School counselor: master's in school counseling, internship, state credential
Nearly all states require school counselors to have a master's degree, usually in counseling, plus a state credential called a certification, license or endorsement.
For: Good listeners who want to help students with school, careers and personal problems.
Route 1: Bachelor's → master's in school counseling → state credential Public schools
Some employers prefer or require classroom teaching experience, or a teaching license, before certification.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Graduate
Master's in school counseling
Group and individual counseling, working with parents and staff, and using data; an internship or practicum under a licensed school counselor.
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
The state's test
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State credential: certification, license or endorsement
Most states require a criminal background check.
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
School counselor
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Career counselor or academic advisor Colleges
For career or academic advisors, employers may prefer a bachelor's degree and work experience; some prefer a master's in counseling with a career development focus.
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Start here
Bachelor's degree and work experience
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Optional
Master's in counseling (career development)
Some states require licensure for career counselors.
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Career counselor or advisor
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Advisor certifications
Professional associations · Voluntary - Optional certifications for career and academic advisors are available from some professional associations.
BLS
School and Career Counselors and Advisors — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
Public school counselors must hold a state-issued credential; its name and the test differ by state. In Pennsylvania, a Professional Counselor license (LPC) exempts a school counselor candidate from the state tests. PDE
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.