How to Become a School Counselor in California

:: 2025 Guide

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 9th, 2024

California’s School Counselors: A Vital Role in Student Success

School counselors play a pivotal role in California’s educational landscape, providing essential support to students, parents, and educators. With increasing demands on students and a complex educational system, their expertise is more crucial than ever.

Why School Counselors Matter in California

  • Mental Health Support: California has been at the forefront of addressing student mental health needs. School counselors are instrumental in identifying and addressing students’ emotional and psychological well-being, helping to create a supportive learning environment.
  • Academic Guidance: As students navigate a complex academic landscape, counselors provide guidance on course selection, career exploration, and college applications. This support is especially important in a state with a diverse student population and a competitive higher education system.
  • Social-Emotional Learning: School counselors promote social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, such as empathy, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are essential for students’ success both academically and personally.
  • Crisis Response: In the event of school crises, counselors play a crucial role in providing support to students, families, and staff. Their training and experience equip them to handle difficult situations and help students cope with traumatic events.

Why Become a School Counselor in California

  • Impactful Career: School counselors have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of young people. By providing guidance, support, and resources, they can help students reach their full potential.
  • Job Security: California’s growing student population and increasing emphasis on student well-being ensure a strong job market for school counselors.
  • Professional Development Opportunities: The state offers numerous professional development opportunities for school counselors, including workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses.
  • Diverse Work Environment: California’s diverse student population and educational landscape provide a stimulating and rewarding work environment.

School counselors are essential members of California’s educational community. Their dedication and expertise contribute to the overall well-being and success of students. If you are passionate about helping young people and making a positive impact on your community, a career as a school counselor in California may be the perfect fit.

California School Counselor Certification Guide

California, like most of the United States, is going through a school counselor crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the school system, leading to many educational professionals leaving. Three years later, not all school counselors have returned. Not only did school counselors not return, but the pandemic caused a mental health crisis among young people, urging the need for more counselors.

The state of California has been making the necessary changes to increase the number of school counselors in schools. In August 2022, California announced its new plans to add 10,000 counselors to public schools across the state. This would essentially double the amount of school counselors in California. 

However, even with these changes, it’s not enough. For example, in San Diego, 76 elementary schools lack a full-time counselor.

To become a school counselor in California, you need a California School Counselor Certification. With this certification, you are authorized to plan, develop, implement, and revise school counseling and guidance programs. A school counselor doesn’t just develop career and academic plans for students, but is also there for their mental health, and personal and social development.

The process of becoming a school counselor in California takes time. It requires at least a few years, more depending on how much time is taken to complete a bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies.

Certification Pathways for School Counselors in California

Follow the links here to find specific information to earn your certification: