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 Idaho.

Academics: Hold a master’s degree and provide verification of completion of a sanctioned graduate study program in school counseling through a college or university-sanctioned by the Idaho State Board of Education.

Necessary Courses: Must meet the recent credit requirement of six semester credit hours within the last five years.

Experience Requirements: 700 hours of supervised field experience, 75% of which must be in a K-12 school setting, including elementary, middle, and high schools. School counseling experience may be deemed to help offset the field experience clock hour requirement

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: Yes, must recommend for certification

Licensure: Grades K-12; Idaho Code allows certified school social workers to be employed as elementary school counselors without any credential change.

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes

Criminal Background Investigation: Must complete Idaho Criminal History Check before initial certification can be granted.

Idaho State Department of Education

Idaho State Department of Education Certification