills needed to prepare for a career in
education.
Computer-based versions (CBT) of these assessments can also be taken by appointment at ETS
field offices and other sites.
Praxis II: Specialty Area Exams measure proficiency in and knowledge of a specific field of
specialization, in this case, School Guidance & Counseling. In some cases, the Principles of
Learning and Teaching section is required.
For more information about these examinations, contact ETS at 1-800-772-9476 / TTY 1-609-771-
7714, or visit them online at www.ets.org/praxis.
State-Administered Assessments
Some states have developed and administer their own assessments for school counselors, teachers,
and other school personnel. State agencies should be contacted for more information about these
assessments.
RECIPROCITY
This column indicates whether the state recognizes a comparable credential issued by another state
and permits applicants to use this credential to meet all or part of the states requirements for
credentialing.
The complexity of state reciprocity regulations and procedures precluded us from providing more
detailed information about how reciprocity is handled by each state. The process is never automatic,
however, and out-of-state credentials may only be substituted to the extent that they are comparable
to the credentials of the state in which the application is being made.
BACKGROUND CHECK
This column reports whether a state, or the employing school district, requires applicants to supply
fingerprints and undergo a criminal background check. Some additional background requirements,
such as U.S. citizenship, are also indicated here.
ACRONYMS
CACREP: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

www.cacrep.org (703) 535-5990
NASDTEC: National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education & Certification

www.nasdtec.org (508) 380-1202
NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors

www.nbcc.org (336) 547-0607
NCATE: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

www.ncate.org (202) 466-7496
NCC: National Certified Counselor, a credential issued by the National Board for Certified
Counselors (NBCC)
NCSC: National Certified School Counselor, a credential issued by the National Board for
Certified Counselors (NBCC)
STATE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE EXAMINATION RECIPROCITY BACK
REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS GROUND
CHECK
ALABAMA (Option 1) Preliminary Certificate: Written exam designed Yes, states who are Yes
Class A Professional Educator None; issued upon by the institution members of
State Department of Certificate in School Counseling: recommendation of a National Council for
Education Masters degree in school superintendent or administrator AND Accreditation of
Teacher Education & counseling from a state- to hire an individual as a school Teacher Education
Certification approved program from a counselor while completing the Praxis II: School (NCATE)
PO Box 302101 regionally accredited institution experience requirements for a Guidance &
Montgomery, AL 36130 that includes a 30 hour Class A Professional Educator Counseling #0420
practicum and a 300 clock hour Certificate in School (min. passing score:
(334) 353-8567 counseling internship (begun Counseling through one of the 520)
tcert@alsde.edu subsequent to completion of the following three options:
www.alsde.edu practicum) in a school-based
setting.* 1 Completion of an AL state-
$30.00 application fee approved Class A program for
$54.15 background check fee *For candidates who enter a school counseling but lacking
$62.15 background check fee program on or after August 1, the required 2 full years of full-
for out-of-state applicants 2010, a 100 hour practicum and time satisfactory educational
who submit a paper 600 hour internship (begun experience required for the
fingerprint card subsequent to completion of the Class A Certificate.
practicum) in a school-based
Professional Educator setting are required, including 2 Completion of a masters
Certificate: School direct service work with early level state-approved program
Counselor [P-12] childhood/elementary and for school counseling at an
secondary school students. institution in another state and
holding a valid professional
If the school counseling program educator certificate for school
is completed at an Alabama counseling from any state but
institution, an acceptable lacking the required 2 full years
prerequisite Professional of full-time satisfactory
Educator Certificate must be educational experience
held. required for the Class A
(Option 2) Certificate.
Masters degree from a
CACREP-accredited school 3 Completion of a masters
counseling program level program in an area of
counseling other than school
7
CHECK
ALABAMA continued Class AA Professional Educator Counseling and holding a valid

Certificate in School Counseling: license as an Associate
Hold the Class A Professional Licensed Counselor or a
Education Certificate in School Licensed Professional
Counseling; and Counselor issued by a state
board of examiners in
Completion of a state-approved counseling.
sixth-year program of at least 30
semester hours of graduate Class A or Class AA
credit above the masters degree Professional Educator
from a regionally accredited Certificate in School
institution. Counseling:
2 years of full-time educational
experience (not required for
CACREP accredited program
graduates)
CHECK
(Option 1)
ALASKA A bachelors degree or higher None None Yes, with all states, Yes
State Department of and completion of a teacher but requirements
Education and Early education program Those who lack the 3 must be met.
Development semester hours of the Alaska
Teacher Certification (Option2) studies and multicultural/cross-
th
801 W. 10 Street, Suite 200 An alternate teacher preparation cultural communications
PO Box 110500 program accepted by the state or requirement may apply for a
Juneau, AK 99811 the commissioner with an Provisional Certificate, valid for
endorsement in school 2 years.
(907) 465-2831 counseling or
tcwebmail@alaska.gov Those who lack the recency
www.eed.state.ak.us (Option 3) credit may apply for a
Completion of a counseling Temporary Certificate, valid for
$125.00 application fee program at a regionally 1 year, if they have 3 years of
$66.00 fingerprint processing accredited institution. full-time counseling experience.
fee
Type C Special Services

Certificate: School
Counselor
[grade levels K-12
CHECK
ARIZONA (Option 1) None No Yes

(Option1) 2 years of verified full-time
State Department of Masters degree in guidance and experience as a school
Education counseling from an accredited guidance counselor
Teacher Certification institution
PO Box 6490 (Option 2)
Phoenix, AZ 85005 3 years of verified full-time
(Option 2) teaching experience
(602) 542-4367 Hold a valid guidance counselor
certification@azed.gov certificate from another state (Option 3)
www.ade.az.gov/certificatio Completion of a supervised
n counseling practicum in school
counseling from an accredited
$60.00 application fee institution (the college/
$69.00 fingerprint processing university sets the # of hours
fee* required)
Call the AZ Dept. of Public

Safety for an IVP fingerprint
clearance card application at
(602) 223-2279. The office
now requires an AZDPS
Identity Verified Print
fingerprint clearance card.
Guidance Counselor
Certificate [PreK-12]
10
CHECK
ARKANSAS Must hold an AR Standard Praxis II: School Yes, for compatible Yes, required
(Option 1) Teaching License in a standard Guidance & licenses. for teacher
State Department of Masters degree in school content teaching area; and Counseling #0420 licensure.
Education counseling (min. passing score: Only if 3-5 years
Professional Licensure 2 years of classroom teaching 600) prior counseling
Arch Ford Education Bldg. (Option 2) experience experience
4 State Capitol Mall, Masters degree in education or
Room 106B in an area of licensure approved
Little Rock, AR 72201 by the State Board of Education,
and completion of a program of
(501) 682-4342 study in school counseling
http://arkansased.org
$50.00 fee if adding the

endorsement to an AR
teaching license
$100.00 fee if licensing
through reciprocity
$44.00 background check fee
School Counseling
Endorsement
[P-8] [7-12] [P-12]
11
CHECK
CALIFORNIA Bachelors degree from an None California Basic Yes, with states that Yes
approved/accredited institution Educational Skills Test have comparable
Commission on Teacher (CBEST) or equivalent* preparation
Credentialing Post baccalaureate study programs.
1900 Capital Avenue consisting of a minimum of 48 Total scaled score
Sacramento, CA 95811 semester hours in a commission- must be at least 123
(888) 921-2682 approved professional (41 in each of the 3
preparation program specializing sections reading,
credentials@ctc.ca.gov in school counseling writing, and math)
www.ctc.ca.gov
In school practicum with school- www.cbest.nesinc.com
$55.00 initial application fee age children (minimum 100 clock
$51.00 fingerprint processing hours) Out-of-state
fee applicants may contact
Institutional recommendation their CA employer
Pupil Personnel Services: about the possibility of
Clear Credential with a Out-of-state applicants must getting a one year non-
Specialization in School complete a professional renewable credential
Counseling [PreK-12] preparation program consisting pending passage of the
of at least 48 semester hours of CBEST or equivalent
post baccalaureate study and exam*.
supervised field experience
consisting of a minimum of 600 *Equivalent exams are
clock hours in a public school at listed at
two of the three school levels. http://www.ctc.ca.gov/c
redentials/leaflets/cl66
7.pdf
12
CHECK
COLORADO Masters degree or higher in None PLACE Examination: Yes Yes

school counseling from an School Counseling
State Department of accredited institution of higher Specialty Assessment
Education education and completion of an
Educator Licensing approved program in school PLACE is the Program
201 E. Colfax Avenue, counseling for Licensing
Room 105 Assessments for
Denver, CO 80203 Completion of a practicum (100 Colorado Educators:
(303) 866-6628 clock hours) and a supervised www.place.nesinc.com
internship (600 clock hours) in a
educator.licensing@ school setting The PLACE exam is
cde.state.co.us administered in
www.cde.state.co.us Institutional recommendation Colorado only.
$60.00 application fee

$39.00 fingerprint processing
fee
Special Services Provider

Endorsement: School
Counselor [Birth-21]
13
CHECK
CONNECTICUT Masters degree from a Must hold a CT Professional Praxis I (PPST): Connecticut does not Yes, at point
regionally accredited college/ Educator Certificate or be (min. passing scores) have reciprocity with of hire.
State Department of university with at least 30 eligible to hold an Initial Reading: 172 any other state.
Education semester hours in a school Educator Certificate Writing: 171 However, Connecticut
participates in the
Bureau of Educator counseling planned program Math: 171 National Association
Standards and Certification including study or experience in AND EITHER: of State Directors of
PO Box 150471, Room 243 specific content areas Teacher Education
Hartford, CT 06115-0471 30 school months of successful and Certification
Completion of a practicum and teaching experience (NASDTEC) Interstate
(860) 713-6969 laboratory experience (the Agreement (NIA) with
teacher.cert@ct.gov college/university sets the # of OR all 50 states. Under
www.ct.gov/sde/cert hours) this agreement, to
Completion of a full-time waive specific
coursework
$50.00 nonrefundable Completion of study in special supervised school internship of requirements,
application fee* education comprised of not 10 school months in a PreK-12 Connecticut will
*The initial educator fewer than 36 clock hours school setting (internship is in accept completion of
certificate is $200 which (including gifted and talented addition to the practicum and a state approved
includes the $50 application children and special-needs laboratory experience required educator preparation
fee children in the regular by the program) program at a
classroom) regionally accredited
Special Services college or university
Endorsement: School Institutional recommendation from another US
state, or a minimum of
Counselor [PreK-12] 30 months of
successful full-time
experience under the
other states valid
educator certificate (at
least equivalent to a
Connecticut initial
educator certificate),
appropriate to the
subject area being
requested.
14
CHECK
DELAWARE (Option 1) (Option 1) Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes

Masters degree from a 3 years of professional (min. passing scores)
State Department of regionally accredited college in experience in a school setting Reading: 175
Education an approved program in Writing: 173
Certification elementary/secondary school Math: 174
401 Federal Street, Suite 2 counseling (Option 2)
Dover, DE 19901-3639 3 years of equivalent
(Option 2) experience as approved by the
(302) 735-4120 Masters degree from a Dept. of Education
http://deeds.doe.k12.de.us regionally accredited college in
any field with a minimum of 27
No application fee semester hours of graduate (Option 3)
coursework in the following 1 year full-time supervised
Standard Certificate: areas: school counseling internship
-Elementary Counselor [1- which is part of a graduate
6] Principles and Practices of the degree program in school
-Middle School Counselor School Counseling Program counseling or is arranged by
[5-8] *must have either an Individual Counseling Skills the Dept. of Education (may be
Elementary or Secondary Group Counseling Skills completed over a 2 year period
Counselor Certificate Human Development on a half-time basis)
-Secondary Counselor [9- Developmental Group
12] Guidance
Individual and Group Testing
for Counselors
Counseling Theory
Consultation
Supervised Practicum
15
CHECK
Completion of two years of
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Masters degree in school recognized full-time teaching Successful completion No Yes, as part
counseling from an accredited experience. One year could be of all portions of the of the
Office of the State institution of higher education, or satisfied by full-time experience Praxis I Evaluations based licensure
Superintendent of Education the equivalent preparation in a in a non-school setting and no on meeting application
(OSSE) counseling area that meets the less than three hundred (300) Pre-Professional Skills educational process.
Division of Elementary & DC municipal regulation clock hours of graduate level Test and all applicable requirements only.
Secondary Education requirements to include: university supervised field portions of the Praxis II
Educator Licensure & experience in counseling in a
Accreditation 300 clock hours of graduate PreK-12 school setting.
th
810 First Street NE, 5 Floor level, university-supervised field One hundred (100) of these
Washington, DC 20002 experience/practicum/internship required hours may be granted
(202) 741-5881 in counseling in a PreK-12 prior to classroom teaching
school setting* experiences. This field
educator.licensurehelp@dc.g experience requirement may
ov *This experience may be a part be met by completion of a
www.osse.dc.gov of completion of a degree degree in school counseling
$50.00 licensure processing program approved by CACREP from a program approved by
fee made payable to DC or an NBCC certificate. the Council for Accreditation of
Treasurer in the form of a Counseling and Related
money order. Educational Program
(CACREP) or a National Board
Service Provider License: of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
School Counselor [K-12] certificate;
16
CHECK
FLORIDA (Option 1) None FL Teacher Yes Yes, at point

