Initial North Carolina School Counselor Certification Requirements
Becoming a certified School Counselor in North Carolina entails navigating a rigorous path defined by exacting educational, experiential, and examination criteria. Offering a diverse array of routes, ranging from conventional pathways to alternatives based on shortages, these avenues empower aspiring counselors to pursue their vocation while upholding the state’s rigorous standards for competency and professionalism.
Becoming a certified school counselor in North Carolina necessitates the completion of a Master’s Degree program in School Counseling from an accredited institution. In North Carolina, the initial license is granted to individuals who have fulfilled the educational requirements but have yet to complete the mandatory testing. Alternatively, those who have completed both education and testing requirements receive a Continuing Professional Educator’s License (CPL), valid for five (5) years.
Follow the steps below to learn how to earn a school counseling certification in North Carolina.
Education or Degree Requirements
To become a School Counselor in North Carolina, you must fulfill specific education requirements:
- Completion of a Master’s Degree or Higher in School Counseling: This is the foundational requirement. You must obtain a master’s degree or higher in School Counseling from an accredited institution. The degree program should focus on preparing you for the responsibilities and challenges of counseling within an educational setting.
- Completion of an Approved Program in School Counseling at the Master’s Level or Above: The program you choose must be approved by the Institute of Higher Education. Ensure that the program you select aligns with the state’s guidelines and covers the required coursework.
- Required Coursework: The coursework you undertake should be determined by the Institute of Higher Education’s approved School Counseling Program at the master’s level or above. This coursework typically covers areas such as counseling theories, child and adolescent development, multicultural counseling, group counseling, career counseling, and assessment techniques.
Tips:
- Research accredited institutions that offer master’s degree programs in School Counseling in North Carolina. Look for programs that have a strong reputation and are recognized by the state’s licensing board.
- Review the curriculum of each program to ensure it covers all required coursework.
- Consider factors such as location, program duration, faculty expertise, and internship opportunities when selecting a program.
- Stay organized and proactive throughout the application and enrollment process. Keep track of application deadlines, required documents, and any additional requirements set by the institutions.
Experience Requirements
The experience requirements for becoming a School Counselor in North Carolina vary depending on the pathway you choose. Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Pathway 1 – Traditional Route: There are no specific experience requirements for individuals following the traditional route to licensure. However, completion of an educator preparation program and meeting all academic, field, clinical, and professional requirements prescribed by the cooperating EPP are necessary.
- Pathway 2 – Conversion from IPL to CPL: This pathway requires a minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience, either in North Carolina or verified experience from another state. Additionally, participation in a beginning teacher support program may be required.
- Pathway 3 – Alternative Routes to Licensure: If you choose an alternative route to licensure, such as obtaining a provisional license through an accredited School Counseling Program or acquiring a master’s degree in a relevant counseling discipline, there are no specific experience requirements beyond completing the required coursework and program requirements within the designated timeframe.
Tips:
- If you’re pursuing Pathway 2 and need teaching experience, consider applying for teaching positions in schools or educational institutions where you can gain valuable experience working with students and educators.
- Explore volunteer opportunities or internships in educational settings to gain practical experience and enhance your skills in counseling and working with diverse populations.
- Network with professionals in the field of education and counseling to learn about potential job openings, professional development opportunities, and ways to gain relevant experience in the field.
- Stay informed about any updates or changes to licensure requirements related to experience, and be proactive in fulfilling any additional requirements necessary for licensure as a School Counselor in North Carolina.
Testing Requirements
The Praxis® School Counselor test assesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities deemed essential for competent professional practice in entry-level School Counseling roles. Aligned with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, this exam evaluates candidates’ preparedness to meet the diverse needs of students in grades pre-K through 12.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers this exam, and further information regarding the exam and registration procedures can be found on the official Praxis website provided by ETS.
- To fulfill the requirements for becoming a certified School Counselor, applicants must successfully pass the Praxis Professional School Counselor Exam, designated as Test Code 5422.
- A minimum score of 159 is necessary for passing.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam, access sample questions, and receive study tips, you can download the free resources here. These resources offer detailed insights into the exam structure, content, and preparation strategies. For more detailed information and to register for the exam, visit the ETS Praxis website.
Background Checks
Background checks are required to ensure the safety and well-being of students. They help identify any criminal history that may disqualify an individual from working in a school setting.
To inquire about the status, reach out via email at CIISHelp@ncsbi.gov or give them a call at (919)-582-8660.
Application Process
The application for Initial School Counselor certification in North Carolina is submitted online through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Online Licensure System.
Steps for Online Application:
- Complete your profile and application using the NCDPI Online Licensure System.
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits contributing to earned degrees, with dates of degrees awarded.
- Provide proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (Test Code 5422).
- Pay the $70 application fee through the online licensure system (see fee schedule).
For inquiries, applicants can contact the NCDPI Licensure Office during normal business hours at (800)-577-7994 (within North Carolina) or (919)-716-1800. They can also be reached via email at asklicensure@dpi.nc.gov.
Alternative Routes to Licensure
This third pathway (Admin Code: LICN-001 section 1.30a) offers alternative channels, such as obtaining a provisional license through an accredited School Counseling Program or acquiring a master’s degree in a relevant counseling discipline.
- Provisional License via Accredited School Counseling Program:
- Enroll in an accredited School Counselor Preparation Program and have completed a minimum of 24 graduate semester hours.
- The school district elects to request a provisional license for the candidate and employs them in a School Counseling position while completing the remaining program requirements within three (3) years.
- Master’s Degree in Related Counseling Discipline:
- Completed a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in another counseling discipline noted in the State Board of Education Policy.
- Enroll in a university/college School Counseling master’s program to complete additional courses specific to School Counseling.
- The school district elects to request a provisional license for the candidate and employs them in a School Counseling position while completing the program courses required for full licensure within three (3) years.
Each pathway provides diverse avenues for meeting the stringent certification requirements for aspiring School Counselors in North Carolina.