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Obtaining an Initial School Counselor license in Mississippi entails fulfilling specific criteria to ensure competence and suitability for the role. Prospective candidates can pursue three distinct pathways (AA / AAA / AAAA) to meet educational requirements: completing a master’s degree program specializing in guidance and counseling alongside a five (5)-year educator license, achieving an accredited master’s degree in guidance and counseling with internship experience and meeting academic benchmarks, or holding a National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential (see Mississippi Licensing Guidelines).
The application process involves completing an online or mail-in application via the Mississippi Educator Career Continuum Archive (MECCA) System, submitting official transcripts, and providing proof of passing exam scores. While there’s no specified licensure application review fee, applicants are advised to consult the Mississippi Department of Education website for updates on associated fees. Expert support is available through the Mississippi Department of Education’s license division during weekdays via phone or email.
For more specific information on each step, follow below:
To become a licensed School Counselor in Mississippi, individuals have three (3) options to meet the educational requirements:
Option 1 (AA Licensure):
Option 2 (AAA Licensure):
Option 3 (AAAA Licensure):
Regardless of the option chosen, aspiring School Counselors should also consider networking with professionals in the field, seeking mentorship opportunities, and staying updated on best practices and trends in school counseling. Additionally, gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time employment can further strengthen your skills and readiness for a career in school counseling.
If the candidate currently needs to possess MS Teaching Certification, they will be required to undertake a comprehensive year-long internship program.
The Praxis® School Counselor test, designated as exam code 5422, evaluates the proficiency of aspiring school counselors in adhering to the ASCA School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies. This assessment gauges whether candidates possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for effective professional practice in the field of school counseling, spanning grades pre-K through 12. Successful completion of this examination is a prerequisite for certification as a Guidance Counselor K-12. The examination fee (instructional support personnel/Guidance Counselor K-12) amounts to $130.00, with a qualifying score set at 153.
Background checks are required to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working in schools, especially when dealing with students. It helps identify any past criminal history or other concerning issues that might affect the individual’s ability to work effectively with students. However, there is no pre-application requirement for criminal background checking.
The application process involves the following steps:
There is no licensure application review fee mentioned. However, applicants should refer to the Mississippi Department of Education website for any updates on fees.
The Instructional Support Personnel Licensure (School Counselor K-12) Application Checklist contains the following:
If you require support with your School Counselor license application, feel free to reach out to the Mississippi Department of Education’s license division at 601-359-3483. Expert assistance is accessible on weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM CST. Alternatively, you can contact a specialist via email at teachersupport@mdek12.org.