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Tennessee Initial School Counselor Certification

How to Become a School Counselor in Tennessee - 2025 Guide
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: March 13th, 2025

Tennessee Licensing Body

Initial Tennessee School Counselor Certification Requirements

School counselor certification plays a vital role in ensuring students receive effective support. It signifies that counselors have attained the necessary training and expertise, maintaining a high standard of professional quality. Furthermore, certified school counselors are committed to ongoing professional development, allowing them to remain informed on current best practices. This dedication enables them to develop and implement comprehensive counseling programs that effectively address the academic, personal, and social needs of students.

To become a certified school counselor in Tennessee, candidates must navigate a comprehensive process involving education, experience, testing, background checks, and application procedures. Follow the steps below to begin your journey as a Tennessee school counselor.

Education or Degree Requirements

To become a certified School Counselor in Tennessee, you need to complete one of the following educational paths:

  1. Complete an accredited preparation Master’s degree program in school guidance and counseling. Or narrow your search by filtering school counseling programs in Tennessee.

Tip: Research programs that offer strong support for practicum and internships, as these are critical components of your training.

  1. Hold a graduate degree in community/agency counseling and be enrolled in an approved graduate program in School Counseling.
    • You must complete at least 30 credit hours leading to completion of the program.
    • Supervision by a licensed School Counselor for a minimum of one (1) hour per week is required.

Tip: If you’re pursuing this option, ensure your community/agency counseling coursework aligns with the requirements of the school counseling program to avoid delays in your certification.

Tips to Fulfill Educational Requirements:

  • Begin gathering information early about the programs you are interested in.
  • Reach out to current students or alumni of the programs to understand their experiences and the support they received.
  • Stay organized by keeping track of application deadlines and required documents for the programs.

Experience Requirements

Experience requirements can be different depending on your previous… experience.

1. Internship Requirements:

  • A full-time internship for at least one (1) semester.
  • School counseling experiences at both preK-6 and 7-12 grade levels must be provided during the internship or practicum.

Tip: Look for internship placements that offer diverse experiences across different grade levels to meet this requirement.

2. Orientation Experience:

  • For candidates without teaching experience, a one-semester orientation in a school setting is required.
  • This orientation includes observation, participation in, and analysis of classroom instruction.

Tip: Proactively seek opportunities to engage with classroom environments early in your preparation program.

Testing Requirements

The Praxis® School Counselor (5422) test is designed to evaluate whether entry-level school counselors possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to practice effectively in their profession. This assessment follows the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, ensuring that test-takers are prepared to meet the rigorous demands of the School Counseling profession and address the needs of students from pre-K through 12th grade.

Testing Requirements Overview:

  1. Test Content:
    1. The test content is aligned with the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies.
    2. It includes questions that measure both the theoretical and practical aspects of school counseling.
  2. Test Format:
    1. The test consists of selected-response questions.
    2. It covers various domains such as the foundations of school counseling, delivery of services, management, and accountability.
  3. Test Preparation:
    1. Free resources including detailed overviews, sample questions, and study tips are available for download.
    2. These resources help candidates familiarize themselves with the test format and content.

Registration Fee: $130.00

Tips:

  • Start studying early and use a variety of study materials, including official Praxis study guides and practice tests.
  • Join study groups or forums where you can share resources and tips with other test-takers.

Background Checks

A national criminal history background check is required to ensure the safety and welfare of students. This check is conducted at the school district level (see criminal history background check overview). Background checks are usually done through an approved vendor or local law enforcement agency (see IdentoGo).

Associated Fees:

  • Fees vary by district and vendor, typically ranging from $30 to $50.

Tips to Meet Background Check Requirements:

  • Contact your school district’s HR department for specific instructions and approved vendors.
  • Complete the background check process as early as possible to avoid delays in your certification.

Application Process

To pursue licensure as a Professional School Counselor in Tennessee, follow these steps to ensure a smooth application process.

  • Create a Profile and Application:
  • Submit Official Transcripts:
  • Proof of Exam Score:
    • Submit proof of your passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422).

The application fee is typically around $100 but confirm with the Tennessee Department of Education for the most current fee structure.

Additional Tips:

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of all deadlines and required documents.
  • Followup: Regularly check the status of your application and follow up with the Tennessee Department of Education if you encounter any issues.
  • Seek Support: If you have any questions or need clarification, contact the licensure specialist via email at educator.license@tn.gov or call (615)-741-1346 during normal business hours.