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 Maryland.

Education/Experience Requirements: 

Option I: The candidate shall submit: (1) a master’s degree in school counseling from a college and university, (2) a National Board of Certified Counselors certificate, and (3) 2 years of good performance as a teacher or school counselor in a school setting.

Option II; The candidate shall submit: (1) a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling in a program sanctioned using state-sanctioned standards under COMAR 13A.07.06.01 and (2) 2 years of good performance as an educator or school counselor or 500 clock hours in a practicum in school counseling.

Option III: The candidate shall submit a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a program sanctioned by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

Option IV: The candidate shall submit: (1) a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a sanctioned program under the interstate contract agreement for support services and (2) 2 years of good performance as an educator or school counselor or 500 clock hours in a practicum in school counseling.

Option V: The candidate shall submit: (1) a master’s degree from a college or university and (2) a current certificate from another state and proof of at least 27 months of good performance as a counselor during the past seven years based on which application is being made for a comparable Maryland certificate.

Special Provisions: (1) Before the renewal of the certificate, an educator certified as a school counselor will provide one of the following: (a) 1 semester hour of coursework from a college or university, (b) one department-sanctioned continuing professional development credit or (c) a comparable number of continuing education units. (2) The classwork, professional development required by §F(1) of this regulation shall address: (a) the need for intervention in response to indicators of mental illness, including, but not limited to: (i) depression, (ii) trauma, (iii) violence, (iv) suicide and (v) substance abuse. (b) The identification of best practices for distributing resources to parents or guardians to help learners in crisis

Assessment: None

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: Pre-K-12

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes

Criminal Background Investigation: Yes

Maryland Department of Education