How to Become a North Carolina School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a North Carolina School Counselor?

• I’m a High School Graduate…
• I have already earned a college degree…
• I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in North Carolina. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, please feel free to contact your school counseling education program advisor or contact the North Carolina Department of Education licensing department at (919) 807-3310.

I’m a High School Graduate…

As a high school graduate already looking into the North Carolina school counseling career, you are way ahead of the curve! Early career research shows maturity and motivation that will help you throughout your life. However, don’t stop here!

Below are recommended steps for learning more about yourself and whether a career as a North Carolina school counselor is right for you. In addition, you will find information for advancing your current level of education and become closer to qualifying for a North Carolina school counselor certification.

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. The only necessity is that you begin earning your associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

Step Two:

A great way to find out if you are interested in a social service type of career, like school counseling, is to find volunteering organizations who work with children or young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of North Carolina:

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Western North Carolina
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Davie County/Winston Salem, North Carolina
• North Carolina School District Directory
  • Use this link to find schools near you as well as each school’s contact information. Contact these schools to find out if there are any volunteer programs you may participate in.

Finally, get out there! For your career research to be worth anything, you need to get out there and learn from what you’ve found. Begin earning your post-secondary education, volunteer, work in a public school, and learn whether a career as a North Carolina school counselor is right for you.

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I have already earned a college degree…

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

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through the following avenue:

• • Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling
    
    • Capella University Master of Science (MS) in Human Services – School Counseling Specialization – CACREP and State Approved ^**

     

    • Or find more school counseling programs in North Carolina here.

Step Two:

You will also need to complete the North Carolina school counselor examination requirement: Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling Examination

Step Three:

Lastly, you can find information about the procedure for applying for North Carolina school counseling certification as well as all other qualification and material requirements on the following webpage: North Carolina Steps to Certification

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

North Carolina does respect reciprocity agreements between participating states. However, unique praxis exam requirements must be met regardless of reciprocity agreements in order to be issues and North Carolina school counselor certification.

For more information use this link to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, or call the following number to speak with an actual person: (919) 807-3310

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