In America, today’s school counselors do a lot more than their predecessors. It may be hard to tell from the outside looking in, but they help teachers and staff handle various issues, counsel parents, and sometimes play a crucial part in shaping education policy. They are a pivotal part of the student success equation, and they help schools create supportive and safe environments for students.

Want to become a school counselor in the United States, but want to know how? Don’t worry; the Edvocate has your back. Check out this guide that we created explaining how to become a school counselor in Florida.

Academics: (Option 1) A master’s or higher degree with a graduate major in guidance and counseling or counselor education that includes 3 semester hours in a counseling practicum in an elementary/secondary school, (Option 2) A master’s with 30 semester hours of graduate coursework in guidance and counseling.

Required coursework: (Option 2 Only) (1) 3 semester hours in principles, philosophy, organization, and administration of guidance, (2) 3 semester hours in student appraisal including administration and interpretation of standardized tests, (3) 3 semester hours in education systems, (4) 3 semester hours in human development, (5) 3 semester hours in counseling theories and techniques, (6) 3 semester hours in group counseling and guidance techniques, (7) 3 semester hours in consultation skills and techniques for conferring with groups such as agencies, teachers, and parents, (8) 3 semester hours in legal, ethical, and current issues affecting school counselors, (9) 3 semester hours in specialized counseling techniques for use with elementary or secondary level special populations such as exceptional learners, dropouts, and minorities and (10) 3 semester hours in a counseling practicum in an elementary/secondary school.

Experience Requirements: None

Assessment: Professional Education Test; GKTE

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: Pre-K –12

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes. The license must be a standard or Level II certificate issued by the other state or US territory, and the license must be currently valid, and (1) The subject listed on your list must be deemed comparable to a subject issued in Florida, or (2) The person possesses a valid NBPTS certificate.

Criminal Background Investigation: Employees of Florida public schools have fingerprints taken through the school district’s personnel office for employment and certification purposes.

Florida Department of Education/school counseling