Introduction
Licensed school counselors are education professionals who support students academically, socially, and emotionally. Formerly known as guidance counselors, licensed school counselors commonly assist with academic planning (e.g., college applications). The role of the school counselor has expanded into supporting students’ mental health substantially, especially since the pandemic. School counselors are licensed or certified by their state’s board of education.
Continue reading to learn more about licensed school counselors.
At-A-Glance Facts
- The average student-to-school-counselor ratio across all grade levels in the United States is 376:1.
- The American School Counselor Association estimates that the average student-to-school counselor ratio in secondary schools is between 178:1 and 376:1.
- Four states currently require school counselors to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program for licensure.
- The demand for school counselors is projected to grow 11% between 2020 and 2030.
General Requirements
All professional school counselors must hold their school counseling license/certification (terminology varies by state) through their state department of education. For professional licensure/certification, applicants must have completed an approved master’s program in school counseling. A master of the arts (MA), master of education (MEd), or master of science (MS) is commonly awarded. In another article, we wrote about the benefits of choosing a master of education over other programs.
An important note: some states require school counselors to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program. CACREP stands for the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. In the US, it is regarded as the “gold standard” of accreditation for counseling programs. States that require CACREP accreditation are Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida (as of 2025). Other states strongly prefer candidates from CACREP-accredited programs.
School counselors must also pass a background check and fingerprint clearance. Certain states may require a passing score on a specific exam, such as the Praxis II. Others require school counselors to have worked as teachers for a specific period of time. Some states also differentiate school counselor license/certification at the primary and secondary levels. Be sure to check your state’s department of education website for their exact requirements. The American School Counseling (ASCA) website has a convenient feature to look up your state’s requirements.
Job Requirements of a Licensed School Counselor
The most basic role of the school counselor is to create a safe and welcoming school culture. They also must treat all students with unconditional positive regard and provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support. The day-to-day responsibilities of school counselors vary by grade level but often include:
Student Support and Counseling
- Individual counseling
- Small group counseling
- Peer mediation
- Suicide risk assessments
- Crisis response
- Behavior interventions
Academic & Post-Secondary Planning
- Academic planning (e.g., course selection)
- Course scheduling
- College application assistance
- Post-graduate planning other than college (trade school, military, etc.)
- Drop-out prevention
Compliance, Safety and Intervention
- Attendance/truancy support
- Reporting suspected child abuse to the proper authorities
- Threat assessments (e.g., CSTAG model)
- Assisting with 504 plans
- Assisting with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA)
Family, School, and Community Collaboration
- Parent outreach
- Referrals to outside agencies
- Teaching classroom guidance lessons
- Coordination of services (e.g., McKinney-Vento students)
- Student advocacy
- PBIS support
These responsibilities reflect the diverse, student-centered work of a licensed school counselor in today’s schools.
How To Become a Licensed School Counselor
Here’s a quick guide to becoming a licensed school counselor in four steps.
1. Gain Experience Working In A School.
While this technically isn’t required, those who want to be school counselors should first volunteer or work in a school setting before committing to a master’s program for school counseling. The reality of working in a school is often completely different from how people imagine it to be. Before committing to this career, make sure it’s right for you.
This does not mean you have to be a certified teacher (unless the state requires school counselors to work as teachers before receiving their professional certification). Working as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, or non-instructional staff member, or even volunteering, are great ways to start. This can be done before, concurrent to, or after earning a bachelor’s degree.
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree.
To become a professional school counselor, you will first need a bachelor’s degree. This is because school counselors hold master’s degrees in school counseling. The good news is that you do not need a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. While some school counseling master’s programs prefer applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, education), the majority do not. In fact, many school counseling master’s programs welcome and encourage students from all professional backgrounds.
3. Earn a Master’s Degree In School Counseling.
Verify which school counseling master’s programs are approved by your state’s department of education. Each state’s requirements vary. For example, some states require school counselors to have graduated from a CACREP-accredited program.
Complete all required coursework. This includes a practicum and an internship. A practicum is a shorter, less intensive version of an internship in which students learn under a certified school counselor. A practicum is similar to shadowing. An internship involves a school counseling master’s student working directly with students and handling some of the responsibilities of a professional school counselor while under their supervision.
Students will often have to pass an exam in order to graduate and/or receive their certification. Common exams are the CPCE and Praxis II. This also varies by state and by program.
4. Apply for certification.
Once you have completed your school counseling master’s program, you must apply for professional certification or licensure. This usually requires submitting official transcripts, passing a background check, and being fingerprinted. Some states may require passing a specific exam.
FAQs
Is It Possible to be a School Counselor Without a License?
In some circumstances, an individual without a school counseling license may work as a school counselor. This could be under a temporary license or certification, or in the case of an extreme shortage of qualified licensed school counselors. While this is possible, it is not common and should not be considered a viable path to enter the school counseling field.
What is the Difference Between a School Counselor and a Guidance Counselor?
School counselors used to be known as guidance counselors. As the duties of these professionals have shifted over the years, the term “school counselor” has become preferred.
Do I Need a Master’s Degree to Become a Licensed School Counselor?
Yes. While some states may allow temporary certification for those without a master’s degree, all school counselors will eventually need to earn a master’s degree in school counseling.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Licensed School Counselor?
A master’s degree in school counseling typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete. There are a handful of accelerated school counseling programs that take under two years. Keep in mind that some states require teaching experience to work as a school counselor.