Georgia School Counselor Certification
Georgia requires a master’s degree from a GaPSC-approved school counseling program (CACREP-accredited programs are commonly accepted), passage of the GACE content assessment, a background check, and a $20 application fee. New graduates typically pursue the Standard Professional Certificate. Those with related master’s degrees may qualify for a Provisional Certificate while completing a school counseling preparation program.
Georgia Links
Georgia certifies school counselors through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). The credential you’ll pursue — Standard Professional or Provisional — depends on your degree and how closely it aligns with the school counseling field. Out-of-state counselors may qualify through reciprocity, depending on their current license and experience. For a full walkthrough of the degree and fieldwork steps leading up to certification, see the “Becoming a School Counselor in Georgia” page.
Initial Georgia School Counselor Certification
Georgia issues two types of initial certificates: the Standard Professional Certificate and the Provisional Certificate. Most applicants coming directly out of a school counseling master’s program will pursue the Standard Professional Certificate. The Provisional Certificate is for people who hold a master’s in a related field — such as general counseling or social work — and need to complete additional preparation in school counseling before qualifying for standard certification.
Step 1: Education Requirements
Standard Professional Certificate
To qualify for the Standard Professional Certificate in School Counseling, you’ll need to meet one of the following:
- Completion of a state-approved certification preparation program in school counseling at the master’s degree level or higher. Georgia-based programs are approved directly by GaPSC. If your program is from out of state, check the latest GaPSC Rule 505-2-.144 to confirm whether CACREP accreditation is required, as Georgia has updated its requirements for out-of-state programs.
- Completion of a master’s degree or higher in a counseling area and submission of a valid National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential issued by the National Board of Certified Counselors.
- Completion of a master’s degree or higher in a counseling area and submission of a valid State of Georgia Professional Counselor’s license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
You must also have completed at least three semester hours of college credit in special education with a grade of B or higher. Applicants holding a valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification may satisfy certain requirements, depending on their certification area — confirm with GaPSC directly.
Provisional Certificate
If you hold a master’s degree in a related counseling field but not specifically in school counseling, the Provisional Certificate gives you a pathway into Georgia schools while you complete the required preparation. You’re eligible if you meet one of the following:
- Completion of a master’s degree or higher from a GaPSC-accepted institution in any counseling area
- Completion of a Master of Social Work degree
- A valid State of Georgia Clinical Social Work license issued by the Professional Licensing Boards Division or the Office of the Secretary of State
The Provisional Certificate is typically issued for one year, with possible extensions depending on program enrollment and progress. You’ll need to be enrolled in a GaPSC-accepted educator preparation program to remain eligible. You’ll eventually need to convert to the Standard Professional Certificate to continue as a school counselor in Georgia long-term. Conversion happens when you complete a state-approved school counseling preparation program or meet one of the other Standard Certificate pathways listed above.
For full details on both certificate types, see the GaPSC Rule 505-2-.144 PDF.
Step 2: Submit a Criminal Background Check
Once you’re hired by a Georgia Local Unit of Administration (LUA), you’ll complete fingerprint and criminal background check requirements through that employer. Successful completion results in a Clearance Certificate, which verifies you meet the requirements for employment. For full details on the process and requirements, visit the GaPSC Clearance Certificate page.
Step 3: Pass the GACE Content Assessment
You’ll need to pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) School Counseling content assessment — specifically tests 103 and 104. These can be taken separately or on the same day. Your scores are forwarded directly to GaPSC. For registration, current score requirements, and test prep resources, visit the ETS website.
Some applicants are exempt from the GACE requirement: those who have worked full-time as a school counselor for at least five years, those who passed a comparable content assessment in another state to receive their current certificate, or those who hold valid NBPTS certification in school counseling. Confirm your eligibility with GaPSC before assuming an exemption applies.
Step 4: Organize Your Application Materials
Applications are submitted online through the MyPSC portal and include the following:
- Completed GaPSC Initial Certification Application (available through the MyPSC portal)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including transfer credits that led to earned degrees
- Verification of Lawful Presence affidavit and a copy of an acceptable ID. For details and a list of acceptable IDs, visit the GaPSC VLP page
- GACE content assessment scores (tests 103 and 104)
- $20 certification transaction processing fee
For a full list of required materials, visit this GaPSC page.
Step 5: Know the Fees
The application fee is $20 and can be paid through the MyPSC portal by credit or debit card. If you prefer to mail payment, send a cashier’s check or money order payable to the State of Georgia:
Georgia Professional Standards Commission
200 Piedmont Avenue SE
Suite 1702, West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334-9032
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Applications are submitted online through the MyPSC portal. If you prefer mail, download the required forms from the GaPSC forms page and send everything, including supporting documentation and fee payment, to the address above.
Processing times vary depending on application volume and completeness. You can monitor your application status through the MyPSC portal. For assistance, contact the GaPSC Certification Call Center at 404-232-2500 (or toll-free at 800-869-7775). The Call Center is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays. You can also email [email protected].
Additional Areas of Specialization for School Counselors
If you’re a school counselor looking to build on your credentials, additional certification pathways are available through a variety of educational institutions. This can be a good move for counselors who’ve been in the field a few years and want to deepen their expertise or move into a more specialized role.
