Education & Care

How to become a School Counselor

From teacher: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–3 years

Typical pay

$58k–$78k

Starting from

Teacher

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from teacher and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–3 years

   Teach or work in a school first

   Many states require or strongly prefer classroom experience.

2. 2

   2–3 years

   Complete a master's in school counselling

   A CACREP-accredited program is the standard requirement.

3. 3

   1–2 semesters

   Complete your practicum and internship

   Supervised hours in a real school, usually across two placements.

4. 4

   Get state certified

   Certification is separate from a teaching licence in most states.

   ◆ State school counsellor certification

5. ✓

   Destination

   School Counselor

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