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 Vermont.

Academics: Master’s degree in school counseling.

Experience Requirements: An internship experience (600 clock hours) in counseling with at least 60 hours of experience in school counseling at the elementary (PK-6) and middle/secondary (7-12) levels, under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.

Assessment: Praxis I: Must have at least a mar of 177 in reading, 174 in writing, and 175 in math unless they have a minimum of 1000 on the SAT’s OR 1100 on GRE’s OR 22 on the ACT’s

Is an Institutional Recommendation Needed?: No

Licensure: PreK-12

Licensure Reciprocity: All states are recognized by Vermont for reciprocity except IA and MN. A candidate has a current, comparable license from a state with which Vermont has a NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, provided the candidate can provide documentation of at least 3 years of work in a school within the last 7 years in the certification endorsement area. Candidates that fail to meet this condition can obtain certification through Vermont’s Alternative Route: The Peer Review process.

Criminal Background Investigation: Yes, criminal background check and fingerprinting.

Vermont Department of Education