Wisconsin Links
How to Become a Wisconsin School Counselor
Where are you on your quest to become a Wisconsin School Counselor?
Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in Wisconsin. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, contact your school counseling education program advisor or the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Licensing Department at (800) 266-1027.
- Top Picks
Featured Universities with School Counseling Programs
#1
Walden University
MS in School Counseling - General Program. Click here to contact Walden University and request information about their programs.
#2
Grand Canyon University
M. Ed in School Counseling (leads to initial Licensure) Click here to contact Grand Canyon University and request information about their programs.
#3
New York University (NYU)
NYU Steinhardt's accredited master of arts program in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling. Through this online program, you will gain the skills you need to become a professional Pre-K-12 school counselor, working with children and families in your community to foster academic achievement and success. Click here to contact New York University and request information about their programs.
#4
University of Denver
Earn a Master's degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Click here to contact University of Denver and request information about their programs.
I’m a High School Graduate…
As a high school graduate, you are in a fantastic position to learn more about the Wisconsin school counseling career. You will have many opportunities to volunteer or work in environments either directly related to school counseling or very similar in an educational setting.
Below are some recommended steps to help you begin advancing your level of education as well as learn more about the Wisconsin school counselor career.
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:
Volunteering is a great way to learn what it’s like to work in a social services field that is focused on children and young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of Wisconsin:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin
- Directory of Wisconsin school districts and schools
- Use this link to locate and contact schools near you to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get out there and begin working or volunteering. Your research is only as valuable as what you do with it. So, get out there and make new friendships, make job connections, and learn whether a career as a Wisconsin school counselor is right for you.
I have already earned a college degree…
The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in Wisconsin:
Step One:
Fulfill educational requirements through the following avenue:
Step Two:
Satisfy experience requirements through one of three pathways:
- Complete a one-year, full-time internship in school counseling (this is usually done through the aid of your school counseling preparation program)
- Complete at least two years of teaching experience at the elementary or secondary grade levels as a certified teacher.
- Complete at least two years of half-time or more experience as a credentialed school counselor in another state.
Step Three:
Take and pass the School Counselor (5422) exam through Praxis. Learn more about registering for and taking this exam here.
Step Four:
Submit fingerprints through Fieldprint, the state-approved vendor. Learn more about completing the fingerprint process here.
Apply for a new Pupil Services License under the School Counselor Licensing category through the Educator Licensing Online (ELO) System.
Learn more about which license you’ll qualify for here.
I’m a certified counselor from another state…
Wisconsin does not offer school counseling certification through reciprocity agreements. However, you may be able to qualify for certification by applying for certification and having your current credentials reviewed. If you have completed an accredited school counseling program and have satisfied experience requirements, you may be eligible for Wisconsin school counselor certification.
Learn more about qualifying for a Pupil Services license as an out-of-state candidate here.