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Texas Initial School Counselor Certification

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

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: March 14th, 2025

Texas Licensing Body

Initial Texas School Counselor Certification Process

Obtaining an Initial School Counselor Certification in Texas involves a comprehensive process designed to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the role. Key steps include earning a Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution, completing a Texas Education Agency (TEA) approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and passing the TExES School Counselor (252) exam. Effective September 1, 2023, classroom teaching experience is no longer required, though relevant experience is advantageous.

Additionally, candidates must undergo a background check and submit their certification application through the Texas Education Agency’s online system, adhering to all associated fees and regulations. Continue below to find specifics of each requirement category:

Education or Degree Requirements

Master’s Degree: Obtain a Master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. If you want to limit your school search to Texas, find and filter school counseling degree programs in Texas.

Tips:

  • Choosing an Accredited Institution: Ensure the institution is accredited by checking the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s approved accrediting agencies list.
  • Program Selection: Select an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) that aligns well with your professional goals and offers comprehensive support for your career path in School Counseling.
  • Balancing Work and Study: If currently employed, look for programs that offer flexible schedules, such as online courses or part-time options.

Experience Requirements

Effective September 1, 2023, the requirement of two (2) years of classroom teaching experience has been removed for School Counselor certification.

Tips:

  • Relevant Experience: Even though the teaching experience requirement is no longer mandatory, having experience in educational settings can be beneficial for practical knowledge and job applications.
  • Volunteer or Substitute Teaching: Gain experience through volunteering or substitute teaching in schools to familiarize yourself with the school environment.

Testing Requirements

To become a certified School Counselor in Texas, you need to pass the TExES School Counselor (252) exam with a score of 240 or higher. The exam includes a mix of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions, testing your ability to support K-12 students, develop counseling programs, and collaborate with school communities. Preparation materials and registration information are available online through the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program.

Exam Overview:

  • Format – Computer-administered test (CAT)
  • Content – 90 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response question
  • Total Appointment Time – 5 hours
  • CAT Tutorial and Compliance Agreement – 15 minutes
  • Testing Time – 4 hours and 45 minutes

Exam Dates and Sites:

  • Exam Dates – By appointment, available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Exam Sites – CAT sites located in Texas and nationwide.

Scoring and Fees:

  • Passing Score – 240
  • Exam Fee – $200 (additional fees may apply)
  • Score Reporting – Scores are available at 10:00 p.m. Central time on score report dates.

Key Exam Content Areas:

The exam tests knowledge in several key areas related to the role of a school counselor, including:

  • Helping K-12 students develop behavioral skills.
  • Creating comprehensive counseling programs.
  • Collaborating with school staff, parents, and communities.

Preparation:

  • Preparation Materials: Available online to help candidates prepare for the TExES School Counselor (252) exam.

Policies:

  • Candidates must agree to abide by all program rules and policies upon registration.
  • Some questions may be evaluated for future administrations and do not affect the candidate’s score.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and well-being of students by verifying that educators and school staff do not have a criminal history that would disqualify them from working in a school environment. This process helps maintain a secure and trustworthy educational setting (see overview for criminal history checks for certification applicants).

Requirements for the Background Check:

  1. Initial Steps:
    • Pay the initial certification fee through your TEAL account.
    • Pay the background check fee through the Educator Certification Online System.
  2. Fingerprinting Process (see overview for fingerprinting):
    • In-State Residents:
      • Pay a $50.25 background check fee.
      • Receive an email from IdentoGo to schedule your fingerprinting appointment.
      • Pay an additional $10 to MorphoTrust/IdentoGo for the fingerprinting service.
    • Out-of-State Residents:
      • Pay a $50.25 background check fee.
      • Select the electronic submission option.
      • Pay an additional $49.95 to MorphoTrust/IdentoGo at the time of scheduling the fingerprint appointment.
    • Out-of-Country and Non-Electronic Fingerprinting:
      • Select the “card” process option.
      • Pay a $50.25 background check fee.
      • Pay an additional $10 to MorphoTrust/IdentoGo at the time of scheduling.
      • Submit traditional ink cards following the instructions in the fingerprinting packet received from the Texas Education Agency.
  3. Compliance with Laws and Rules:
    • Adhere to relevant state laws and regulations outlined in the Texas Education Code and Texas Administrative Code regarding background checks, criminal history reviews, and employment eligibility.

Application Process

You must apply online for certification and pay the certification fee through the Texas Education Agency’s online TEAL account system.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Create a TEAL Account: Set up an account at the TEAL login page.
  2. Complete Application: Fill out the application form and upload necessary documents, such as transcripts, School Counselor (252) exam test scores, and other necessary documents.
  3. Fees: Pay the certification fee electronically as specified in the TEAL account system.

Associated Fees:

  • Certification Fee: The specific amount can vary; check the TEA website for the latest fee structure.
  • Background Check Fees:
    • In-State: $50.25 plus $10 for fingerprinting.
    • Out-of-State: $50.25 plus $49.95 for fingerprinting.

By following these detailed steps and utilizing the tips provided, you can effectively navigate the process of obtaining your Initial Texas School Counselor Certification. For further assistance, reach out to the Texas Education Agency via their online help desk or call (512) 936-8400.