How to Become a Maryland School Counselor
Becoming a school counselor in Maryland requires a master’s degree in school counseling from a Maryland-approved or CACREP-accredited program, three semester hours of special education coursework, and a passing background check. Maryland does not currently require the Praxis or any other exam. Most candidates complete the full path — bachelor’s through licensure — in about six years.
Maryland Links
Maryland school counselors work in public schools from pre-K through grade 12, providing academic planning, college and career guidance, and social-emotional support. It’s a demanding role — caseloads in Maryland can be significant — but the career has a clear path to entry and real staying power.
I’m a High School Graduate…
You’re thinking ahead. Start by researching bachelor’s degree programs in psychology, human development, education, or a related field. Your undergraduate major doesn’t need to be in counseling — what matters most is where you go for graduate school. Use this time to explore whether working with young people is the right fit for you.
Volunteering or working in a school setting can tell you a lot before you commit to a master’s program. The following organizations can help you connect with young people in Maryland:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County Maryland
- List of Maryland school districts — contact schools near you about volunteer or tutoring opportunities
I Have Already Earned a College Degree…
What Does the Path Look Like?
Your next step is a master’s degree in school counseling. In Maryland, your program needs to meet one of the state’s licensure criteria — either Maryland state-approved or CACREP-accredited. CACREP (the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) is the national accreditation standard, and a number of Maryland’s strongest programs hold it. Schools like Loyola University Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, Hood College, Bowie State University, and McDaniel College all offer CACREP-accredited school counseling master’s programs. Most run 48 to 60 credit hours and take two to three years full-time.
Most master’s programs embed your required clinical hours. CACREP programs typically require 100 hours of practicum and 600 hours of internship completed in a K-12 school setting. If you complete a program from an out-of-state institution that isn’t Maryland-approved or CACREP-accredited, you’ll need either two years of experience as a teacher or school counselor OR 500 clock hours of supervised practicum before you can apply for licensure.
You’ll also need three semester hours of special education coursework — or the equivalent in State-approved CPD credits. Maryland maintains an approved course listing through MSDE. This is a separate requirement from your master’s degree in most cases — confirm with your program advisor early whether it’s embedded or needs to be completed independently.
The total timeline from starting your bachelor’s through receiving your Maryland school counselor license is typically around six years for most candidates.
Licensure Pathways
Maryland issues school counselor licensure under COMAR 13A.12.04.03. Maryland has transitioned to a licensure framework (COMAR updates as of 2024), expanding the number of recognized pathways. There are six pathways to licensure:
| Pathway | Degree Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 — Maryland-Approved Program | Master’s from a Maryland state-approved program | 3 SH special education coursework (or CPD credits) |
| 2 — NBCC Certificate | Master’s in school counseling | 3 SH special ed + valid NBCC certificate + 2 years experience as teacher or school counselor |
| 3 — NBPTS Certificate | Master’s in school counseling | 3 SH special ed + valid NBPTS National Board Certificate in School Counseling |
| 4 — Out-of-State Program | Master’s in school counseling from an approved out-of-state institution | 3 SH special ed + 2 years experience OR 500 clock hours supervised practicum |
| 5 — CACREP-Accredited Program | Master’s in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program | 3 SH special ed (fieldwork hours embedded in CACREP curriculum) |
| 6 — Reciprocity | Master’s degree + valid out-of-state school counselor certificate | 3 SH special ed + 27 months satisfactory performance as a school counselor |
Most new candidates use Pathway 1 or 5. If you’re enrolling in a Maryland-based CACREP program — Loyola, Johns Hopkins, Hood College — you’re covered under both.
About the Background Check
Maryland requires a fingerprint-based criminal history records check before you can be licensed. That includes an FBI national check, a state CJIS check, a Child Protective Services check, and a Sex Offender Registry check. The combined fee runs approximately $50–$60, depending on the provider. Your prospective employer typically initiates the fingerprinting process through electronic Livescan — this happens as part of hiring, not the licensure application itself. Keep that in mind when planning your job search timeline.
Does Maryland Require the Praxis?
No. Maryland does not currently require the Praxis School Counselor exam or any other content exam for licensure. You may see conflicting information about this on other sites — to be clear, there is no exam requirement for school counselor licensure in Maryland.
Applying for Licensure
Applications are submitted through TEACH — Maryland’s Educator Application and Certification Hub at certificationhub.msde.maryland.gov. The application fee is approximately $10 (plus a service fee). Processing times vary. Contacting MSDE directly is the fastest way to get a status update: (410) 767-0390 or [email protected].
Some of the information on this page may be subject to change. Contact your school counseling program advisor or the MSDE Certification Assistance Line at (410) 767-0412 to confirm current requirements before you apply.
I’m a Certified Counselor From Another State…
If you hold a valid school counselor certificate from another state, Maryland’s reciprocity pathway requires proof of 27 months of satisfactory performance as a school counselor and completion of the three-semester-hour special education coursework. Maryland participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which covers educator credential recognition across most states.
You can learn how to complete the licensure process by contacting the Maryland Department of Education at (410) 767-0390 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Maryland?
Plan on about six years for most candidates — four years for a bachelor’s degree, plus two to three years for a master’s. If you need additional supervised experience beyond your program (as under Pathway 4), add another year or two. Candidates who already hold a related master’s degree may be able to compress the timeline significantly.
Do I need teaching experience to become a school counselor in Maryland?
Not necessarily. Pathways 1, 3, and 5 don’t require prior teaching or counseling experience. Teaching or counseling experience is required under Pathway 2, and under Pathway 4, unless you substitute 500 clock hours of supervised practicum for the experience requirement.
Can I complete a Maryland school counseling program part-time?
Many programs offer part-time tracks designed for working students. Keep in mind that your practicum and internship hours need to be completed in a K-12 school setting during the school year, which limits flexibility in the final clinical phase. Confirm scheduling options with any program before you enroll.
Does Maryland require the Praxis for school counselor licensure?
No. Maryland does not currently require the Praxis School Counselor Assessment or any other exam for school counselor licensure. Some other states do require it, so if you’re weighing interstate options, check each state’s requirements individually. For more on Maryland’s school counselor licensure requirements, see the certification page.
What’s the difference between a Maryland-approved program and a CACREP-accredited program?
Maryland-approved programs are specifically reviewed and approved by MSDE. CACREP programs meet the national accreditation standard for counseling programs and qualify under their own pathway. Both lead to licensure in Maryland, and many programs in the state hold both designations. If you’re planning to practice in multiple states, a CACREP-accredited program generally gives you the most portability.
- No exam required — Maryland does not currently require the Praxis or any other content exam for school counselor licensure.
- A master’s degree is the core requirement — it needs to be in school counseling from a Maryland-approved or CACREP-accredited program.
- Six pathways to licensure — the right one depends on your program type, credentials, and experience level.
- Special education coursework is required — three semester hours (or CPD credit equivalent), separate from your degree in most cases.
- The typical path takes about six years — from a bachelor’s degree through licensure.
If you’re comparing master’s programs, start with Maryland-approved and CACREP-accredited options. Your program choice determines your licensure pathway — and that affects your timeline.
