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 Alabama.

Academics: Satisfactory completion of a state-sanctioned program with at least a GPA of 3.25 on courses in the Alabama State Board of Education sanctioned school counseling program.

Necessary Courses: A practicum of at least 100 hours in a school-based environment, including a minimum of 40 hours of supervised service work in individual and group counseling with early childhood/elementary and secondary school learners.

Experience Needed: (1) A supervised elementary and secondary school-based internship (P-12) of at least 600 clock hours began after completing the practicum, including a minimum of 240 clock hours in direct service work with early childhood/elementary, secondary school learners. (2) Effective July 1, 2017, and after that, 2 full years of full-time, acceptable professional educational work experience. Effective July 1, 2019, 2 full years of full-time, acceptable P-12 professional educational work experience.

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Assessment: For initial certification in school counseling by completing a Class A Program, the candidate must meet the Praxis requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment.

Licensure: P–12

Licensure Reciprocity: Through the reciprocity approach to licensure, Alabama recognizes current professional educator licenses provided by other states as the basis to offer professional licensure in Alabama. The certificate(s) must be at a degree level, in a teaching field or instructional support area, and on a grade level in which Alabama offers relevant licensure.

Criminal Background Investigation: Background clearance based on a fingerprint review. Candidates for initial certification, additional certification, and certificate renewal who have not been cleared by both the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation and FBI are required to be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check.

Alabama Department of Education/school counseling