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Alabama Links

How to Become an Alabama School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become an Alabama School Counselor?

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Alabama. Contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Alabama Department of Education Teacher Education & Certification Section at (334) 242-9977 with any questions.

Featured Programs:
  • Top Picks

  • Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs

  • #1
    Walden University

    MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.

  • #2
    Grand Canyon University

    M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.

  • #3
    New York University (NYU)

    NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.

  • #4
    University of Denver

    Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.

I’m a High School Graduate…

To become a counselor in Alabama, you’ll need to begin thinking about earning a postsecondary degree.

Step One:

Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling, or any type of program you are currently interested in. You don’t need to major in school counseling at this point, but you’ll need to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to get started.

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Step Two:

Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the social services field. There are plenty of organizations in Alabama that will allow you to begin exploring this realm by working with children and young adults:

Lastly, do not be afraid to explore various career options. In the field of education, there are many opportunities that require individuals with various talents. Whether you end up as a counselor, teacher, administrator or school psychologist, you’ll be part of a truly honorable profession!

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I have already earned a college degree…

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Alabama:

    Step One:

    Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:

    Step Two:

    You must have at least two years of educational experience on your resume.

    Step Three:

    You must complete a minimum of 30 clock hours of supervised, direct service work in individual and group counseling with early childhood (elementary) and secondary school students. This step is usually coordinated by your school counseling program college advisor.

    Step Four:

    You must complete a supervised P-12 school-based internship of at least 300 clock hours. This internship must begin following the completion of a practicum, a period of practical learning that allows you to explore the activities that you’ll perform as a school counselor.

    Step Five:

    You will need to have your fingerprints taken for a criminal history background check. You must register for your background check through the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Identity Management (AIM) portal.

    Fieldprint is the authorized contractor and will facilitate scheduling, payment, and fingerprint collection on behalf of the ALSDE. Learn more about the fingerprinting process here.

    Step Six:

    Sign up for and successfully complete the written Alabama school counseling test. Learn more about the Praxis exam in Alabama here.

    Of course, as with any career, there will be ups and downs, road blocks and smooth sailing. However, Alabama’s educational system needs highly motivated individuals who are flexible enough to learn and adapt to the times. If you are a modern thinker with a strong will, becoming an Alabama school counselor will be a highly rewarding experience.

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    I’m a teacher in Alabama and wish to become a school counselor…

    If you are already a teacher in Alabama, the transition into school counseling is a relatively easy process, provided you have already completed two years of satisfactory educational experience.

    You will need to complete 30 clock hours of supervised, direct service work in individual and group counseling with elementary and secondary school students.

    Next, you will need to complete a 300 hour internship where you will be performing all the regular activities of a professional school counselor.

    You can coordinate these events and gain all the paperwork and additional procedural information through a school counseling program advisor.

    Contact an Alabama Department of Education certification representative at (334) 242-9977 if you have questions.

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    I’m a certified counselor from another state…

    The Alabama Department of Education does grant school counseling certification to certified school counselors from other states through the certificate reciprocity approach to certification. Learn more about certification through reciprocity here.

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