What you choose should reflect the parts of the work you find most engaging. Many counselors pursue additional certifications after several years in the field, once they’ve identified the areas where they have the most to offer.
Common specialization certificate areas include:
- College and Career Readiness
- School-Based Mental Health Counseling
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Behavioral Interventions and Special Education
- Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
- Multicultural and Diversity Counseling
There are also pathways focused on working with specific communities, including LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and bilingual students. Additional specialization isn’t required, but it can open doors to more advanced or focused roles within a school system.
Georgia School Counselor Certification Renewal
The Standard Professional Certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue. To renew, you’ll need to complete one of the following within that period:
- Six semester credits of college coursework with a grade of B or better
- Ten Georgia Professional Learning Units (PLUs)
- Ten Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 100 hours of Bright From the Start (BFTS)-approved training
- A valid National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification (confirm with GaPSC that your certification area satisfies the renewal requirement)
All renewal requirements are submitted electronically by your employing Local Unit of Authority (LUA). A $20 renewal fee applies. If you have less than one year of experience, your employer must request the renewal on your behalf.
For more information about the renewal process and requirements, visit the GaPSC renewal page. For questions, contact your LUA representative or call GaPSC at 404-232-2500. You can also email [email protected].
Georgia School Counselor Certification Through Reciprocity
If you hold a current and valid school counselor certificate from another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, or the Department of Defense Education Activity, you may be eligible for Georgia certification through reciprocity. For a list of commonly accepted out-of-state certificates and full requirements, visit the GaPSC reciprocity page.
Most out-of-state applicants will still need to pass the GACE content assessment. The exceptions: you’ve worked full-time as a school counselor for at least five years, you passed a comparable content assessment in your previous state, or you hold valid NBPTS certification in school counseling. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for an exemption, confirm directly with GaPSC before applying.
For full requirements, visit the GaPSC special requirements page. For questions, contact GaPSC at 404-232-2500 (toll-free: 800-869-7775) or email [email protected]. The Call Center is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
Georgia School Counseling Certification Resources
For continuing education and career development resources:
- Georgia Department of Education School Guidance Helpful Links
- Georgia School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a school counselor in Georgia?
You need a master’s degree in school counseling or a closely related field. The most direct path is a master’s degree in school counseling from a GaPSC-approved program. If your master’s is in a related area — such as general counseling, counseling psychology, or social work – you may qualify for a Provisional Certificate while completing a supplemental school counseling preparation program. Check with GaPSC to confirm your specific degree qualifies before applying.
What is the GACE, and what do I need to know about it?
The GACE School Counseling assessment is Georgia’s content knowledge exam for aspiring school counselors. It consists of two tests: test 103 and test 104. You can take them separately or on the same day. For current score requirements, registration, and test prep resources, visit the ETS website at gace.ets.org. Your scores are sent directly to GaPSC upon completion.
How do I renew my Georgia school counselor certification?
Your Standard Professional Certificate is valid for five years. To renew, you’ll need to complete professional development equivalent to six semester credit hours (grade of B or better), ten Georgia PLUs, ten CEUs, or 100 hours of approved BFTS training. Renewal is submitted electronically through your employing LUA. If you have less than one year of experience, your employer must initiate the renewal request on your behalf.
Can I transfer my school counselor certification from another state to Georgia?
Yes, if your current certificate is valid and was issued by another U.S. state, DC, or the Department of Defense Education Activity, you may qualify for reciprocity. You’ll likely still need to pass the GACE unless you’ve worked full-time as a school counselor for five years, passed a comparable exam in your previous state, or hold valid NBPTS certification. Contact GaPSC to confirm your specific situation before applying.
What’s the difference between the Standard Professional Certificate and the Provisional Certificate?
The Standard Professional Certificate is the full credential; it’s what most applicants completing a school counseling master’s program will pursue. The Provisional Certificate is a temporary credential for people who hold a related master’s degree (such as in general counseling or social work) but haven’t yet completed a school counseling-specific preparation program. The Provisional Certificate is typically issued for one year, with possible extensions, and you’ll need to convert to the Standard Professional Certificate to continue working as a school counselor long-term.
- Two certificate types — The Standard Professional Certificate requires a school counseling-specific master’s from a GaPSC-approved program. The Provisional Certificate is available to those with related master’s degrees who enroll in a supplemental preparation program.
- GACE is required for most applicants — You’ll need to pass tests 103 and 104 of the GACE School Counseling assessment unless you qualify for a specific exemption based on experience, prior exam, or NBPTS certification.
- Out-of-state program requirements have been updated — Georgia has updated rules for out-of-state programs. Check the current GaPSC Rule 505-2-.144 to confirm whether your program qualifies before you enroll.
- Renewal is every 5 years — You’ll need 6 semester credits, 10 PLUs, or equivalent professional development to keep your certificate current.
- Reciprocity is available — Out-of-state counselors with a valid certificate may qualify without retaking the GACE if they meet specific experience or prior exam criteria.
If you’re researching programs to meet Georgia’s certification requirements, look for options that are GaPSC-approved or CACREP-accredited. That’s the surest way to stay on track for the Standard Professional Certificate.
