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How to Become a Colorado School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become a Colorado School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Colorado. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Colorado Department of Education licensing department at 720-739-3304.
- 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…
If you have your high school diploma, you’re off to a great start! However, you still have a little ways to go… You will eventually need to earn master’s degree in order to begin a career in school counseling.
Don’t be turned off! Many Colorado school counselors start off as paraprofessionals or teachers before heading into the counseling field. These careers only require a bachelor’s degree. Now is simply a great time to take great classes, earn your college degree, and learn about the field of education in Colorado. The following are recommended steps to take in order to fast track your career as a Colorado school counselor.
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. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point; just focus on earning your associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Step Two:
Volunteering is great way to find out if you are interested in a career in the social services. Below are organizations that will allow you to work with children or young adults and begin exploring if a career in school counseling would be a good fit for you:
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Colorado
- List of Colorado School Districts
- Contact schools near you to learn more possible volunteer opportunities.
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.
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Colorado:
Step One:
Fulfill educational requirements through the following avenue:
- Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling
- Or find more school counseling programs in Colorado here.
Step Two:
You must satisfy experience requirements, which involves successfully completing 100 clock hours in a practicum setting through your school counseling education program AND completing a supervised internship of 600 hours with multiple grade levels of students under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
Step Three:
You must take and pass School Counselor Praxis exam 5422 (159). Praxis exam 5421 (156) may also be accepted through 8-31-2028 if you took it between 9-1-16 and 8-31-23. Learn more about the Praxis exam here.
Step Four:
Complete a Colorado Department of Education (CDE) fingerprint card and submit this card with a processing fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Learn more about fingerprint requirements and instructions here.
Send fingerprint cards and processing fee to the CBI before submitting your application.
Colorado Bureau of Investigation
690 Kipling Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO. 80215
(303)239-4208
Step Five:
You must request official transcripts from all post-secondary education you have received. In order to be accepted, official transcripts must have the registrar’s seal. Learn more about transcript requirements and submission instructions here.
Step Six:
Gather all the necessary documents and ensure you meet the requirements for an Initial Colorado Special Services License.
All applicants must apply through the Colorado Online Licensing portal.
I’m a teacher in Colorado and wish to become a school counselor…
Colorado recognizes school certifications in all states and will review transcripts and qualifications to ensure your qualifications match the requirements of Colorado.
Gather all the necessary documents and ensure you meet the requirements for advancing an Initial License to a Colorado Special Services License.
All applicants must apply through the Colorado Online Licensing portal.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Gather all the necessary documents and ensure you meet the requirements for earning a Colorado Special Services License as an out-of-state candidate.
All applicants must apply through the Colorado Online Licensing portal.
Questions about educator preparation and licensure requirements? Call 720-739-3304 or submit a Licensing Support Requests form.