Masters degree or higher in Certification of hire.
State Department of guidance and counseling or Examinations (FTCE):
Education counselor education
Bureau of Educator Professional Education
Certification (Option 2) Test
325 West Gaines Street Masters degree or higher with at
Turlington Bldg., Room 201 least 30 semester hours of General Knowledge
Tallahassee, FL 32399 specific coursework in guidance Test
and counseling
(850) 245-9796 Subject Area Test in
(800) 445-6739 3 semester hours in a School Guidance and
edcert@fldoe.org supervised counseling practicum Counseling
www.fldoe.org/edcert in an elementary/secondary
school and an overall GPA of 2.5 www.fl.nesinc.com
fee
School Counselor
Certificate [PK-12]
17
CHECK
GEORGIA (Option 1) None GACE Basic Skills Yes Yes

Masters degree or higher in an Assessment (min.
Professional Standards approved school counseling passing score: 220)*
Commission program from a regionally *Completion of a
Two Peachtree Street, accredited institution masters degree
Suite 6000 qualifies for exemption
Atlanta, GA 30303 3 semester hours of coursework of this requirement.
in special education
(404) 232-2500
(800) 869-7775 State-approved institutional GACE School
www.gapsc.com recommendation Counseling
Assessment #103 and
$20.00 application fee Recency credit/experience #104 (min. passing
score: 220)
School Counselor (Option 2)
Certificate [P-12] Documentation of a NCSC GACE is the Georgia
credential issued by NBCC Assessment for the
Certification of
(Option 3) Educators
Hold a valid LPC license from www.gace.nesinc.com
the GA Board of Professional
Counselors, Social Workers and The Praxis exams
MFTs taken before Sept. 1,
2006 will be accepted.
(Option 4)
Provide documentation of a If you hold/held a
professional out-of-state professional certificate
certificate in school counseling in another state, and
have passed the
appropriate content
knowledge test
required by that state,
you are not required to
take the Georgia
test(s) for licensure.
18
CHECK
HAWAII Completion of an advanced None Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes

graduate level state-approved (min. passing scores)
Teacher Standards Board teacher education program in Reading: 172
650 Iwilei Road, #201 school counseling from a Writing: 171
Honolulu, HI 96817 regionally accredited institution Math: 173
(808) 586-2600
AND
licensingsection@htsb.org
www.htsb.org Praxis II: Principles of
Learning & Teaching
No application fee (min. passing scores)
K-6: 163
School Counselor License 5-9: 157
[K-6] [7-12] [K-12] 7-12: 157
AND
Praxis II: School

Guidance &
Counseling #0420
(min. passing score:
580)
Applicants with a
valid out-of-state
license should refer to
the Standard License
Application instructions
regarding required
tests.
19
CHECK
IDAHO Masters degree in an approved 700 clock hours of supervised Verification of passing Yes Yes
program of graduate study in field experience, half of which one of the three SBOE
State Department of school guidance and counseling must be in a K-12 school approved Idaho Must be at
Education from a college/university setting technology least 18 yrs
Teacher Certification approved by the state education assessments is of age and
PO Box 83720 agency where program was required must
Boise, ID 83720-0027 completed complete the
(208) 332-6881 Idaho
700 hours of supervised field Criminal
www.sde.idaho.gov/site/tea experience is required, 75% of History
cher_certification which must be in a K-12 school Check
setting. Substantial amounts of before initial
$75.00 application fee the experience must be in each certification
$40.00 fingerprint processing of the following levels: can be
fee elementary, middle/junior high, granted.
and high school.
Pupil Personnel Services
Certificate: Counselor [K- Institutional recommendation
12]
Recency credit (6 semester
credits earned within the last 5
years)
20
CHECK
ILLINOIS Masters degree from a For applicants with less than 2 Illinois Certification Yes Yes, once
regionally accredited institution years of teaching experience, Testing Exams: you register
State Board of Education in school counseling, another internship must be 600 clock Basic Skills Test and your
Educator Certification counseling or related field, or hours, with 240 hours of direct Content Area Test in certificate,
100 N. First Street, S-306 educational field service work with school-aged School Counseling which is
Springfield, IL 62777 children. required
(217) 557-6763 Completion of an approved www.icts.nesinc.com before
program for the preparation of Those with more than 2 years employment.
www.isbe.state.il.us/certific school counselors from a of teaching experience are Out-of-state
ation regionally accredited institution required to complete an applicants who hold a
internship of 400 hours, with comparable, valid
$30.00 application fee Completion of a supervised 240 hours of direct service school counselor
$60.00 per test practicum (3 semester hours and work with school-aged children. certificate from another
$25.00 test registration fee 100 clock hours, with 40 hours of state may obtain the
direct service work with school- Provisional School
School Service Personnel aged children), and an internship Counselor Certificate
Certificate Endorsed for (3 semester hours and 600 clock which allows applicants
School Counseling [K-12] hours, with 240 hours of direct 9 months from date of
service work with school-aged issue to pass these
children) exams.
21
CHECK
INDIANA Masters degree in school None None Yes Yes, at point

counseling from a regionally of hire.
State Department of accredited institution
Education
Educator Licensing and Overall 2.5 GPA
Development
151 W. Ohio Street Institutional recommendation
Indianapolis, IN 46204
All applicants must meet the IN
(317) 232-9010 School Services Personnel
(866) 542-3672 Standards for School Counselors
licensinghelp@doe.in.gov and appropriate Developmental
www.doe.in.gov/educatorlic Standards.
ensing
$35.00 licensing fee

$35.00 evaluation fee for out-
of-state applicants
School Services License:

School Counselor [P-12]
22
CHECK
IOWA Masters degree from an The school counselor None No Yes

accredited institution of higher demonstrates competency in
Board of Educational education conducting classroom sessions
Examiners with elementary and middle
th school students (for the
400 East 14 Street Completion of a sequence of
rd
Grimes Building, 3 Floor specific content courses and elementary certification), or
Des Moines, IA 50319-0146 experiences which may have
been part of, or in addition to, the middle and secondary school
students (for the secondary
(515) 281-3245 degree requirements
certification).
www.boee.iowa.gov
Completion of a teaching and
$145.00 application and counseling practicum (minimum
license fee of 500 clock hours) appropriate
$65.00 background check to either the K-6 or the 7-12
school counselor endorsement,
Professional Service under the supervision of a
License Endorsement: licensed professional school
-Elementary School counselor.
Counselor [K-8]
-Secondary School Completion of an approved
Counselor [5-12] human relations component and
an approved exceptional learner
component
23
CHECK
KANSAS (Option1) (Option1) Praxis II: School No Yes

Masters degree in school Must hold or be eligible for a Guidance &
State Department of counseling from an approved Kansas professional level Counseling #0420
Education preparation program with an teaching license (min. passing score:
Teacher Education and overall GPA of 3.25 in graduate 600)
Licensure coursework (Option 2)
th
120 SE 10 Avenue If not from a teaching
Topeka, KS 66612-1182 Recency credit/experience background, must complete a
full-year supervised internship
(785) 291-3678 Completion of a teacher upon completion of the
www.ksde.org/ education preparation program approved school counselor
program. The internship is
$39.00 application fee (Option 2) supervised jointly by the
$50.00 background check fee additional credit hours of school- university and the hiring school
based field experiences required district.
School Specialist License as part of the approved school
with Endorsement for counseling program for (Option3)
School Counselor [PreK-12] candidates without a teaching Out-of-state applicants will
background qualify for either an initial level
or a professional level School
Specialist License as their first
Kansas license based on a
review of their experience in a
school specialist position and
their out-of-state specialist
license.
24
CHECK
KENTUCKY Masters degree in guidance None None Yes, if completed Yes, at the
counseling from an accredited an approved school local school
Education Professional institution counseling M.A. district level.
Standards Board program.
Division of Certification Institutional recommendation
rd
100 Airport Road, 3 Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-4606
(888) 598-7667
dcert@ky.gov
www.kyepsb.net
Guidance Counselor
Certificate [PreK-12] (for all
new certificates issued,
others may still hold a
[K-8], [5-12], or [K-12]
certificate)
25
CHECK
LOUISIANA Counselor in a School Setting Counselor in a School Setting Completion of the No Yes, at point
(add-on endorsement): (add-on endorsement): PRAXIS examination in of hire.
State Department of Masters degree in school Must hold a valid LA teaching School Guidance and
Education counseling from a regionally certificate Counseling (#0402)
Division of Certification, accredited college or university
Preparation, and Recruitment approved by CACREP. If a supervised practicum in a
PO Box 94064 school setting must be
Baton Rouge, LA 70804 Graduate training must include a completed as part of the
practicum in school counseling to educational requirements, .
include 100 contacts hours in a
(225) 342-3490
school setting; or an internship in
(877) 453-2721 Ancillary School Counselor:
school counseling to include 600
www.teachlouisiana.net No experience required for this
contact hours in a school setting;
completion of the PRAXIS
certification.
$50.00 initial ancillary examination in School Guidance
certification fee and Counseling (0420) Professional Counselor:
$25.00 add-on endorsement Applicant must meet the
fee Ancillary School Counselor: requirements for the Counselor
Issued to an applicant who meets in a School Setting
Teaching Certificate all school counselor education Endorsement and hold current
Endorsement: Counselor in requirements listed above under licensure as a Licensed
a School Setting [K-12] OR the add-on endorsement option, Professional Counselor (LPC),
but does not hold a valid Louisiana
Ancillary School Counselor teaching certificate.
Certificate [K-12] OR
Professional Counselor:
Professional Counselor Applicant must hold current
Certificate [K-12] Louisiana licensure and meet the
education requirements listed
above under the add-on
endorsement option.
26
CHECK
MAINE Masters degree or higher from None Praxis II: School Yes Yes
an accredited institution in an Guidance &
State Department of approved program to prepare Counseling #0420
Education school guidance counselors (min. passing score:
Certification Office 570)
23 State House Station Recommendation from the
Augusta, ME 04333 preparing institution AND
(207) 624-6603 Praxis II: Principles of

cert.doe@maine.gov Learning & Teaching
www.maine.gov/education/ (min. passing scores)
cert/ K-6: 166 or 7-12: 162

