In America, today’s school counselors do a lot more than their predecessors. It may be hard to tell from the outside looking in, but they help teachers and staff handle various issues, counsel parents, and sometimes play a crucial part in shaping education policy. They are a pivotal part of the student success equation, and they help schools create supportive and safe environments for students.

Want to become a school counselor in the United States, but want to know how? Don’t worry; the Edvocate has your back. Check out this guide that we created explaining how to become a school counselor in Nevada.

Academics: Finish 3-semester credits in the course of study regarding parental involvement and family engagement and (1) must possess a master’s or more advanced degree in school counseling or (2) must possess a credential as a National Certified School Counselor or (3) must possess a master’s degree in counseling conferred by an accredited college and met the requirements noted below or (4) must possess a master’s or an advanced degree conferred by an accredited college or university and have at least 2 years of experience or  2 years of school counseling practicum and meet the additional requirements noted below.

Other requirements: A. Must have at least 2 years of instructional experience or at least 2 years of counseling experience B. Must have completed 600 hours of a school counseling practicum in grades K-12. C. Must have completed 36-semester graduate credits in school guidance and counseling to include coursework in each of the following areas of study:

Necessary Courses: (1) process of individual counseling, (20, the process of group counseling, (3) educational assessments, (4) ethical issues (5) career counseling, (6) administration of school counseling programs, (7) multicultural counseling, (8) child and family counseling and (9) 2 of the following areas: a. tech in education, b. exceptional kids; c. human development or d. substance counseling and guidance.

Experience Requirements: (Option 1 and 2) None; (Option 3 and 4) 280 practicum/internship hours, or experience in school counseling at any grade level in K-12.

Assessment: Praxis – professional school counselor

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: K-12

Licensure Reciprocity: The Office of Educator Licensure encourages educators who are currently licensed in other states or US territories to apply for reciprocal certification in Nevada. Under the passage of Assembly Bill 77 during the 2017 legislative session, many valid and unexpired licenses will reciprocate without verification of passing certification examinations. Some license types will require additional documentation to determine Admissibility. Any additional documentation needed to determine Admissibility for reciprocity will be requested from a licensing analyst upon reviewing the submitted and paid application. Under NRS 391.230 and NRS 391.302, you may not be employed by a Nevada school district unless you possess a valid Nevada educator license.

Criminal Background Investigation: A criminal background check is required for all Nevada Department of Education certification candidates, according to NRS 391.033.

Nevada Department of Education