How to Become an Idaho School Counselor
Becoming a school counselor in Idaho requires a master’s degree in school counseling, at least 700 hours of supervised fieldwork, and a Pupil Service Staff certificate with a school counselor endorsement from the Idaho State Department of Education. Most candidates complete the full path in approximately two to four years after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Idaho Links
Idaho has a straightforward certification pathway compared to many states, but the details matter. Your program needs to meet Idaho’s approval standards, your fieldwork has to be distributed across grade levels, and your application goes through a currently paper-based process directly with the SDE. The sections below walk through each stage.
I’m a High School Graduate…
If you’re starting from scratch, the first step is a bachelor’s degree. School counseling doesn’t require a specific undergraduate major — many successful counselors studied psychology, sociology, education, or social work, but plenty came from other fields entirely. What matters is that you earn a four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution, since that’s a prerequisite for graduate admission.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Choose a major that interests you. Psychology and education are natural fits, but they’re not required. If you can, take coursework in human development, abnormal psychology, or research methods — these will give you a head start in graduate school. You’ll also want to maintain a competitive GPA for master’s program applications.
Step 2: Gain Experience Working with Young People
Graduate programs in school counseling are competitive, and direct experience with students strengthens any application. Volunteering is one of the most accessible ways to build that experience:
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Idaho
- List of Idaho public school districts
- Contact schools near you to learn about possible volunteering opportunities.
The earlier you start, the clearer your sense of whether this work is a good fit. The emotional demands are real, and hands-on experience helps you make an honest assessment before committing to a graduate program.
I Have Already Earned a College Degree…
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’re ready to move into the certification pathway. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Complete a Master’s Degree in School Counseling
Idaho requires a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution, with a minimum of 60 semester credits. If you’re comparing programs, look for ones that are accredited by CACREP — the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. CACREP accreditation means the program meets national standards for school counseling preparation, and Idaho explicitly recognizes CACREP programs for out-of-state applicants. Even for in-state applicants, CACREP programs are typically well-aligned with Idaho’s certification requirements.
Idaho has several in-state options, including programs at Boise State University and Idaho State University. Online programs from CACREP-accredited institutions are also an option if you need flexibility.
Step 2: Complete 700 Hours of Supervised Fieldwork
During your master’s program, you’ll complete a supervised practicum and internship totaling at least 700 clock hours. Most of those hours must take place in a K-12 school setting, and your time needs to span multiple grade levels — expect your program to place you in more than one school environment across elementary, middle, and high school.
Most programs build this fieldwork into the curriculum over one to two semesters. If you’re working while in school, talk to your program advisor early about scheduling — some programs offer part-time or evening options that can make fieldwork more manageable alongside employment.
Step 3: Submit a Criminal Background Check
Before you can apply for certification, Idaho requires a criminal background investigation as required by Idaho State Department of Education policy. This involves fingerprinting through the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and an FBI background check. You’ll need to complete the Background Investigation Check (BIC) form, available through the Idaho SDE, and submit fingerprints along with a processing fee of $28.25. Allow time for this — background checks can take several weeks to clear.
Step 4: Apply for Your Pupil Service Staff Certificate
Once you’ve completed your degree and fieldwork, apply to the Idaho SDE for a Pupil Service Staff certificate with a school counselor endorsement. The application is currently paper-based and mailed directly to the SDE. You’ll need:
- Completed application form (available from the SDE)
- Official transcripts verifying your master’s degree and credit hours
- Institutional recommendation from your program
- Background check clearance documentation
- Application fee of $75 (check or money order only)
The certificate is valid for five years and is renewable. Your application goes to: Idaho State Department of Education, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0027.
Apply for a Pupil Service Staff Certificate
I’m a Certified Counselor from Another State…
Idaho will evaluate the credentials of school counselors licensed in other states. There are two main pathways depending on your situation.
If you hold a current, valid school counselor certificate from another state, your out-of-state certificate may substitute for the institutional recommendation requirement in the Idaho application. You’ll still need to meet Idaho’s education and fieldwork standards.
If you completed a CACREP-, CAEP-, or AAQEP-accredited school counseling program within the past two years, that recent completion can also support your Idaho application. Applicants who don’t fully meet the 700-hour fieldwork requirement may receive a three-year credential rather than the standard five-year certificate, with the expectation that remaining requirements are completed during that period.
For full details on the out-of-state application process, visit the Idaho SDE out-of-state applicant page or the Idaho school counselor certification page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Idaho?
Most people complete the process in approximately two to four years after earning a bachelor’s degree. A master’s program in school counseling typically takes two to three years, including the required fieldwork hours. After graduation, the application and background check process adds several more weeks. If you’re starting from high school, plan for seven to eight years total including your undergraduate degree.
Does Idaho require a Praxis exam for school counselor certification?
Idaho does not currently require a Praxis exam for school counselor certification. Confirm with the Idaho SDE at [email protected] for the most up-to-date requirements.
What should I look for in an Idaho school counseling master’s program?
Look for programs that are CACREP-accredited or that meet Idaho State Board of Education approval standards. Check that the program includes the required 700 hours of supervised fieldwork and places students in K-12 settings across multiple grade levels. If you plan to work while in school, ask about part-time options and how the program schedules its practicum and internship components.
Can I complete my fieldwork while working full-time?
It depends on the program. Some Idaho school counseling programs offer part-time tracks or evening coursework, but fieldwork hours typically require daytime availability in school settings. Talk to your program advisor before enrolling if full-time employment is a constraint — the scheduling reality varies significantly from program to program.
If I’m certified in another state, how does Idaho reciprocity work?
Idaho doesn’t have a formal reciprocity agreement with other states, but it does have pathways for out-of-state applicants. A current, valid certificate from another state can substitute for the institutional recommendation. Recent CACREP, CAEP, or AAQEP program graduates (within two years) have an additional option. If your fieldwork hours fall short of Idaho’s 700-hour requirement, you may receive a three-year credential while you complete the remainder. See the Idaho school counselor certification page for the full application process.
- A master’s degree is required — Idaho mandates a minimum of 60 semester credits from a regionally accredited school counseling program.
- Fieldwork must be in K-12 settings — most of your 700 supervised hours need to happen in K-12 schools, distributed across multiple grade levels.
- Plan for two to four years — after your bachelor’s degree, budget for program length plus background check processing time before you can practice.
- CACREP accreditation matters — Idaho recognizes CACREP programs for out-of-state applicants, and these programs are typically well-aligned with state requirements.
- Out-of-state counselors have options — Idaho will evaluate your existing credentials, and a current certificate from another state can substitute for part of the application.
If you’re comparing master’s programs, start with whether they’re aligned with Idaho’s certification requirements. A CACREP-accredited program will keep your path to certification straightforward.