fee
Educational Specialist
Certificate: School
Guidance Counselor [K-12]
27
CHECK
MARYLAND (Option 1)
(Option 1) 2 years of satisfactory None Yes, provided Yes, at point
State Department of Education performance as a teacher or ancillary of hire.
Certification Masters degree in school counselor in a school setting requirements are
200 W. Baltimore Street guidance and counseling and met.
Baltimore, MD 21201 NBCC certification (Option 2)
Programs approved using
(410) 767-0412 (Option2) state-approved standards:
(866) 772-8922 (toll free) Programs approved using 2 years of state-approved
(410) 333-6442 (TTY/TDD) state-approved standards: satisfactory performance as
www.mdcert.org Masters degree in school a teacher or counselor
guidance and counseling in a
$10.00 certification fee program approved using state- (Option 3)
approved standards 500 clock hours in a supervised
Guidance Counselor practicum in school guidance
Certificate [PreK-12] and counseling
(Option 3)
Programs approved by (Option 4)
CACREP: Programs approved by
Masters degree in school CACREP:
guidance and counseling from As required by CACREP
a program approved by standards
CACREP
(Option 5)
(Option 4) Programs approved under
Programs approved under the Interstate Contract
the Interstate Contract agreement for support
agreement for support services:
services: 2 years of satisfactory
Masters degree in school performance as a teacher or
guidance and counseling from counselor
another state under MDs
Interstate Contract agreement
for support services
28
EXAMINATION BACK
STATE EDUCATIONAL GROUND
REQUIREMENTS EXPERIENCE CHECK
REQUIREMENTS RECIPROCITY
Masters degree with a major
MASSACHUSETTS in counseling, a practicum of None Massachusetts Tests Yes Yes, at point
450 hours in an educational for Educator Licensure of hire.
State Department of Elementary setting. (MTEL):
and Secondary Education Communication and When
Office of Educator Licensure Literacy Skill Test applying for
75 Pleasant Street licensure
Malden, MA 02148 www.doe.mass.edu/mt from the
el Dept. of
(781) 338-6600 Elementary &
www.doe.mass.edu/educator Secondary
s Education, an
applicant
$100.00 application fee must sign off
that they
Professional Support have not
Personnel License: School been
Guidance Counselor convicted or
[PreK-8] [5-12] are currently
charged with
any crime,
read and sign
The Injured
Children
(child abuse
form), and
certify
compliance
with state tax
laws.
29
CHECK
MICHIGAN (Option 1) Completion of not less than a Michigan Test for Yes, only for Yes,
School Counselor Endorsement 600 clock hour internship with Teacher Certification applicants with a completed by
State Department of A teaching certificate with at school-aged pupils under the (MTTC): School teaching certificate. employing
Education least 30 credits of graduate work supervision of a person who is Counselor test (min. school
Office of Professional in school counseling a counselor educator in an passing score: 220) district.
Preparation Services approved school counseling
PO Box 30008 (Option 2) program. At least 300 of the All applicants must
Lansing, MI 48909 School Counselor License - a 600 clock hours shall be in a take and pass this test,
Masters Degree from an school setting. including out-of-state
(517) 373-3310 approved program in school applicants.
www.michigan.gov/mde counseling OR
www.mttc.nesinc.com
$160.00 in-state application (Option 3)
fee / Emergency Certificate: Available
$210.00 out-of-state to a candidate who has
application fee completed 30 semester hours of
$50.00 fee to add school course work in an approved
counselor endorsement to a school guidance counseling
teaching certificate program.
School Counselor
Endorsement placed on a
Teaching Certificate OR
School Counselor License
[K-8] [6-12] [K-12]
30
CHECK
MICHIGAN continued Recommendation of in-state

sponsoring institution
All applications are submitted
on the MI Online Educator
Certification System
( MOECS) and accessed
through the MI Dept. of
Education website
31
CHECK
MINNESOTA Masters degree or equivalent 400 hour practicum under the None No Yes
from a regionally accredited supervision of counselor
State Department of institution educators from approved
Education college guidance and
Educator Licensing Completion of a state-approved counseling program
1500 Highway 36 West or CACREP-accredited school
Roseville, MN 55113 counseling program
(651) 582-8691 If a state-approved school

(651) 582-8201 TTY counseling program is
mde.educator-licensing@ completed, institutional
state.mn.us recommendation is required.
www.education.state.mn.us

fee
School Counselor License

[K-12]
32
CHECK
MISSISSIPPI If applicant already Yes Yes, required

(Option 1) holds a MS teaching at the school
State Department of Hold standard teaching license If applicant does not hold a MS certificate: district level.
Education and a masters degree in educator license, must
Educator Licensure guidance and counseling complete a full-year internship Praxis II: School
PO Box 771 as part of the school guidance Guidance &
Jackson, MS 39205 (Option 2) and counseling program. Counseling #0420
Masters degree in another area (min. passing score:
(601) 359-3483 and completion of an approved 580)
www.mde.k12.ms.us program for guidance and
counseling (with a year If applicant does not
No application fee internship in school counseling) hold a teaching
and a passing score on the certificate:
Educator License: Praxis II
Guidance Counselor [K-12] Praxis I (PPST):
(Option 3) (min. passing scores)
Complete an approved masters Reading: 170
degree program for guidance Writing: 172
and counseling which includes a Math: 169
full year internship;
and
(Option 4)
Hold National Certified School Praxis II: School
Counselor (NCSC) credential Guidance &
issued by the National Board of Counseling #0420
Certified Counselors (NBCC). (min. passing score:
580)
33
CHECK
MISSOURI
(Option1) (Option 1) Praxis II: School Yes Yes
State Department of A supervised internship of at Guidance &
Elementary & Secondary Masters degree in guidance and least 3 credits Counseling #0420
Education counseling from a college/ (min. passing score:
Educator Certification university approved by the MO 590)
205 Jefferson Street Department of Elementary & (Option 2)
PO Box 480 Secondary Education, consisting At least 300 hours of a
Jefferson City, MO 65102 of at least 42 semester hours of supervised internship
graduate study in guidance and
(573) 751-0051 counseling
certfication@dese.
mo.gov Supervised practicum in a school
http://dese.mo.gov guidance program for at least 3
semester hours
No application fee for
Missouri graduates (Option 2)
$50.00 out-of-state Masters degree in school
application fee counseling, counseling, or
$52.20 fingerprint processing counseling psychology, including
fee* specified coursework in school
*Visit www.l1enrollment.com counseling, and a 300 hour
to schedule an appointment supervised internship in a school
for electronic fingerprinting. setting
For both:
Student Services Certificate
of License to Teach: School Completion of coursework in
Counselor [K-8] [7-12] psychology and education of the
exceptional child caching
methods, practices and
classroom management.
Overall GPA of 2.5 and

institutional recommendation
34
CHECK
MONTANA (Option 1) A supervised internship of at None Yes Yes,

least 600 hours in a school or fingerprint
Office of Public Instruction Masters degree in school school related setting clearance.
Educator Licensure counseling from a NCATE
PO Box 202501 accredited or State Board of
Helena, MT 59620-2501 Education approved professional
educator preparation program
(406) 444-3150
cert@mt.gov (Option 2)
www.opi.mt.gov/cert Masters degree with equivalent
graduate level school counseling
$36.00 application fee content
fee
Class 6 Specialist License

with a School Counselor
Endorsement [K-12]
35
CHECK
NEBRASKA Masters degree in school Must hold a NE teaching Praxis I (PPST): No Yes, for first-
counseling from a standard certificate (min. passing scores) time non-
State Department of institution of higher education Reading: 170 Nebraska
Education with a minimum of 36 graduate Writing: 172 applicants
Teacher Certification hours 2 years of teaching experience Math: 171 and those
301 Centennial Mall South in any U.S. state-approved K- who have not
PO Box 94987 At least 100 clock hours of 12 school lived in NE
Lincoln, NE 68509-4987 clinical experience prior to for 5
internship consecutive
(402) 471-0739 years.
tcertweb@education.ne.gov Completion of an internship
www.education.ne.gov/tcert consisting of 450 clock hours Must also be
of good
$55.00 application fee Training in human relations (a moral
$50.00 fingerprint processing course that addresses racism, character,
fee sexism, and multicultural issues) have no
felony or
School Guidance Completion of special education misdemeanor
Counselor Endorsement competencies requirement conviction
[K-6] [4-9] [7-12] [K-12] involving
Institutional recommendation abuse,
neglect, or
Recency credit sexual
misconduct,
and have not
been
determined
mentally
incompetent.
36
CHECK
(Option 1)
NEVADA Masters degree or higher in If masters degree is in a non- Praxis II: School Yes, although Yes;
school counseling from a counseling field, must complete Guidance & applies only to
State Department of regionally accredited college/ 2 years of teaching or school Counseling #0420 states that are chest X-ray or
Education university counseling experience. (min. passing score: members of the TB skin test;
Teacher Licensure 610) National and must be a
(Option 2) Association of State U.S. citizen or
Southern Office Directors of have
9890 South Maryland Pkwy. NCSC certification by NBCC Must pass exams on Teacher permanent
resident
Suite 231, Room 234 NV School Law, NV
status
Las Vegas, NV 89183 (Option 3) Constitution, and U.S.
(702) 486-6458 Constitution if there
Masters degree or higher and a has been no
Northern Office minimum of 36 hours in specific coursework in these
700 E. Fifth Street, graduate coursework and two of areas.
Suite 105 the following areas of study:
Carson City, NV 89701 Technology in Education
(775) 687-9115 Exceptional Children
Human Growth and
license@doe.nv.gov Development
http://nvteachers.doe.nv.go Substances Abuse
v Counseling
$161.00 application fee A practicum, internship, or field

experience in school counseling
Specialized Education at any grade level in K-12
Personnel: Endorsement consisting of 280 hours
for School Counselor [K-12]
All applicants must complete
testing or coursework in NV
School Law, NV Constitution,
and the U.S. Constitution within
3 years from date license is
issued.
37
CHECK
NEW HAMPSHIRE Masters degree or higher in Applicants without masters Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes
guidance and counseling degree in guidance and (min. passing scores)
State Department of approved by the State Board of counseling must have at least 3 Reading: 174
Education Education months full-time experience Writing: 172
Bureau of Credentialing pertinent to subject area. Math: 172
101 Pleasant Street
Concord, NH 03301 Acquired the competencies,
skills, and knowledge of a State-administered
(603) 271-3494 guidance counselor through written exam and oral
www.education.nh.gov completion of courses related to review for applicants
school counseling at the without a masters
$130.00 application masters degree level or higher degree in guidance
processing/credential fee and completion of a counseling and counseling
internship in a school setting or
Educational Specialist experience in comparable
Endorsement: School positions in school guidance and
Guidance Counselor [K-12] counseling or other professions
closely related to school
guidance and counseling.
38
CHECK
Masters degree or higher from a
NEW JERSEY regionally accredited college/ None None Yes Yes, at point
university whose school of hire.
State Department of counseling program meets
Education CACREP standards (candidate Must be a
Office of Licensure & will be issued a standard school U.S. citizen.
Credentials counselor certificate)
PO Box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625-0500
Completion of a minimum of 48
(609) 292-2070 graduate semester credit hours
www.nj.gov/education/educ in the areas of counseling (18
ators/license semester hours), testing and
evaluation (3), psychology (6),
$95.00 application fee sociological foundations (6),
statistics and research methods
Educational Services (3), electives from above
Certificate: School subjects (6), and a 6 credit
Counselor [P-12] supervised counseling practicum
in a P-12 school setting or
NJ covers N-12 grades and completion of a department
does not offer specific grade approved graduate curriculum in
level Counselor certifications school counseling
39
CHECK
(Option 1)
NEW MEXICO Masters degree in school None New Mexico Teacher No; however, if you Yes
counseling from a regionally Assessments (NMTA): obtain a masters
State Public Education accredited college/university Content Knowledge degree in a school
Department approved by the Public Assessment for School outside of NM that
Professional Licensure Education Department Counselor (min. meets the Bureau of
Bureau passing score: 240) Education standards,
Education Building (Option 2) a license can be
300 Don Gaspar Street Masters degree in a discipline www.nmta.nesinc.com granted
Santa Fe, NM 87501 other than school counseling and
36-42 graduate hours in school
(505) 827-5821 counseling, including a 300 hour
licensureunit@state.nm.us practicum in a school setting
www.ped.state.nm.us/licen approved by the Public
sure Education Department
$125.00 application fee (Option 3)

$75.00 background check fee NCSC certification by NBCC
Support Personnel License: (Option 4)

