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 South Dakota.

Academics: (Option 1) Finish a master’s degree in school guidance or counseling; or (option 2) Finish a master’s degree in counseling and passage of the school counselor test and one year of supervision by a mentor counselor who has a mentor school counselor endorsement and verification of 3 years of experience as a school counselor.

Necessary Courses: 1 clock hour of suicide awareness and prevention training

Experience Requirements: Option 2, one year of supervision by a practicing school counselor

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: Pre-K–12

Assessment: For option 2, the passage of state-designated school counselor test

Licensure Reciprocity: No

Criminal Background Investigation: At the district level

South Dakota Department of Education/school counseling