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 New Hampshire.

Academics: (Option 1) Have completed a state board of education sanctioned school counseling program at the master’s degree level or (Option 2) Alternative certification is possible if the following 3 requirements are met: (1) The candidates has a minimum of master’s degree in a related counseling field and (2) demonstrates that they have also acquired the competencies, skills, and knowledge that they would have gained if they had graduated from an NHDOE sanctioned graduate program in school counseling (this is demonstrated through a written thesis and oral board review) and (3) must have worked for 3 months as a guidance counselor to qualify for alternative certification. To accomplish number 2 above, coursework, specifically in school counseling, is required. The alternative process takes one year.

Experience Requirements: (Options 1) State licensure as a school counselor; candidates must have finished a 600-hour practicum in a school setting under the direct supervision of a state-certified school counselor with at least of 2 years of experience as a state-certified school counselor, or (Option 2) Candidates for alternative certification have worked for 3 months, full time, as a school counselor before starting the alternative certification process. This is usually accomplished from being a certified school counselor in another state or taking classes, including internship classes, through an NH-sanctioned program intending to qualify for alternative certification.

Assessment: None

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: K-12

Licensure Reciprocity: Yes. Candidates seeking to be state-certified through the reciprocal agreement must still verify that they have received training comparable to what they would have received if they had graduated from an NHDOE sanctioned graduate program in school counseling. In licensure through reciprocal agreement, this is done by reviewing transcripts, curriculum vitae, and experience descriptions. Candidates seeking to be state-certified school counselors must still have been trained in all 3 grade levels to receive certification from working in NH public schools.

Criminal Background Investigation: Criminal background check is required before any certification process is begun.