School Counselor [PreK-12] Be licensed as an Licensed
Professional Counselor (LPC) or
Licensed Professional Clinical
Counselor (LPCC) by the NM
Counseling Therapy Practice
Board and completion of a
minimum of 6 semester hours of
graduate credit in school
counseling coursework.
40
CHECK
NEW YORK (Option 1) (Option 1 and Option 3) None Yes Yes,

Completion of a NY registered None fingerprint
State Education Department school counseling program clearance.
Office of Teaching Initiatives (Option 2)
Certification (Option 2) Supervised practice in school Must be a
Education Building, 5N Baccalaureate degree from a counseling. The internship permanent
89 Washington Avenue regionally accredited institution must be in a K-12 school resident to
Albany, NY 12234 of higher education or from an setting under the supervision of obtain
institution authorized by NY a regionally accredited college permanent
(518) 474-3901 Department of Education; or university having an certification.
(800) 855-2880 (TTY) AND At least 30 semester hours approved program of
www.highered.nysed.gov/tc of approved graduate study in preparation for the certificate in
ert the field of school counseling, question. One year of paid full-
time approved experience as a
$100.00 application fee (Option 3) school counselor in PreK-12
$99.00 fingerprint processing Be Nationally certified as a setting may be substituted fro
fee school counselor by the National the internship/practice.
Board for Professional Teaching
Pupil Personnel Services Standards (NBPTS).
Certificate: School
Counselor [PreK-12]
41
CHECK
NORTH CAROLINA Masters degree or higher from None Praxis II: School Yes Yes, required
an approved program in school Guidance & at the school
State Department of Public counseling from a regionally Counseling #0420 district level.
Instruction accredited college/university (min. passing score:
Licensure Section 570)
6365 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-6365
(919) 807-3310 (outside NC)

(800) 577-7994 (in-state)
www.dpi.state.nc.us/licens
ure
$55.00 in-state application

fee
$85.00 out-of-state
application fee
Student Services Personnel

License: School Counselor
[K-12]
42
CHECK
NORTH DAKOTA Master's degree in counseling, (Option 1) None No Yes, FBI

education, or a related human Have two years of successful background
State Department of Public service field and the following professional experience in Applicants who check and
Instruction graduate core counseling teaching or a related human qualify for the fingerprinting.
600 E. Boulevard Avenue coursework content from a state- service field except as provided Professional School
Department 201 approved school counseling through provisions and Counseling Restricted
Bismarck, ND 58505 program: License (those without
(Option 2) a teaching license) will
Hold a valid educators
(701) 328-2244 a. Elementary school counseling; first receive a
professional license or be
http://www.dpi.state.nd.us/a b. Secondary school counseling; provisional license until
pursuing licensure as a teacher
pprove/counselor_credenti c. Supervised school counseling by engaging in a course of study
additional coursework
al.shtm internship consisting of a that will result in licensure within is completed and the
minimum of 450 contact hours of seven years of initial Praxis I exam is
$100.00 in-state application which at least 150 contact hours employment as a school passed.
fee are at both the elementary and counselor and
$275.00 out-of-state secondary level;
application fee d. Counseling program (Option 3)
management;
Professional School e. Counseling theories; (3) Have a Supervised school-
Counseling Restricted f. Assessment techniques; based internship of at least 450
License [PreK-12] g. Group counseling; hours, with at least 150 hours in
h. Career counseling and direct counseling services.
assessment;
i. Social and multicultural
counseling;
j. Ethics and law; and
k. Counseling techniques.
43
CHECK
OHIO Masters degree and completion (Option 1) Praxis II: School Yes Yes
of an approved program in 2 years of successful teaching Guidance &
State Department of school counseling experience under a standard, Counseling #0420
Education provisional, or professional (min. passing score:
Educator Licensure Successful completion of an teaching certificate/license 510)
25 S. Front Street, MS 105 internship in a school setting
Columbus, OH 43215 consisting of 600 contact hours (or the NTE if taken
(Option 2) prior to 9/1999 with a
(614) 466-3593 4 hours of in-service training in A one year induction under the 510 score or higher)
educator.licensure@ode.stat child abuse prevention and supervision of a Licensed
e.oh.us identification is required within 3 School Counselor
http://education.ohio.gov years of becoming employed as
a school counselor. (Option 3)
$200.00 in-state application 3 years of experience as a
fee licensed school counselor in
$250.00 out-of-state another state (a provisional
application fee license may be issued if the
Fingerprint processing and experience requirement is not
background check fee varies met)
by agency/location
Professional Pupil Services

License: School Counselor
[K-12]
44
CHECK
Two years of previous related
OKLAHOMA (Option1) experience With an OK teaching Yes No; however,
Masters degree in guidance and certificate: districts have
State Department of counseling the option of
Education Oklahoma Subject requiring a
Professional Standards (Option 2) Area Test in School background
Teacher Certification NCSC certification by NBCC Counseling check.
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Without a teaching
certificate:
(405) 521-3337
www.sde.state.ok.us Oklahoma General
Education Test
$50.00 initial application fee
$50.00 certificate fee Oklahoma Subject
$58.00 fingerprint processing Area Test in School
fee Counseling
Elementary Counselor Oklahoma Professional

Certificate [K-8] Teaching Exam
Secondary Counselor
Certificate [7-12] Certification
School Counselor Examinations for
Certificate [PK-12] Oklahoma Educators
(CEOE)
www.ceoe.nesinc.com
45
CHECK
OREGON Initial I School Counselor License: (Must score a minimum of Yes Yes
Masters degree or higher in (Option 1) 610 on the Praxis Test of
Teaching Standards and counseling, education, or related Initial I School Counselor School Guidance and
Practices Commission behavioral sciences from a License: Counseling
465 Commercial St. NE regionally accredited institution 2 years of teaching experience
Pass a test of basic
Salem, OR 97301 verbal and computational
Completion, as part of the
masters program or separately, of (Option 2) skills (either Praxis I
(503) 378-3586 CBEST or Praxis/PPST).
an initial graduate program in Completion of both a teaching
www.tspc.state.or.us The professional
school counseling at an institution and a counseling practicum knowledge test in school
approved by the commission counseling may be
fee waived if you verify five
Completion of 6 quarter hours of a years of full-time
$120.00 out-of-state supervised practicum or internship counseling in a public
application fee Initial II School Counselor school or regionally
$62.00 fingerprint processing Initial II School Counselor License: License: accredited* private school
fee 6 semester hours or 9 quarter None in addition to above in the U.S. on a license
hours of graduate level academic valid for the assignment
School Counselor License credit from a regionally accredited before obtaining any
[grade levels vary] college/university after the Initial I Oregon license
School Counselor License has
been issued
Continuing School Counselor
Continuing School Counselor License:
License (optional): At least 3 years of half-time
Meet educational requirements for school experience
an initial counselor license and
hold a masters degree
Ph.D. in educational, vocational, or

clinical counseling, or clinical or
counseling psychology OR
completion of an advanced
program in counseling
competencies consisting of at
least 6 semester hours or 9
quarter hours of graduate credit, or
the equivalent, and a practicum
counseling students
46
CHECK
No, but
PENNSYLVANIA Masters degree in school A minimum of an additional 300 Praxis I (PPST): Pennsylvania has Yes, at point of
counseling from a regionally clock hours of (min. passing scores) signed an Interstate hire.
State Department of approved college or university. internship/supervised field Reading: 172 Agreement with 44
Education experiences to include Writing: 173 other Pennsylvania
Bureau of School Leadership instructional experience and a Math: 173 states/jurisdictions law requires
and Teacher Quality Completion of a school minimum of 70 hours based upon the State and FBI
rd
333 Market Street, 3 Floor counseling program approved by (elementary) OR 75 hours AND mutually agreed- records for all
Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 the PA Department of (secondary) of direct service upon conditions of prospective
Elementary and Secondary with individual and group Praxis II: School that contract. employees,
(717) 787-3356 Education . clients. Guidance & Pennsylvania does student
www.education.state.pa.us Counseling #0420 not have an teachers, etc.,
(min. passing score: agreement with that have direct
$100.00 in-state application 590) CT,IA,WI,MO,MT contact with
fee and SD. It should children. The
$160.00 out-of-state be noted, however, Child Abuse
application fee that in all cases, History
candidates for Clearance is
Educational Specialist Pennsylvania also required of
Certificate: certification must all applicants.
-Elementary School complete the Praxis
Counselor [K-6] tests required by
-Secondary School Pennsylvania.
Counselor [7-12]
47
CHECK
RHODE ISLAND Masters degree from an Must hold or be eligible to hold None Yes Yes, at point of
approved/accredited institution a RI provisional teaching hire.
State Department of with at least 24 semester hours certificate and have two years
Elementary & Secondary of specific coursework in school teaching experience at the
Education counseling (Introduction to Pupil elementary or secondary level;
Educator Quality & Personnel Service, Techniques A minimum of a 3 semester
Certification of Counseling, Psychological hour internship in school
255 Westminister Street and Educational Assessment, counseling.
Providence, RI 02903 Vocational and Educational
Placement) and a minimum of a
(401) 222-4600, ext. 2003 3 semester hour internship in
eqac@ride.ri.gov school counseling
www.ride.ri.gov
Support Professional
Certificate: School
Counselor [PK-12]
48
CHECK
SOUTH CAROLINA Masters degree and completion None Praxis II: School Yes Yes, Undergo
of an advanced program Guidance & a criminal
State Department of approved by the State Board of Counseling #0420 records check
Education Education for the preparation of (min. passing score: by the South
Educator Certification school counselors 550) Carolina Law
Landmark II Building Enforcement
3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500 Division and a
Columbia, SC 29204 national
criminal
records check
(803) 734-8466
supported by
(877) 885-5280 (in-state) fingerprints
certification@scteachers.org conducted by
www.scteachers.org/cert the Federal
Bureau of
$105.00 application fee Investigation.

fee
Guidance Counselor
Certificate-
Guidance Elementary: K-8
Guidance Secondary: 7-12
49
CHECK
SOUTH DAKOTA Masters degree in school 600 clock hour school None No Yes, at point
counseling, the required courses internship under the of hire.
State Department of and experiences of which shall supervision of a certified school
Education meet the CACREP standards counselor
Teacher Quality (2001 edition)
800 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501 The program shall require
candidates to demonstrate the
(605) 773-3553 applicable content, pedagogical,
certification@state.sd.us and professional knowledge and
http://doe.sd.gov/ skills identified in the CACREP
standards.
Application fees:
$18 for one year validity Applicants whose programs are
$36 for five year validity more than five years old must
$60 for ten year validity provide documentation of 6
(advanced degree only) semester hours in the applicants
field of study from an accredited
School Service Specialist four-year institution in the five
Certificate: School years immediately preceding the
Counselor [P-12] date of application. The
department may issue a one-
year certificate allowing an
applicant to complete the
required college credits.
50
CHECK
TENNESSEE Masters degree in an approved Must have 2 years of Praxis II: School No Yes, required
PreK-12 school counseling classroom teaching Guidance & at the district
State Department of program experience. Counseling #0420 level.
Education (min. passing score:
Teacher Licensing Completion of a 1 semester 580)
Andrew Johnson Tower school counseling internship
710 James Robertson Pkwy., (universities require 300 hours Out-of-state
th
4 Floor preK-6 level and 300 hours 7-12 applicants are not
Nashville, TN 37243 level = total of 600 hours) required to take this
test if certain
(615) 532-4885 Institutional recommendation requirements are met.
education.licensing@tn.gov
www.tn.gov/education/lic
No application fee
Apprentice Special Group

License (first level) or
Professional School
Service Personnel License
(second level): School
Counselor [PreK-12]
51
CHECK
TEXAS (Option 1) 2 years of classroom teaching Texas Examinations of No Yes

