School counselors play a vital role in supporting students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness. As schools increasingly recognize the importance of mental health support and comprehensive counseling programs, demand for qualified school counselors continues to grow. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) recommends a ratio of 250 students per counselor, yet many states far exceed that number -- making this a field with strong job prospects.

This guide walks you through every step of the process, from earning your master's degree in school counseling to passing the Praxis exam (where required), obtaining state certification or licensure, and maintaining your credential through continuing education. We have also compiled verified data for all 51 states we track so you can compare requirements side by side.

What Does a School Counselor Do?

School counselors support students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college and career readiness. They develop and implement comprehensive school counseling programs -- typically based on the ASCA National Model -- that address the needs of all students in a school building. Unlike clinical therapists or licensed professional counselors, school counselors work within the educational system and focus on developmental, preventive, and responsive services.

Key responsibilities of a school counselor include:

• Individual and group counseling: Providing short-term counseling to help students work through academic, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges.
• Academic planning: Helping students set goals, choose courses, and develop plans for graduation and post-secondary education or careers.
• College and career readiness: Guiding students through the college application process, career exploration, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
• Crisis intervention: Responding to student crises including mental health emergencies, grief, trauma, and safety concerns.
• Coordination and collaboration: Working with teachers, parents, administrators, and community agencies to support student success.
• Advocacy: Advocating for equitable access to educational opportunities and removing systemic barriers that affect student achievement.
• Data-driven program evaluation: Using data to assess the effectiveness of counseling programs and identify gaps in student outcomes.

School counselors work in elementary, middle, and high schools, with day-to-day duties varying by grade level. Elementary counselors often focus on social skills and classroom guidance lessons, while high school counselors spend more time on college preparation and career planning. It is important to note that school counselors are distinct from school psychologists (who conduct psychoeducational evaluations) and licensed professional counselors (who provide clinical mental health treatment).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for school and career counselors is approximately $61,000--$64,000. Salaries vary by state, district, and years of experience, with many school counselors earning on the same salary schedule as teachers.

Step 1: Education Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

There is no single required undergraduate major to become a school counselor, but degrees in education, psychology, sociology, or a related field provide a strong foundation. Some states require or prefer candidates who have prior teaching experience, so an education degree with teacher certification can be advantageous. Coursework in child development, psychology, and multicultural studies is particularly valuable for future school counselors.

Master's Degree in School Counseling

All states require school counselors to hold a master's degree. A master's degree in school counseling typically requires 48--60 credit hours and takes two to three years of full-time study to complete. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the gold standard for program accreditation, and many states require or strongly prefer graduates of CACREP-accredited programs.

A qualifying graduate program typically includes coursework in:

• Counseling theories and techniques
• Child and adolescent development
• Group counseling
• Ethics and legal issues in counseling
• Multicultural counseling and diversity
• Career development and college readiness
• Assessment and testing
• Research methods and program evaluation
• Foundations of school counseling

Practicum and Internship

CACREP-accredited programs require a practicum of at least 100 hours and an internship of at least 600 hours in a school setting under the supervision of a certified school counselor. These field experiences provide hands-on training in all aspects of a comprehensive school counseling program, including individual counseling, group work, classroom guidance, consultation, and program planning.

Step 2: Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam

Many states require candidates to pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam (test code 5421) as part of the certification process. Of the 51 states we track, 26 require the Praxis exam. The exam is developed and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Key exam facts:

• Format: 120 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions; 2 hours total.
• Content areas: Foundations of school counseling, delivery of services, management, and accountability.
• Passing score: Varies by state. Most states set a passing score in the range of 156--162 on a 100--200 scale.
• Registration and fees: The exam fee is $146 (as of 2026 -- confirm current fees at ets.org). Register through your ETS account.
• Testing availability: The exam is offered year-round at Prometric testing centers and via at-home testing through ETS.

States that require the Praxis Professional School Counselor exam include:

CACREP Accreditation: Why It Matters

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is the primary accrediting body for school counseling graduate programs. CACREP accreditation ensures that a program meets rigorous national standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes.

Why CACREP accreditation matters for school counselors:

• State certification requirements: Many states require or strongly prefer graduation from a CACREP-accredited program for initial school counselor certification.
• Portability: Graduating from a CACREP-accredited program makes it easier to transfer your certification across state lines, as many states recognize CACREP programs in their reciprocity agreements.
• Program quality: CACREP accreditation ensures you receive training that covers all competency areas defined by the profession, including the required practicum and internship hours.
• National certification: The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and its National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential recognize CACREP-accredited programs.

Of the 51 states we track, 3 require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program. States requiring CACREP accreditation include:

State-by-State School Counselor Requirements

Requirements vary significantly by state. School counselors typically receive their credential through the state department of education (not a clinical licensing board), and the credential title varies -- certified school counselor, licensed school counselor, pupil personnel services credential, and other titles are all used. Click any state name to see its complete certification guide with step-by-step instructions, fees, CE details, and more.

Data sourced from official state department of education websites and professional associations. Requirements change frequently -- always verify with your state department of education before applying.

Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements

Maintaining your school counselor certification requires ongoing professional development. Because school counselor credentials are typically issued by the state department of education, renewal requirements often follow the same structure as teacher certification renewal -- including continuing education hours, professional development activities, and sometimes credit-bearing coursework.

Across the 51 states we track, the average CE requirement is 57.6 hours per renewal cycle. Common requirements include:

• Continuing education hours: Most states require a set number of CE hours or professional development units (PDUs) per renewal cycle, which is typically 3--5 years.
• Graduate coursework: Some states accept or require graduate-level courses as part of the renewal process, which can also count toward an advanced credential or salary advancement.
• Ethics and legal training: Several states mandate specific training in ethics, child abuse reporting, or state laws and regulations for school counselors.
• ASCA membership and conferences: While not typically required, attending ASCA's annual conference or state counseling association events is an efficient way to earn CE credit and stay current with best practices.

Tips for managing renewal requirements:

• Track your professional development hours throughout the renewal cycle rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
• Check whether your state offers a "professional" or "advanced" certification tier that requires additional coursework but provides a longer renewal period or permanent certification.
• Look for professional development that aligns with both your state requirements and the ASCA National Model to maximize relevance.
• Many school districts provide in-service professional development that counts toward renewal -- verify with your state department of education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

The information in this guide is compiled from official sources. We recommend verifying current requirements directly with these organizations before making career or educational decisions:

• American School Counselor Association (ASCA) -- Role of the School Counselor
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) -- Accredited Programs Directory
• Educational Testing Service (ETS) -- Praxis Professional School Counselor (5421)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics -- School and Career Counselors and Advisors
• Individual state department of education websites -- see each state page for direct links to official certification authorities.