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 North Carolina.

Academics: Completion of a sanctioned program in school counseling at the master’s level or above. Required Courses as determined by the institute of higher education sanctioned school counseling program at the master’s level or above.

Necessary Courses: As determined by the higher education sanctioned school counseling program at the master’s level or above.

Experience Requirements: None

Assessment: Praxis: Professional School Counselor 5421

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: K-12

Licensure Reciprocity: Requirements specific to North Carolina, such as the Praxis Series assessment, are not covered by reciprocity and must be met before an explicit North Carolina license can be issued.

Criminal Background Investigation: Yes, required at the school district level.

An alternative route to certification: (1) A school district can elect to request a temporary license for a school counselor candidate and hire them in a school counseling position while they finish the school counselor prep program if the candidate is enrolled in a school counselor prep program and has completed at least 24 graduate semester hours. (2) Those who have completed a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a counseling discipline stated in State Board of Education Policy LICN-001 section 1.30a may attend a university school counseling master’s program of their choice to finish the courses related to school counseling. A district can elect to request a temporary license for the candidate and employ them in a school counseling position while completing the program courses required for full certification. Both options require completion of the school counselor preparation program requirements within 3 years.

North Carolina Department of Education/school counseling