Masters degree from an experience in a public or Educator Standards
Texas Education Agency accredited institution of higher accredited private school (TExES): School
Educator Certification, education that at the time was Counselor Test #152
Standards, & Investigations accredited or otherwise 2 years of counseling (min. passing score:
1701 North Congress Ave., approved by an accrediting experience in a school setting 240)
WBT 5-100 organization recognized by the for out-of-state applicants who
Austin, TX 78701 Texas Higher Education do not hold a classroom www.texes.ets.org
Coordinating Board teaching certificate
(512) 936-8400
(888) 863-5880 (Option 2)
www.tea.state.tx.us Completion of an approved
school counselor preparation
$77.00 application fee program
$42.25 fingerprint processing Note: Alternative certification

fee programs are available for
educators who hold a masters
School Counselor degree.
Certificate [EC-12]
EC = early childhood
52
CHECK
UTAH Masters degree in school Provisional Certificate: Praxis II: School Yes Yes
counseling or related field Practicum Guidance &
State Office of Education Counseling #0420
Teaching & Learning Practicum consisting of 100 Level 1 License: (min. passing score:
250 E. 500 South clock hours Completion of the required 600 580)
PO Box 144200 hour field experience in a
Salt Lake City, UT 84114 Supervised 600-hour field school setting (400 hours are
experience in a school setting required if applicant has 2 or
(801) 538-7740 more years of teaching or
www.schools.utah.gov/cert/ Institutional recommendation counseling experience)
$55.00 in-state application Level 2 License:

fee; $80.00 out-of-state Completion of 3 years of
application fee; $69.00 successful experience as a
fingerprint processing fee school counselor under a Level
1 License
School Counselor
Professional Educator Recommendation by employing
License [K-12] Superintendent
53
CHECK
VERMONT Level 1 License: Level 1 License: Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes

Masters degree with a None Reading
State Department of concentration in school Writing
Education counseling, or the equivalent, Level 2 License: Math
Educator Licensing from a regionally accredited or 3 years of experience as a
120 State Street state-approved institution school counselor under a Level Composite score of
Montpelier, VT 05620 1 License 526 or higher required
Supervised internship
(802) 828-2445 experience (600 clock hours) in Out-of-state applicants OR
doe-licensinginfo@state.vt. counseling with a minimum of 60 applying for licensure via
us hours of experience in school reciprocity may be eligible for Approved substitute
www.education.vermont.go counseling at both the the Level 2 License if applicant test
v elementary (PK-6) and middle/ provides evidence of a
secondary (7-12) levels, under minimum of 3 years of at least
$160.00 Level 1 License the supervision of a licensed half-time school counseling
$320.00 Level 2 License school counselor experience.
$19.25 background check fee
Level 2 License:
School Counselor Meet the educational
Endorsement License requirements for a Level 1
[PK-12] License; and
Complete additional coursework

and have an approved Individual
Professional Development Plan
(IPDP)
54
CHECK
VIRGINIA (Option 1 ) (Option 1) None Yes Yes,

Masters degree in an approved 2 years of successful full-time background
State Department of counselor education program teaching or counseling checks are
Education from a regionally accredited experience in a public school or required by
Division of Teacher Education college/university, which shall accredited nonpublic school local school
and Licensure include at least 100 hours of boards for
James Monroe Building clinical experience in a preK-6 (Option 2) new
PO Box 2120 setting and 100 hours of clinical 2 years of successful full-time employees.
Richmond, VA 23218-2120 experience in a grades 7-12 experience in school
setting counseling under a VA
(804) 225-2022 Provisional License in a public
licensure@doe.virginia.gov (Option 2) school or accredited nonpublic
www.doe.virginia.gov Masters degree from a school
regionally accredited college/
$50.00 in-state application university and completion of an
fee; $75.00 out-of-state approved counselor education
application fee program
Pupil Personnel Services

License with an
Endorsement for School
Counselor [PreK-12]
55
CHECK
WASHINGTON Residency Level: Residency Level: (Option1) Yes Yes

Masters degree from a None The candidate shall
Office of Superintendent of regionally accredited college/ have successfully
Public Instruction university in counseling and Continuing Level: completed a written
Professional Certification completion of a state-approved 180 days in a school setting in comprehensive
PO Box 47200 program in school counseling (or the role. examination of the
Olympia, WA 98504-7200 verification of 3 years of out-of- knowledge included in
state school counselor the course work for the
(360) 725-6400 experience under appropriate required master's
(360) 664-3631 (TTY) certification, if certification was degree. This
cert@k12.wa.us required) examination shall be
www.k12.wa.us/certification an examination of a
Continuing Level: regionally accredited
$35.00 residency level After meeting initial level institution of higher
application fee education requirements, education
$46.25 fingerprint processing completion of a college level
fee course that includes peer review (Option 2)
$20.00 ESD processing fee while employed in the role, and The National
ESD = educational service completion of coursework Counselor Examination
district relating to issues of abuse (NCE) of the National
$33.00 OSPI fee for all Board of Certified
actions Professional Level: Counselors (NBCC).
$70.00 continuing level Must meet residency level
application fee requirements; and
$25.00 professional level
application fee Completion of a state-approved
Educational Staff Associate
Educational Staff Associate (ESA) professional certificate
Certificate: School program and coursework relating
Counselor [P-12] to issues of abuse OR hold a
valid school counselor certificate
issued by NBPTS and
completion of coursework
relating to issues of abuse
56
CHECK
WEST VIRGINIA Masters degree in counseling None Praxis II: School Yes Yes, all initial
from an accredited institution of Guidance & applicants
Department of Education higher education Counseling #0420 must submit
Office of Professional (min. passing score: fingerprints
Preparation Successful completion of a 580) for a state
Building 6, Room 252 school counseling program from and FBI
1900 Kanawha Blvd. East a regionally accredited background
Charleston, WV 25305 College/University check.
(304) 558-7010 Overall GPA of 3.0 in graduate Must be a

(800) 982-2378 work. U.S. citizen.
http://wvde.state.wv.us/cert
ification Must present
a charter
reference for
$25.00 application processing good moral
fee character and
$45.00 background reports personal
fee physical,
emotional,
Professional Student and mental
Support Certificate: School fitness
Counselor [PreK-Adult] to perform
the duties of
a counselor.
57
CHECK
WISCONSIN Masters degree from a state- Eligibility for a WI license to Praxis II: School No Yes
approved school counseling teach in the elementary/ Guidance &
Department of Public program secondary schools; Counseling #0420
Instruction 2 years of successful teaching (min. passing score:
Teacher Education, Institutional endorsement experience at the elementary/ 560) is required for
Professional Development secondary school levels. applicants completing
and Licensing a program after August
125 S. Webster Street If applicant has completed a 31, 2010.
PO Box 7841 program out-of-state prior to
Madison, WI 53707-7841 August 31, 2004:
A minimum of 2 years of
(608) 266-1027 successful experience as a
(608) 264-9541 (TTY/TDD) licensed school counselor in
(800) 266-1027 (voicemail) another state in an assigned
licensing@dpi.wi.gov position of time or more and
http://dpi.wi.gov/tepdl written recommendation from
the school system
$100.00 in-state application administration.
fee
$150.00 out-of-state If an applicant completed a
application fee program out-of-state, one of
the above, or an approved
Pupil Services License: one-year, full time internship in
School Guidance school counseling at the early
Counselor [K-12] childhood-adolescence level.
58
CHECK
WYOMING Completion of an approved/ (Option1) Must take exams on Yes Yes

accredited teacher preparation 2 years of successful teaching the U.S. and Wyoming
Professional Teaching program or school counseling Constitutions if there
Standards Board experience in a recognized K- has been no
1920 Thomes Avenue, Masters degree in school 12 school setting coursework in these
Suite 400 counseling and guidance from areas.
Cheyenne, WY 82001 an approved program
(Option 2)
(307) 777-6261 Practicum or internship in a 3 years of comparable
(800) 675-6893 recognized K-12 school setting experience in a human
http://ptsb.state.wy.us (the college/university program services setting
sets the # of hours required)
fee Coursework or testing on the
$200.00 out-of-state U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions
application fee
$50.00 fingerprint processing Institutional recommendation
fee
Educator License with a

Professional Services
Endorsement: School
Counselor [K-6] [7-12] [K-
12]
59
U.S. Territories

CHECK
GUAM Masters degree in education or Professional 1 Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes, a

psychology with an emphasis in 2 years of successful teaching (min. passing scores) certified
Guam Public School System guidance and counseling or or school counseling Reading: 173 police
PO Box DE student personnel, with 27 experience Writing: 170 clearance is
Hagta, GU 96932 semester hours in specific Math: 170 required.
guidance and counseling Professional 2
(671) 475-0441 coursework 30 graduate semester hours A
www.gdoe.net beyond the masters degree Tuberculosis
A 3 semester hour practicum or within the area of guidance and (TB)
$25.00 application fee internship counseling clearance
$5.00 background check fee and drug test
Must complete a 3 semester clearance are
Guidance Counselor credit course in Guam history or also required
Certificate [K-12] culture within the first year of before
certification. beginning
[*NOTE: Guam did not employment.
provide updated information
for 2012. Please contact the
Board to verify requirements.]
60
CHECK
PUERTO RICO Masters degree or higher in Completion of a minimum of NCE No Yes

counseling from an institution 500 hours post-masters
PR Office of Regulation and accredited by the Council of practice supervised by a Health
Certification of Health Higher Education in Puerto Rico Certified Mentor The basic knowledge certificated
Professionals part of the PCMAS Negative
Board of Examiners of exam (Pruebas para certificated
Professional Counselors Certificar Maestros = of penal
787/765-2929 Be licensed in Puerto Rico as a Teacher Certification record
www.salud.gov.pr professional counselor (LPC) exam) offered by the ASUME
College Board of Tax reports
All professional counselors in Puerto Rico and Latin
Puerto Rico, regardless of America.
specialty, must be licensed as
a professional counselor by http://oprla.collegeboar
the Board of Examiners of d.com/ptorico/pr/progra
Professional Counselors. m/pcmas.html
Professional counselors
wishing to work in the Puerto
Rico Public School System
must be certified by the PR
Department of Education:
http://www.de.gobierno.pr/
School Guidance
Counselor [PK-12]
61
CHECK
VIRGIN ISLANDS Masters degree (Option 1) None Yes Yes

Holds or is eligible to hold a
VI Department of Education Completion of, as part of or in valid VI teaching certificate
(St. Thomas location) addition to the masters degree,
PO Box 11900 a minimum of 30 semester credit (Option2)
Dronningens Gade hours in a planned program in Completion of a minimum of 30
Nos. 60B, 61, and 62 school counseling services from school months of successful
St. Thomas, VI 00801 an institution approved and/or teaching or counseling
(340) 774-4546 accredited for the preparation of experience at the elementary
school counselors, including or secondary levels
VI Department of Education study and experience
(St. Croix location)
Sunny Isles Professional Completion of a minimum of one
Building, Suite 1 introductory course in special
St. Croix, VI 00820 education and computer
(340) 772-4144
Must complete a course in Virgin
TeachUSVI@doe.vi Islands history within the first
www.teachusvi.net year of employment.
Professional Educator
Class II Certificate: School
Counselor [K-12]
62
State Certification/Licensure Renewal Requirements
Forty-nine (49) states, the District of Columbia, and Guam require certified/licensed school counselors
to complete professional development to renew their credentials. The New Jersey school counselor
certificate is permanent and there are no renewal requirements. Information for Puerto Rico and the Virgin
Islands was not available.
Certification/
Certification/ Licensure
State Licensure Level Renewal Renewal Requirements
Alabama Professional Educator Every 5 years One of the following:
Certificate in School A. 3 years of full-time satisfactory educational
Counseling experience and either 5 allowable Continuing
Education Units (equates to 50 clock hours of
professional development) OR 3 semester
hours of allowable credit.
B. 5 allowable Continuing Education Units
(equates to 50 clock hours of professional
development) OR 3 semester hours of
allowable credit.
C. 6 semester hours of allowable credit.
D. Certification from the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
earned during the valid period of the AL
Professional Educator Certificate currently held.
Alaska Type C Special Every 5 years Completion of 6 semester hours, or 9 quarter
Services Certificate hours, of credit earned from a regionally
accredited university within the 5 years the
certificate is valid. It is possible to use up to 3
CEUs or non-academic credits to renew the
certificate. The other 3 credits must be upper
division. The coursework should be related to
counseling.
Arizona Guidance Counselor Every 6 years 180 clock hours of professional development or
Certificate 12 semester hours of education coursework on
official transcripts or a combination of both
(1 semester hour = 15 clock hours). A valid
fingerprint card is also required.
Arkansas School Counseling Every 5 years Verification of 60 clock hours of professional
Endorsement on a development annually for the previous 5 years.
Teaching License
California Clear Credential with a Every 5 years None required through the Commission on
Specialization in School Teacher Credentialing (other than application
Counseling and fee). Professional growth requirements are
the responsibility of the local employing agency.
Colorado Special Services Every 5 years 6 semester hours of college/university credit or
Provider Endorsement 90 clock/contact hours of professional
development.
63
Certification/
Connecticut Special Services Every 5 years 90 contact hours of continuing education
Endorsement on a (1 graduate credit = 15 contact hours).
Professional Educator
Certificate
Delaware Continuing License Every 5 years Complete 90 clock hours of professional
development over 5 years. 1 semester hour =
15 clock hours; 1 quarter hour = 10 clock hours;
1 CEU = 10 clock hours.
D.C. School Service Provider Every 4 years Complete 6 semester hours or 90 contact hours
License (or a combination of both) of professional
development activities. 1 CEU = 10 contact
hours; 1 semester credit hour = 15 contact
hours.
Florida School Counselor Every 5 years 6 semester hours of college credit or 120 in-
Certificate service points.
Georgia Clear Renewable Every 5 years 10 professional learning units (field related) or 6
Certificate semester hours of college credit (field related)
or 10 continuing education units (field related).
1 CEU = 10 contact hours.
Certificate may also be renewed based on

