How to Become a Utah School Counselor
To become a licensed school counselor in Utah, you’ll need a master’s degree in school counseling, supervised fieldwork, a passing score on the Praxis School Counselor exam, and a background check. Most master’s programs take two to three years to complete. Where you are right now (high school graduate, degree holder, or out-of-state counselor) determines where you start.
Utah Links
Utah schools are facing a real counselor shortage. The state’s student-to-counselor ratio is around 499:1, nearly double the 250:1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association. That gap means demand is strong and likely to stay that way. State labor projections point to steady hiring through 2032. If you’re thinking about entering this field, the timing is good.
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Utah. Some of the information below may change. Contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Utah State Board of Education’s Educator Licensing Department at (801) 538-7740 to confirm current requirements.
I’m a High School Graduate…
As a high school graduate, you’re at the beginning of a path that typically takes six to eight years. That includes four years for a bachelor’s degree plus two to three years for the required master’s in school counseling. It’s a real commitment, but you don’t need to have everything figured out right now.
Step One:
Start your undergraduate degree. It doesn’t have to be in counseling. Psychology, sociology, education, and social work are all common backgrounds, but your major isn’t a licensure requirement. What matters more is building a strong GPA and getting experience working with young people before you apply to a master’s program.
Step Two:
Volunteer with youth-serving organizations while you’re completing your degree. Direct experience in schools or youth programs does two things: it helps you figure out if this career is actually right for you, and it strengthens your graduate school application later. Two resources to get started in Utah:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah
- List of Utah school districts and schools. Contact schools near you to ask about observation or volunteer opportunities.
I have already earned a college degree…
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’re ready to move into the requirements that lead directly to licensure.
Step One:
Earn a master’s degree in school counseling. In Utah, that means completing a program through one of two accredited pathways:
- An approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at an in-state institution. Utah State University, the University of Utah, Utah Valley University, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions all offer qualifying programs.
- If you’re completing your degree at an out-of-state institution, the program must be CACREP-accredited or otherwise approved by the Utah State Board of Education.
Most in-state programs run two years of part-time evening coursework across eight semesters, designed so you can continue working while you’re in the program. You can also find school counseling programs in Utah here.
Step Two:
Complete supervised fieldwork. Utah requires two components:
- A 100-hour practicum, completed in a K-12 school during your program
- A 600-hour internship, completed during the final year of your program in a K-12 school setting
Both experiences take place in schools during school hours, so plan for that logistical reality in advance. If you have two or more years of full-time licensed teaching experience, some programs may allow reduced internship hours. Confirm this with your program or the Utah State Board of Education directly.
Step Three:
Complete a background check. You’ll need to submit fingerprints through the Utah State Board of Education’s process, either via LiveScan at an approved site or fingerprint cards. The USOE fingerprinting page has current instructions on how to submit.
Step Four:
Apply for your Professional Educator License through the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS). In most cases, your university’s school counseling program will guide you through this step and submit the required recommendation for licensure on your behalf. You can also contact the Utah State Board of Education’s Educator Licensing Department at (801) 538-7740 with questions.
One thing to know after licensure: all Utah school counselors are required to complete the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate. Out-of-state completers receive an Associate Educator License initially and have three years to complete the CCR Certificate and earn the full Professional License. Details on the exam and full Utah school counselor certification requirements are on the certification page.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Utah recognizes out-of-state school counseling credentials, but it’s not a simple credential swap.
To qualify, you’ll need to hold a current school counseling license from another state and have earned a master’s degree or higher in school counseling or a related field. If you meet both requirements, you can apply for an Associate Educator License in School Counseling through the Utah State Board of Education. This is a temporary license, valid for three years, during which you’ll need to complete the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Certificate to transition to a full Professional License.
The application process involves a License Equivalency Review (LER). Review the LER Application Checklist to understand what documentation you’ll need to submit. You’ll also need to complete a criminal background check through the Utah State Board of Education’s fingerprinting process, regardless of your clearance in your home state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to become a school counselor in Utah?
You need a minimum of a master’s degree in school counseling. The program must come from a Utah-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP) if completed in-state, or a CACREP-accredited program approved by the Utah State Board of Education if completed out of state. A bachelor’s degree alone won’t qualify you for licensure.
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Utah?
Most people complete the master’s program in two to three years, depending on whether they enroll full-time or part-time. Add a four-year bachelor’s degree if you’re starting from scratch, and the full path typically runs six to eight years. Part-time evening programs are common in Utah, allowing many people to keep working while pursuing their coursework.
Can I work while completing a master’s program in school counseling in Utah?
For the coursework portion, yes. Most Utah programs are designed for working adults with evening classes. The fieldwork component is different. Both the practicum (100 hours) and the internship (600 hours) take place in K-12 schools during school hours, so you’ll need to plan for daytime availability during those phases. Most students find ways to manage this, but it requires real scheduling flexibility.
How many fieldwork hours are required in Utah?
The standard requirement is a 100-hour practicum followed by a 600-hour internship, both completed in K-12 school settings under the supervision of a licensed school counselor. If you have prior licensed teaching experience, some programs may allow reduced internship hours. Confirm the specifics with your program or the Utah State Board of Education.
Why is Utah’s counselor shortage relevant to my job prospects?
Utah’s student-to-counselor ratio is approximately 499:1, far above the 250:1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association. Only a handful of states have more strained ratios. That shortage translates to consistent hiring demand, and state labor projections indicate that demand is expected to continue through 2032.
- High demand, persistent shortage — Utah’s 499:1 student-to-counselor ratio means job openings are steady, with state projections pointing to continued hiring through 2032.
- Master’s degree required — You’ll need a program from a Utah-approved EPP (in-state) or a CACREP-accredited institution approved by the Utah State Board of Education (out-of-state).
- Fieldwork happens during school hours — Plan for a 100-hour practicum plus a 600-hour internship in K-12 settings during the school day.
- Two- to three-year master’s programs — Most Utah programs are designed for working adults with evening coursework.
- Out-of-state counselors start with a temporary license — You’ll receive an Associate Educator License and have three years to complete the CCR Certificate for full licensure.
Ready to start comparing programs? Look for programs approved by the Utah State Board of Education or accredited by CACREP. That’s the factor that most directly affects your path to licensure.
