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 Colorado.

Academics: Master’s degree or higher degree in school counseling: Pathway 2 (interim authorization/school counselor): Master’s in a clinical counseling domain. Must possess a valid counseling license (LPC) issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Must possess 3 or more years of experience as a licensed clinical counselor. When issued, authorization will be valid for one calendar year and may not be renewed. The authorized school counselor must complete a sanctioned induction program for school counselors and pass the PRAXIS 5421 assessment. When the interim license expires and the exam and induction requirements are fulfilled, the authorization possessor may apply for an SSP license with a school counselor licensure.

Experience Requirements: At least 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, with several grade levels of learners under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.

Assessment: Praxis 5421

Licensure: 0–21

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes

Criminal Background Investigation: Yes, each candidate for a Colorado educator license,  including the renewal of a license, is required to submit to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation a complete set of their fingerprints, taken by a law enforcement institution, and a fingerprint card processing fee.

Colorado Department of Education/school counseling