submission of a valid National Certified School
Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the
National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)
or submission of a valid State of Georgia
Professional Counselor License issued by the
Office of the Secretary of State.
Guam Professional I Every 3 years 6 credit hours of professionally related
coursework and a satisfactory performance
Professional II Every 6 years evaluation.
Hawaii School Counselor Every 5 years Complete Professional Growth Plan goals by
License completing activities and experiences identified
in plan to equal 60 points. Professional Growth
Plan must contain 2 HTSB Performance
Standards as goals. Reflection Report
describing activities and experiences and how
they impacted career is required.
Idaho Pupil Personnel Every 5 years 6 semester credit hours of counseling related
Services Certificate coursework.
64
Certification/
Illinois School Service Every 5 years For counselors who hold the School Service
Personnel Standard Personnel Certificate (standard or master) and
Certificate have been employed in an IL public school
during the 5 or 10 year validity cycle of the
certificate: Complete an advanced degree OR
complete the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification
process (or recertification process) OR
complete at least 80 Continuing Professional
Development Units (CPDUs) that address 3 of 4
specified categories. If individual is nationally
School Service Every 10 certified as a National Certified Counselor or
Personnel Master years Nationally Certified School Counselor from the
Certificate NBCC, or holds an active licensed issued by
the state as a clinical professional counselor or
professional counselor, this satisfies the
professional development requirements.
Indiana School Services Every 5 years 6 semester hours of coursework or 90
License Continuing Renewal Units (CRUs) within the
preceding 5 years or a combination of the
above AND submission of a Professional
Growth Plan (PGP).
Iowa Standard Professional Every 5 years 6 credits completed during the term of the
Service License license and completion of child and dependent
abuse mandatory reporter training.
Kansas Professional School Every 5 years 120 professional development points earned
Specialist License during the professional license period through
the local professional development council.
Points can be earned through university credit
(1 semester credit hour = 20 points) or through
other activities where points are earned on a 1
point per clock hour basis for knowledge level
activities. A tiered system of points awards the
educator additional points for taking knowledge
level points to implementation and impact
levels. Professional development points earned
must be related to the areas of content on the
license held; to the Kansas professional
education standards; or for service to the
profession.
65
Certification/
Kentucky Provisional Certificate Every 5 years 9 hours of graduate credit in the area of
counseling.
Standard Certificate Every 5 years Completion of the required training hours of
Educational Instructional Leadership Act (EILA)
credit as specified by KY law.
Louisiana Ancillary School Every 3 years 6 semester hours of credit in state-approved
Counselor Certificate or courses.
Teaching Certificate
Endorsement
Maine Professional Every 5 years 6 credits with pre- and post-local approval from
Educational Specialist the certification support system.
Certificate
Maryland Guidance Counselor Every 5 years 6 credits.
Certificate
Massachusetts Initial License Valid for 5 May be renewed once to complete the
years of requirements needed to transition to the
employment Professional License.
Professional License Every 5 years 150 Professional Development Points (PDPs)
from completing professional development
activities as part of the Individual Professional
Development Plan.
Michigan School Counselor Every 5 years 6 semester credit hours or 18 State Board-
Endorsement or continuing education units (SB-CEUs) or a
License combination of the two (3 SB-CEUs are
equivalent to 1 semester credit hour).
Minnesota Professional School Every 5 years 125 approved clock hours of professional
Counselor License development from 2 or more specified
categories. 1 quarter credit = 16 clock hours
and 1 semester credit = 24 clock hours.
Mississippi Class AA, AAA, or Every 5 years 5 CEUs or a 3-hour college course or by going
AAAA Educator License through the National Board process.
Missouri Initial Student Services Every 4 years Only need to renew if requirements to upgrade
Certificate to the Career Student Services Certificate are
not met. Must be employed as a school
counselor.
99 Year Career Student Permanent None
Services Certificate
Montana Class 6 Specialist Every 5 years 60 renewal units or 4 graduate semester
License credits.
66
Certification/
Nebraska Standard Every 5 years 1 year of teaching/counseling within the past 5
years OR official transcripts indicating
Professional Every 10 completion of 6 pre-approved semester hours at
years an approved teacher education institution within
the past 5 years and submit a signed
Institutional Verification form by the Certification
Officer at the approved teacher education
institution where the courses were completed.
Also, must verify human relations training. If
training wasnt completed when initially
licensed, it must be completed for renewal.
Nevada Standard Every 5 years 6 professional development credits from a

Professional (master's Every 6 years regionally accredited college/university, PDE/in-
degree and 3 years of service, or other pre-approved NV DOE CEU
experience) providers. 1 CEU = 15 contact hours.
New Educational Specialist Every 3 years A minimum of 75 CEUs (hours) of professional
Hampshire Endorsement development. 30 hours must be specific to
counseling and 45 hours must be in education-
related areas.
New Jersey Educational Services Permanent None
Certificate
New Mexico Level 1 Every 3 years Superintendent's recommendation form that
Level 2 Every 9 years school counselor competencies have been met.
Level 3 Every 9 years
New York Provisional Certificate Every 5 years Complete 2 hours of training in identification
and reporting of child abuse and maltreatment
and 2 hours in school violence intervention and
prevention.
Permanent Certificate Permanent None
North Carolina Standard Professional II Every 5 years 15 renewal (continuing education) credits
North Dakota School Counselor Every 5 years School counselor credentials are renewed by
Credential documenting the completion of 4 semester
hours of graduate coursework in education, 2
semester hours of which must be in the area of
counseling. The 2 semester hours of
counseling coursework may be replaced by 30
clock-hours of continuing education hours in
counseling.
67
Certification/
Ohio Professional Pupil Every 5 years Individuals currently employed in a school or
Services License school district must complete:
(1) 6 semester hours of coursework related to
the area of licensure as approved by the local
professional development committee of the
employing school or school district; or
(2) 18 continuing education units (180 contact
hours) or other equivalent activities related to
the area of licensure as approved by the local
professional development committee of the
employing school or school district.
Educators not employed in Ohio schools, or

employed in Ohio schools with no local
professional development committee, may
apply directly to the Ohio Dept. of Education for
renewal with evidence of 6 semester hours of
coursework related to the area of licensure.
School Counselors who hold a professional

counselor license through the Ohio counselor
licensure board meet renewal requirements as
long as they maintain this license with its
associated continuing education requirements.
Oklahoma Standard Certificate Every 5 years Professional development is a condition of
employment and is monitored by the employing
school.
Oregon Initial I License Every 3 years 4.5 quarter or 3 semester graduate credits.
(up to 9 years)
Initial II License Every 3 years For individuals continuously employed
throughout the term of the current license, must
show evidence of employment and proof of
Continuing License Every 5 years completion of a Continuing Professional
(optional) Development Plan (completion of 125
professional development units for renewal of
the Continuing License).
Pennsylvania Level I (Provisional) Valid for 6 Must complete requirements to convert to a
years of Level II Certificate or certificate lapses.
service Requirements for Level II Certificate are 3 years
of satisfactory service in school counseling AND
24 semester credits or 24 PDE-approved IU
credits. Semester credits must be earned at a
four-year degree-granting college/university.
68
Certification/
Pennsylvania Level II Valid for 99 6 college credits or 6 PDE-approved in-service
cont . . . years but must credits or 180 continuing education hours or
be renewed any combination of the above (all must be
every 5 years counseling related). 1 college credit = 30
continuing education hours.
Puerto Rico School Guidance Unknown Contact the PR Department of Education for
Counselor renewal requirements.
Rhode Island Professional Certificate Every 5 years Have been in regular employment for the 5-year
term of the certificate and successful
completion of an I-Plan (professional
development plan) that has been approved by
the I-Plan Review Panel. I-Plan to include 150
contact hours of documented professional
development activities connected to I-Plan
goals.
South Carolina Guidance Counselor Every 5 years 120 renewal credits.
Certificate
South Dakota School Service Every 5 years 6 credits (either DOE-sponsored credits or
Specialist Certificate college credits). A minimum of 3 credits must
be transcripted; the remaining credits may be
continuing education contact hours. 1 credit =
15 continuing education contact hours. School
counselors that have not met renewal
requirements may be eligible for a one-year
extension. School counselors who have
completed an advanced degree or National
Board Certification may be eligible for a one-
time 10-year certificate.
Tennessee Apprentice Special Every 5 years For individuals with less than 3 years of
Group License acceptable experience during the 5-year license
period: 45 renewal points. For individuals with
3 years of acceptable experience during the 5-
year license period: only verification of
experience is required.
Professional School Every 10 For individuals with less than 5 years of
Service Personnel years acceptable experience during the 10-year
License license period: 90 renewal points. For
individuals with 5 years of acceptable
experience during the 10-year license period:
only verification of experience is required.
Texas Standard Certificate Every 5 years 200 clock hours of continuing professional
education.
Utah Level 1 Every 3 years 100 Professional Development Points.
69
Certification/
Utah cont . . . Level 2 Every 5 years 200 Professional Development Points.
Vermont Level 1 Every 3 years 45 hours of professional development.
Level 2 Every 7 years 135 hours of professional development, an
individual professional development plan, and
portfolio.
Virginia Pupil Personnel Every 5 years 180 renewal points; child abuse recognition and
Services License intervention training; and completion of
technology standards for instructional
personnel.
Virgin Islands Professional Educator Every 5 years Contact the VI Department of Education for
Class II Certificate renewal requirements.
Washington Continuing ESA School Every 5 years Completion of 150 clock hours (from
Counselor Certificate Washington state-approved providers) or
equivalent college credit (100-level or above
from any regionally accredited institution) or a
combination of clock hours and credits.
1 quarter hour = 10 clock hours; 1 semester
hour = 15 clock hours.
Residency ESA School Valid for 5 Within 5 years, must complete requirements to
Counselor Certificate years obtain the Professional ESA School Counselor
Certificate.
Professional ESA Every 5 years Completion of an approved professional growth
School Counselor plan that documents formalized learning
Certificate opportunities and professional development
activities that meet specified requirements.
West Virginia Initial Professional Every 3 years 6 semester hours of appropriate college/
Student Support university coursework related to counseling
Certificate (coursework must reflect a 3.0 GPA) OR hold a
Professional Student Every 5 years minimum of a master's degree plus 30 salary
Support Certificate or permanent classification based on awarding of the master's
degree OR reached the age of 60 (show proof)
and recommendation of the Superintendent.
Wisconsin Pupil Services License - Every 5 years If completed a state-approved school counselor
Initial and Professional program prior to August 31, 2004: 6 semester
credits or a professional development plan
(PDP). If completed program after August 31,
2004: a professional development plan (PDP).
Wyoming Educator License with a Every 5 years 5 credit hours.
Professional Services
Endorsement in School
Counseling
70
STATE MANDATES FOR THE PROVISION OF SCHOOL
COUNSELING SERVICES
Through both legislative and administrative action, a growing number of states

