New Jersey Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: February 6th, 2025

Initial New Jersey School Counselor Certification Requirements

Obtaining initial certification as a School Counselor in New Jersey is a structured process governed by specific educational, experience, and procedural requirements outlined by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Whether pursuing certification with or without a teacher endorsement, candidates must adhere to rigorous standards to ensure competency in providing essential counseling services within educational settings (see NJ Admin Code 6A:9B-14.8).

There are two pathways toward school counselor certification. Pathway-1 requires applicants pursuing Teacher Certification Endorsement to hold a Master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, completion of a department-approved graduate program in School Counseling, comprising forty-eight (48) graduate semester-hour credits, is necessary.

Pathway-2 is designed for candidates lacking Teacher Certification Endorsement, mandating a Bachelor’s degree and fifteen (15) graduate semester-hour credits, with specific coursework requirements. Successful completion of the latter pathway allows candidates to obtain an Emergency Certificate, renewable annually for up to three (3) years while progressing toward standard certification. This certificate serves as a temporary authorization in cases of unforeseen shortages or extenuating circumstances. It is valid only for employment within the requesting school district and has limitations on the duration of service.

Follow the process below to learn about the specific steps required for certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

Pathway 1: With Teacher Certification Endorsement

  1. Master’s Degree or Higher: Applicants must hold a Masters degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university. The degree should conform to the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
  2. Completion of Department-Approved Graduate Program: Candidates must complete a department-approved graduate program in School Counseling. This program should cover a broad range of counseling-related disciplines, including but not limited to counseling theory, interviewing techniques, testing and evaluation, psychology, and statistics.
  3. Required Coursework: The graduate program should include a minimum of forty-eight (48) graduate semester-hour credits. These credits must cover specified areas such as counseling, testing and evaluation, psychology, sociological foundations, statistics, research methods, supervised counseling practicum, and elective coursework.

Pathway 2: Without Teacher Certification Endorsement

  1. Bachelors Degree: Candidates must possess a Bachelors degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  2. Completion of Graduate Semester-Hour Credits: Applicants should complete fifteen (15) graduate semester-hour credits, including specific coursework in counseling, testing and evaluation, psychology, and sociological foundations, with at least six (6) credits in counseling.

Tips for Meeting Education Requirements:

  • Research Accredited Institutions: Ensure that the college or university you choose for your Masters degree or graduate coursework is regionally accredited.
  • Seek Guidance: Consider reaching out to academic advisors or counseling professionals for guidance on selecting relevant courses and designing your educational plan.
  • Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance your counseling skills and knowledge, even after certification.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check the NJDOE website for updates and announcements regarding certification requirements and procedures.

Background Checks

Ensuring the safety of students is paramount in the certification process, necessitating mandatory background checks for all applicants. These checks are facilitated through the Office of Student Protection Unit, where applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check tailored to their employment history and circumstances, selecting from three (3) distinct application types: new, archive, or transfer.

During the application process, individuals are obliged to disclose any prior criminal history (See Admin Code 6A:9B-4.2). The Board of Examiners reviews this information, assessing eligibility under the Rehabilitation of Convicted Offenders Act and pertinent statutes.

Prior to beginning the background check, explore the instructions on the New Jersey Department of Education website. Collaboration between the Office of Student Protection Unit, the New Jersey State Police, and the FBI facilitates the execution of criminal background checks.

For inquiries, individuals may reach out to the NJ State Department of Education, Office of Student Protection, via mail at P.O. Box 500, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0500, or by phone at (609) 376-3999. Additionally, inquiries can be faxed to (609) 777-4016 or emailed to OfficeofStudentProtection@doe.nj.gov. When contacting via email, applicants are requested to furnish their full name, date of birth, daytime phone number, and the last four (4) digits of their social security number to facilitate proper identification.

Application Process

Complete the profile and application through the Teachers Certification Information System on the New Jersey Department of Education website.

  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to earned degrees. Transcripts must include degree conferral and GPA.
  • The standard application fee is payable online through the application portal.
  • All application materials are submitted online.
  • If any supporting materials cannot be submitted online, they must be sent in one complete packet to the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Certification and Induction, P.O. Box 500, Trenton NJ 08625-0500.
  • $95 (waived for the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024).

For additional information on the certification application process or any further assistance, please refer to the NJ Dept of Ed Certification Overview.

Should you require assistance from a licensure specialist, feel free to reach out to the New Jersey Office of Certification and Induction at (609)-292-2070. Their dedicated customer service representatives are available to assist you from 7:45 AM to 4 PM EST, Monday through Friday.