How to Become a Vermont School Counselor
Becoming a school counselor in Vermont requires a master’s degree in school counseling, a supervised internship of at least 600 hours, and passing the Praxis School Counselor exam (5422). Most people complete the full path in six to eight years. You’ll apply for licensure through the Vermont Agency of Education.
Vermont Links
Vermont is one of the better states in the country to work as a school counselor. Its student-to-counselor ratio is among the lowest nationally, which means counselors here tend to carry more manageable caseloads than in most other states. The state projects around 70 school counseling job openings annually through 2032. Requirements do change, so confirm current details with the Vermont Agency of Education before making decisions based on this guide.
Where are you in the process?
- I’m a high school graduate or still completing my bachelor’s
- I already have a college degree
- I’m a licensed counselor from another state
I’m a high school graduate or still completing my bachelor’s…
You’ve got time to be intentional, and that’s actually an advantage. You don’t need to commit to a school counseling track right now — plenty of counselors started in psychology, education, social work, or even completely unrelated fields. What matters at this stage is building toward a bachelor’s degree while exploring whether this career is the right fit.
Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree
Any undergraduate major will get you to graduate school eventually, but psychology, education, sociology, and human development tend to give you the most relevant coursework. Your GPA matters more than your major — most master’s programs expect a 3.0 or higher, and some are competitive enough that stronger grades help.
If you’re still deciding, consider taking courses in child and adolescent development, abnormal psychology, or educational foundations. They’ll give you a realistic picture of what school counselors actually deal with.
Step 2: Get some direct experience before applying to grad school
Graduate programs in school counseling want to see that you’ve spent real time with kids or young adults before you apply. Working as a paraprofessional, teacher’s aide, youth program coordinator, or camp counselor all count. Volunteering in a school, after-school program, or community youth organization gives you both the experience and the perspective to write a compelling personal statement.
The Vermont School Counselor Association (VTSCA) is worth bookmarking now. They connect professional counselors and students across the state and offer mentorship opportunities that can help you get a clearer picture of the career before you commit to grad school.
Once you have your bachelor’s, move to the next section.
I already have a college degree…
This is the main path. Here’s what you’re looking at.
Step 1: Complete a master’s degree in school counseling
Vermont requires a master’s degree with a concentration in school counseling. The degree needs to come from an accredited institution. The Vermont Agency of Education reviews transcripts as part of the licensure process, and coursework may need to meet a minimum grade threshold — often B or better — for transcript review purposes. Confirm current requirements directly with the AOE or your program advisor.
Most programs typically take two to three years full-time, or three to four years if you’re working while in school. A few Vermont-based programs to consider:
- University of Vermont — 60-credit M.S. in Counseling with a school counseling track, CACREP-accredited
- Vermont State University — M.A. in Counseling (CAGS option also available for post-master’s work)
- Saint Michael’s College — graduate counseling programs in the Burlington area
You don’t have to attend a Vermont school. Programs in neighboring states like New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York can also prepare you for Vermont licensure, as long as the program is accredited and aligns with Vermont’s requirements. If you’re comparing programs, check our guide to master’s programs in school counseling to see what to look for.
Step 2: Complete your supervised internship
Vermont requires 600 total clock hours of supervised internship experience. Within that total, you need at least 60 hours at the elementary level (PK–6) and at least 60 hours at the secondary level (grades 7–12). Your supervisor must be a licensed school counselor.
Most programs build the internship into their curriculum, so you’ll complete it during your second or third year. If you’re planning to work while in school, this is the part that requires the most coordination. Internships typically run during the school day, so you’ll need some schedule flexibility — this is worth planning for before you start a program. For more on what the experience looks like in practice, see our article on what to expect from your school counseling internship.
At the end of your internship, your site supervisor provides a verification letter that you’ll submit to the Vermont Agency of Education as part of your licensure application.
Step 3: Pass your Praxis exams
Vermont’s exam requirements for initial licensure typically include two components, though your specific situation may affect which tests apply to you — confirm current requirements with the Vermont Agency of Education before registering.
Praxis Core Academic Skills — three separate tests covering reading, writing, and math. Candidates with qualifying SAT, GRE, or ACT scores, or those adding an endorsement to an existing Vermont license, may be exempt from these tests.
Praxis School Counselor (5422) — the subject-specific exam. The passing score in Vermont is 159. Full details on the exam, registration, and what to expect are on our Vermont School Counselor Certification page.