require local school districts to provide school counseling services to their students.
This year, ACA conducted a survey of state education agencies to determine the
current status of counseling mandates, the grade levels to which the mandates
apply, the source of mandates (administrative or legislative action), specific
requirements of the mandates (e.g., counselor-student ratios), and whether the
mandate was supported with state or local funds. Agencies in states without a
mandate were also asked if they were actively considering establishing a mandate
through administrative action.
The results of the survey are outlined in the following chart, along with actual
mandates for three states.
AN OVERVIEW OF STATE COUNSELING MANDATES
Twenty-nine (29) states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands mandate the provision of school counseling services in public
elementary and/or secondary schools. Most of these mandates were
established through legislative action.
Four (4) states, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and South Dakota, are
actively considering establishing a mandate.
One (1) state, Idaho, requires school counseling services as part of the public
secondary schools accreditation process.
One (1) state, Utah, requires school counseling services for incentive grants.
Twenty-four (24) states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin
Islands mandate the provision school counseling at all grade levels. Two (2)
states only mandate services in grades 7-12 (IN and NY), and three (3) states
only mandate services in grades 9-12 (MS, NE, and RI).
Seventeen (17) states prescribe specific counselor-student ratios in their

mandates. Ratios range from 1 counselor for every 300 students to 1 counselor
for every 800 students.
Most state counseling mandates are funded through local tax levy funds.
Thirteen (13) states and Puerto Rico provide state funding to support mandated
counseling services.
71
STATE COUNSELING MANDATES
Is Grade Grade Ratio Is Mandate

State Source Of Who Funds
Counseling Level Level Counselor: Being
Mandate Mandate?
Mandated? K-8 9-12 Students Considered?
State
Alabama Yes 1:500-749* Foundation
Program
State
Alaska No No
Arizona No No

K-8: 1:450 Legislative
Arkansas Yes Local
9-12: 1:450 Action
California No No
Colorado No No
Connecticut No No
72
Mandate Mandate?
Delaware No No

District of
Yes None Local
Columbia
Florida No No
Georgia Yes 1:400 Agency Action State

(P-8)
Guam No No

Legislative
Hawaii Yes Flexible State
Action

Needed for
Idaho 1:450 No
accreditation*
73
Mandate Mandate?
Illinois No No
Indiana Yes None

State Board of
Education
State
(7-8)

Recommended Legislative
Iowa Yes Local
1:350 Action

State Board of
Kansas Yes None Local
Education
Kentucky No No

Legislative
Louisiana Yes 1:400
Action

Legislative
Maine Yes None State and Local
Action
74
Mandate Mandate?
Maryland No No
Massachusetts No Yes**
Michigan No Yes
Minnesota No Yes
One half-time

counselor Legislative
Mississippi Yes State
position required Action
at each
secondary school
75% State

State Board of
Missouri Yes 1:500 25% Local
Education

Board of Public
Montana Yes 1:400 Unfunded
Education
75
K-8 9-12 Mandate Mandate?
Mandated? Students Considered?

State Board
Nebraska Yes 1:450 Local
(Rule 10)
Legislative
Nevada Yes
None Action & State
Board
Local
New

K-5: 1:500
Hampshire Yes Agency Action Local
6-12: 1:300
New Jersey Yes None State Board Local
New Mexico Yes

None Agency Action Local
New York Yes None Agency Action Local

(7-8)

North Legislative &
Yes 1:400 State and Local
Carolina Agency Action
76
Mandate Mandate?
North
Elem: 1:450 Legislative &
Dakota Yes State and Local
Sec: 1:300 Agency Action
Ohio No No

Legislative &
Oklahoma Yes 1:450
Agency Action
Oregon Yes
None Agency Action Local
Pennsylvania No No

Legislative & Legislature and
Puerto Rico Yes
Agency Action State

Recommended Legislative &
Rhode Island Yes State and Local
7-12: 1:500 Agency Action
77
Mandate Mandate?

South K-5: 1:800 Legislative &
Yes State
Carolina 6-12: 1:500 Agency Action
South
No Yes**
Dakota
Recommended
Tennessee Yes
K-6: 1:500
7-12: 1:350
State Law State
Texas No No
Utah
Required for
incentive 7-12: 1:400 No
grants* (7-8)
K-6: 1:400
Vermont Yes
7-12: 1:300 Agency Action Local
Elem: 1:500

Legislative
Virginia Yes Middle: 1:400 State
Action
Sec: 1:350
78
Mandate Mandate?
Recommended:

Legislative
Virgin Islands Yes Elem: 1:400 Local
Action
Sec: 1:300
Washington No No
K-6: 1:500

Legislative
West Virginia Yes 7-8: 1:450 Local
Action
9-12: 1:400

Legislative
Wisconsin Yes None Local
Action
Wyoming No No
79
*Alabama Required counselor-to-student ratio is based on the following SACS standards based on school population:
Number of Counselors Elementary Secondary

0.5 1-499 1-499
1.0 500-749 500-749
1.5 750-799
2.0 1,000-1249 750-999
2.5 1,250-1499 1,000-1249
3.0 1,500 and up 1,250 and up
*Idaho Counseling is not mandated, but for a school to be accredited it must have a school counselor(s).
*Utah Counseling is not mandated, but program approval is needed for incentive grants through the Comprehensive
Guidance Program SEOP - Student Education Occupation Plan. This applies to grades 7-12 only.
**The Massachusetts School Counselors Association and the South Dakota Counseling Association are trying to get
legislation passed to mandate school counseling in their states.
80
Louisiana
(Louisiana House Bill No. 2001 Act 911)
An Act
To enact R.S. 17:3005, relative to guidance counselors; to provide relative to elementary

school guidance counselors for all students in kindergarten through grade six; to require
parish and city school boards to provide such counselors according to certain guidelines;
to provide relative to certification requirements for such counselors; to provide certain
guidance services and work time for such guidance counselors; to provide relative to certain
exceptions; to provide for annual reporting by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education; to provide relative to funding; and to provide for related matters.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
Section I.R.S. 17:3005 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Elementary school guidance counselors; availability; guidelines; requirements; guidance

services; work time; exceptions; reporting; funding.
A. Each parish and city school board shall provide elementary school guidance
counselors for all students in kindergarten through grade six in the public elementary
schools in the state in accordance with guidelines as established by the State Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education. Such guidelines shall require that there shall be one
guidance counselor per every four hundred students.
B. Any elementary school guidance counselor employed by a parish or city school board
pursuant to the provisions of this Section shall be certified as required by the state of
Louisiana.
C. Such guidance counselors shall provide preventive and developmental guidance

services to all public elementary school students in kindergarten through grade six in order
to prepare them for middle, junior, and senior high school responsibilities and their social
and physical development. In providing such guidance services, the counselors may:
(1) Aid children in academic development through the use and interpretation of test
scores, improved pupil self-concept, and early identification and attention to problems that
are deterrents to learning and development.
(2) Serve as consultants to teachers relative to the use of test scores and improvement
of the learning environment, use of out-of-state school resources and agencies, and
development of a home-school liaison.
(3) Offer services related to the identification and placement of children with
handicapping conditions.
(4) Serve as a consultant to parents, in a liaison capacity, as a resource in
81
Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling
Examples of State Counseling Mandates
understanding growth and development problems, and as an aid in understanding how some
non-school factors affect learning and achievement of children.
(5) Serve as a resource in decreasing discipline and other at-risk behavioral problems
through an understanding of peer relations, teacher-pupil relations, social awareness, drug
awareness, and others.
(6) Aid in improving school attendance and retention by implementing an early

identification and prevention program for potential attendance and retention problems.
(7) Serve as a resource to parents in decreasing the incidence of juvenile delinquency

by early intervention through guidance and counseling services.
(8) Consult with teachers in implementing a career development program which, at the
elementary school level, includes self-awareness, job awareness, and prevocational
orientation.
(9) Provide an available source for youngsters needing someone to "just listen" to their
problems or concerns.
D. Guidance counselors shall spend the majority of their time on providing direct
counseling related to students.
E. Nothing in Subsection A of this Section shall prohibit any parish or city school board
from employing more elementary school guidance counselors than provided in Subsection A.
F. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education shall annually report to
the legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the program as provided in this
Section.
G. The provisions of this Section shall become effective upon the provision of funds
for this purpose in the Minimum Foundation Program.
82
New Hampshire
(State Board of Education Regulation)
Adopted Rule July 1, 2005
Ed 306.13 Guidance Plan. The local school board shall ensure that every school provides a
comprehensive guidance and counseling program. A comprehensive guidance and counseling
program shall comply with all applicable provisions of Ed 306.39.
Ed 306.39 Guidance and Counseling Program.
(a) The local school board shall require that each school in its district provides for the
implementation of a comprehensive developmental school guidance and counseling program
based on Ed 306.39 and The ASCA National Model: A Foundation for School Counseling
Program, published by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) in 2003 as an
integral part of the total educational program.
(b) The department shall develop and distribute a comprehensive school guidance and
counseling program model implementation manual that may be used by schools and districts as a
resource in professional development and planning activities.
(c) The local school board shall require that each district develop, and have on file a
comprehensive K-12 developmental school guidance and counseling policy and implementation
plan.
(d) This policy and plan shall:
(1) Address the applicable state frameworks consistent with RSA 193-C:3, III;
(2) Be based on Ed 306.39 and The ASCA National Model: A Foundation for School
Counseling Program, published by the American School Counselor Association
(ASCA) in 2003;
(3) Support the local school districts improvement plans and goals; and
(4) Identify measures of success for student competencies in each of the 3 areas of
academic, individual/social, and career learning, based on planned and periodic
assessment of the comprehensive developmental school guidance and counseling
program.
(e) The comprehensive school guidance and counseling plan shall include:
(1) A guidance curriculum that provides all K-12 students the knowledge and skills
appropriate to their developmental level through a collaborative model of delivery
83
involving the school counselor, classroom teachers, and other appropriate education
professionals, and including prevention and pre-referral activities;
(2) Individual planning with all students to assist in establishing individual goals and
developing future plans through coordinated, ongoing systemic activities, including
personalized, individual goal setting and parental involvement;
(3) A responsive services component of supportive, short-term counseling with the goal
of facilitating the educational functioning or academic achievement of all students K-
12, or both, including:
a. Individual and group counseling;
b. Crisis assessment and referral;
c. Consultation with school personnel, parents, local agencies, or appropriate

others;
d. Conflict resolution;
e. Drop out prevention;
f. Substance and abuse issues;
g. College and career counseling; and
h. Individual, school, family, or peer issues impacting the educational

environment; and
(4) A systems support component that establishes, maintains, and enhances the total
school guidance and counseling program, including:
a. The maintenance of organized, clear, and useful records in a confidential

manner, utilizing technology relevant to provision of services in a confidential
manner;
b. The maintenance of records in a manner compliant with current state and

federal laws, rules, policies, and standards, and with Ethical Standards for School
Counselors as adopted by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Delegate Assembly March 19, 1984, revised March 27, 1992, June 25, 1998, and
June 26, 2004 for school counseling, as they apply to the implementation of
comprehensive school guidance and counseling services within a school setting;
c. Systematic, goal oriented professional development directly applicable to the

goals and outcomes of implementing a comprehensive school guidance and
counseling program and school and district improvement goals;
84
d. Counselor evaluation based on the professional competencies of the school

counseling profession; and
e. Program evaluation based on student outcomes, stakeholder surveys, and self-

assessment against national model recommendations.
(f) The staff requirements for provision of the comprehensive developmental guidance and
counseling program shall be as follows:
(1) The counseling load in each elementary school shall not exceed the equivalent of
one full time guidance counselor per 500 students enrolled;
(2) The counseling load in each middle school and each high school shall not exceed
the equivalent of one full time guidance counselor per 300 students enrolled;
(3) High schools with more than 4 guidance counselors shall provide a high school
level director of school guidance and counseling, unless (4) below applies; and
(4) District level directors of school guidance and counseling shall be provided in
districts where the number of guidance counselors across all schools exceeds 10.
85
South Carolina
State Board of Education Regulation R 43-205
Administrative and Professional Personnel Qualifications, Duties and Workloads
Updated/Effective June 24, 2005
Grades PreK-5:
Schools having any combinations of grades one through five must employ the full-time
equivalent (FTE) of a school guidance counselor and specialists in art, music, and physical
education (PE) in the following ratios for each area:
Average Daily Enrollment FTE or Minimum Allotted Time Daily

800 or more 1.0 300
640-799 .8 240
480-639 .6 180
320-479 .4 120
Less than 320 .2 60
Grades 6-8:
Schools with fewer than 600 students must provide the services of a guidance counselor in
the following ratios:
Enrollment Minimum Allotted Time Daily
up to 200 100 minutes daily
201 to 300 150 minutes daily
Schools with an enrollment of 501 or more must employ one full-time certified counselor.
Schools with more than 600 students must provide guidance services at the ratio of one 50-
minute period for each 100 students or major portion thereof.
Grades 9-12:
Schools with fewer than 600 students must provide the services of a guidance counselor in the
following ratios:
Enrollment Minimum Allotted Time Daily
up to 200 100 minutes daily
Schools with enrollments of 501 or more must employ one full-time certified counselor.
Schools with more than 600 students must provide guidance services at the ratio of 50
minutes for each additional 51-100 students to the extent that the total school enrollment
reflects a minimum of 50 minutes of guidance services for each 100 students.
86
The Professional School Counselor and Comprehensive

School Counseling Programs
(Adopted 1988; revised 1993, 1997, 2005, 2011)
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position
Professional school counselors design and deliver programs that are comprehensive in scope,
preventive in design and developmental in nature to promote student achievement. The ASCA
National Model brings professional school counselors together with one vision and one voice,
which creates unity and focus toward improving student achievement.
The Rationale
With numerous statewide studies supporting their effectiveness (Carey & Harrington, 2010a;
Carey & Harrington, 2010b; Lapan, Gysbers, & Kayson, 2007), comprehensive school counseling
programs are integral components of schools academic missions. Comprehensive school
counseling programs, driven by student data and based on vertically articulated standards in
academic, career and personal/social development, promote student achievement and enhance
the learning process for all students.
Effective comprehensive school counseling programs:
ensure equitable access to a rigorous education for all students
identify the knowledge, attitude and skills all students will acquire as a result of the PK-12
comprehensive
school counseling program
are delivered to all students in a systematic fashion
are based on data-driven decision making
are provided by a state-credentialed professional school counselor
The Professional School Counselors Role
Professional school counselors focus their skills, time and energy on direct service to students and
families. To achieve maximum program effectiveness, the American School Counselor Association
recommends a student-to school-counselor ratio of 250:1 (Carrell & Carrell, 2006) and that
professional school counselors spend at least 80 percent of their time in direct service to students.
Professional school counselors use the skills of leadership, advocacy and collaboration with school
staff, parents/guardians and community members to promote systemic change that enhances
student achievement and development. Professional school counselors develop, deliver and
evaluate data driven comprehensive school counseling programs with a framework consisting of
four components: a foundation, the delivery system, the management system and accountability
(ASCA, 2005; ASCA, 2009).
Summary
Professional school counselors develop, deliver and evaluate comprehensive school counseling
programs that support and promote student achievement. As outlined in the ASCA National
Model (ASCA, 2005) and in the Role of the Professional School Counselors (ASCA, 2009), these
programs include a systematic and planned program delivery that promotes student achievement
and enhances the learning process for all students. The comprehensive school counseling
87
program focuses on enhancing academic, career and personal /social success for all students. It is
supported with appropriate resources and implemented by a credentialed professional school
counselor.
References
American School Counselor Association (2005). The ASCA national model: A framework for
school counseling programs
(2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Author.
American School Counselor Association (2009). The role of the professional school counselor.
88
The Professional School Counselor and Credentialing and Licensure

(Adopted 1990; revised 1993, 1999, 2003, 2009)
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Position
ASCA strongly supports a professional school counselor credentialing or licensing law in each state
which includes: Adefinition of the profession, minimum qualifications for entry into the profession,
and requirements for continuing
professional development. ASCA encourages all state education certification or licensure agencies to
adopt the
School Counselor Performance Standards from the ASCA National Model and the ASCA School
Counselor
Competencies for professional school counselor credentialing or licensing.
The Rationale
Regulations for professional school counselor credentialing or licensure ensure students and
stakeholders are served
by highly qualified and trained professionals. Such legislation should include:
standards for entry into the profession that minimally require a masters degree in school
counseling
a description of the role of the professional school counselor as defined in the ASCA National Model
requirements for continuing education to further develop skills as a professional school counselor
In establishing legislation for professional school counselor certification or licensure, ASCA supports
the nationwide use of the School Counselor Performance Standards from the ASCA National Model,
and the ASCA School Counselor Competencies, a description of professional roles for school
counselors, and setting state standards for school counselor preparation programs.
The Professional School Counselors Role
Professional school counselors need to be skilled in meeting the changing needs of students, families,
schools, and
communities. Therefore, professional school counselors should endorse counselor preparation
programs and credentialing
or licensing requirements that require practitioners to:
be culturally competent (Holcomb-McCoy, 2003; Lee, 2001)
have skills in evidence-based educational and school counseling practices (Carey & Dimmitt, 2008)
focus on students academic, career and personal/social needs
possess leadership and advocacy skills (Stone & Clark, 2001)
have consultation skills and the ability to work collaboratively with educational professionals and
stakeholders
in the school and community (House, Martin, & Ward, 2002)
be able to develop, implement, and evaluate professional school counseling programs (Gysbers &
Henderson,
2006)Finally, professional school counselors should work with district personnel and local or state
associations to provide ongoing professional development for the acquisition and updating of
necessary skills.
Summary
ASCA strongly supports the use of the ASCA National Model School Counselor Performance
Standards and the
ASCA School Counselor Competencies in establishing state certification or licensure guidelines for
professional
89
school counselors.
References
Carey, J. & Dimmitt, C. (2008). A model for evidence-based elementary school counseling: Using
school data,
research, and evaluation to enhance practice. The Elementary School Journal (188(5), 422-430.
Gysbers, N. C. & Henderson, P. (2006). Developing and managing your school guidance program (4th
ed). Washington,
DC: ACA.
90
United States Student-to-Counselor Ratios
for Elementary and Secondary Schools
Maximum Recommended Ratio (250:1) -- Current Average ( 460:1)
U.S. States # of Students # of Counselors Student-to-Counselor Ratio
Alabama 748,889 1,855.55 404:1
Alaska 131,661 307.7 428:1
Arizona 480,559 1,425.00 337:1
Arkansas 1,077,831 1,322.49 815:1
California 6,263,438 7,734.00 810:1
Colorado 832,368 2,126.01 392:1
Connecticut 563,968 1,086.91 519:1
Delaware 126,801 278.8 455:1
District of Columbia 69,433 280 248:1
Florida 2,634,522 5,826.00 452:1
Georgia 1,667,685 3,669.50 454:1
Hawaii 180,196 645.5 279:1
Idaho 276,299 618.38 447:1
Illinois 2,104,175 3,155.38 667:1
Indiana 1,046,661 1,941.00 539:1
Iowa 491,842 1,241.00 396:1
Kansas 474,489 1,081.30 439:1
Kentucky 680,089 1,509.00 451:1
Louisiana 690,915 1,941.75 356:1
Maine 189,225 630 300:1
Maryland 848,412 2,407.46 352:1
Massachusetts 957,053 2,214.55 432:1
Michigan 1,649,082 2,497.54 660:1
Minnesota 837,053 1,085.81 771:1
Mississippi 492,481 1,115.94 441:1
Missouri 917,982 2,589.29 355:1
Montana 141,807 468.57 303:1
Nebraska 295,368 808.68 365:1
Nevada 428,947 869.55 493:1
New Hampshire 197,140 849.2 232:1
New Jersey 1,396,029 4,183.00 334:1
New Mexico 334,419 836.61 400:1
New York 2,766,052 6,653.17 416:1
North Carolina 1,483,397 3,855.54 385:1
North Dakota 95,073 291 327:1
Ohio 1,764,297 3,698.00 477:1
Oklahoma 654,802 1,720.00 381:1
Oregon 582,839 1,078.84 540:1
Pennsylvania 1,785,993 4,710.34 379:1
Rhode Island 145,118 391.2 371:1
South Carolina 723,143 1,853.60 390:1
South Dakota 123,713 330 375:1
Tennessee 972,549 2,825.27 344:1
Texas 4,850,210 11,105.00 437:1
Utah 571,586 821.11 696:1
Vermont 91,451 443.53 206:1
Virginia 1,245,340 3,911.02 318:1
Washington 1,035,347 2,050.13 505:1
West Virginia 282,662 740.01 382:1
Wisconsin 872,436 1,924.27 453:1
Wyoming 88,155 480.8 183:1
TOTAL 49,360,982 107,484
Based on data from the U.S. Department of Education , National Center for Education Statistics
http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/
January 2012 ( 2009-2010 data year)
Produced by the American Counseling Association , Office of Public Policy & Legislation

School Counseling Regs 2012

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A Guide to State Laws

Office of Public Policy & Legislation | March 2012

Updated by Guila Todd, Office of Public Policy & Legislation.

Copyright 2012 by the American Counseling Association. Permission is granted to

American Counseling Association

American School Counselor Association

Don W. Locke, President

An Overview of State Credentialing Requirements 3

Using and Understanding the Information Presented in the Chart 5

Certification/Licensure Requirements Chart 7

Certification/Licensure Renewal Requirements 63

Background on Counseling Mandates 71

State Counseling Mandates Chart 72

ASCA POSITION STATEMENTS

The Professional School Counselor and Comprehensive

The Professional School Counselor and Credentialing

Student-to-Counselor Ratio Chart 92

Renewal and Different Tiers of Licensure

Alternative Routes to Certification

Four (4) states require examinations in additional areas:

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Recency Credit and Recency Experience

Educational Testing Service Assessments

Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) measure proficiency in mathematics, reading,

CACREP: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

NASDTEC: National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education & Certification

NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselors

NCATE: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

ALABAMA continued Class AA Professional Educator Counseling and holding a valid

Type C Special Services

ARIZONA (Option 1) None No Yes

Call the AZ Dept. of Public

$50.00 fee if adding the

COLORADO Masters degree or higher in None PLACE Examination: Yes Yes

$60.00 application fee

Special Services Provider

DELAWARE (Option 1) (Option 1) Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes

FLORIDA (Option 1) None FL Teacher Yes Yes, at point

GEORGIA (Option 1) None GACE Basic Skills Yes Yes

HAWAII Completion of an advanced None Praxis I (PPST): Yes Yes

Praxis II: School

INDIANA Masters degree in school None None Yes Yes, at point

$35.00 licensing fee

School Services License:

IOWA Masters degree from an The school counselor None No Yes

KANSAS (Option1) (Option1) Praxis II: School No Yes

$50.00 application fee

(207) 624-6603 Praxis II: Principles of

$100.00 application fee

MICHIGAN continued Recommendation of in-state

(651) 582-8691 If a state-approved school

$62.70 application fee

School Counselor License

MISSISSIPPI If applicant already Yes Yes, required

Overall GPA of 2.5 and

MONTANA (Option 1) A supervised internship of at None Yes Yes,

Class 6 Specialist License

$161.00 application fee A practicum, internship, or field

$125.00 application fee (Option 3)

Support Personnel License: (Option 4)

NEW YORK (Option 1) (Option 1 and Option 3) None Yes Yes,

(919) 807-3310 (outside NC)

$55.00 in-state application

Student Services Personnel