Step 4: Complete your background check
All applicants must submit fingerprint cards to the Vermont Crime Information Center (VCIC) for a criminal background check. The fee is approximately $13.25 (subject to change). Fingerprint cards and submission instructions are available through the Vermont Agency of Education.
Step 5: Apply for your license through the ALiS portal
Vermont’s online licensing system is called ALiS (Automated Licensing Information System). You’ll submit your application there along with official transcripts showing your completed master’s degree, a completed School Counselor Transcript Review Worksheet (available from the AOE), syllabi from relevant courses, your internship verification letter, documentation of passing Praxis scores, and your fingerprinting receipt.
The initial licensing fee is approximately $200 (approximately $50 of which is non-refundable). Processing typically takes around 30 business days once your application is complete. Requirements and fees are subject to change — verify current details at education.vermont.gov or by contacting the AOE Licensing Office at (802) 828-3440 or [email protected].
Vermont issues a Level I license initially, valid for three years. After three years of experience, you can apply for a Level II license with a five-year renewal cycle.
I’m a licensed counselor from another state…
Vermont participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which provides a pathway for licensed educators — including school counselors — to obtain Vermont licensure without starting over.
To qualify through reciprocity, you typically need to demonstrate at least three years of successful experience in school counseling within the past seven years, in the same endorsement area you’re requesting in Vermont. If you meet that threshold, you’re generally exempt from Vermont’s Praxis testing requirements.
If you don’t meet the three-in-seven-year experience requirement, Vermont offers a Peer Review pathway as an alternative route to certification. This process involves a review by a peer panel and carries a fee of approximately $1,250 plus approximately $200 for the licensing fee (fees subject to change).
Regardless of how you come in, you’ll still need to submit fingerprints through VCIC for a background check and apply through the ALiS portal with official transcripts and documentation of your current license.
Note: Vermont’s reciprocity process may work differently for applicants licensed in a small number of states. If you’re coming from New Mexico, New York, or South Dakota, contact the Vermont Agency of Education Licensing Office directly at (802) 828-3440 before starting your application.
Full details on the Vermont reciprocity process are on our Vermont School Counselor Certification page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a school counselor in Vermont?
The full path typically takes six to eight years. That includes approximately four years for a bachelor’s degree plus two to three years for a master’s program with internship built in. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you’re looking at typically two to four years, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.
Can I work while completing my school counseling internship?
Yes, many students do, but it takes planning. Vermont’s 600-hour internship requirement is typically completed during the school day, which means you’ll need some schedule flexibility. Part-time programs are specifically designed for working students and spread the internship across more semesters. Talk to programs directly about how they structure the internship before you enroll — this varies considerably.
Do I need to attend a school in Vermont to get licensed there?
No. Any accredited school counseling program can qualify you for Vermont licensure, including programs in neighboring states. The key factors are accreditation, meeting Vermont’s coursework requirements, and completing your 600-hour internship. If you’re unsure whether a specific program will meet Vermont’s requirements, check with the Vermont Agency of Education before enrolling.
What should I look for when choosing a school counseling program in Vermont?
Look for a program that’s CACREP-accredited — this is the national accreditation standard for counseling programs, and it signals that the curriculum meets recognized professional benchmarks. Beyond accreditation, pay attention to how the program structures its internship. Some programs place students themselves. Others require you to find your own site. If you’re working while in school, ask specifically whether the program offers evening or hybrid coursework and how they schedule the 600-hour internship requirement across semesters. Those logistics matter as much as the program’s reputation.
What is the VTSCA, and should I join?
VTSCA stands for the Vermont School Counselor Association — the state affiliate of ASCA. It’s a volunteer-run organization that offers professional development events, a mentorship program for new counselors, legislative advocacy on education issues affecting the profession, and a job board. If you’re in a graduate program or early in your career, the mentorship program is worth exploring.
- Vermont’s manageable caseloads — The state’s student-to-counselor ratio is among the lowest in the country, a meaningful quality-of-life difference compared to states where counselors routinely manage 400+ students.
- The path typically takes six to eight years — approximately four for your bachelor’s, two to three for your master’s. If you already have a degree, you’re most of the way there.
- Internship scheduling is the variable most people underestimate — 600 hours, spread across elementary and secondary settings, typically during school hours. Plan around this before choosing a program.
- Vermont’s licensing system runs through ALiS — the online portal where you’ll submit all application materials. Expect around 30 business days for processing once your file is complete.
- Reciprocity is available — if you’re already licensed in another state with approximately three years of recent experience, Vermont has a clear pathway for you.
Ready to find a master’s program that prepares you for Vermont licensure?
