Becoming a School Counselor in California
As one of the most populous states in the United States, California has over 6 million students enrolled in its educational system.
Therefore, the role of school counselors is one of the most important in the educational and life journey of each student. Not only do they provide guidance and assistance with academic issues, but they also help them clarify the prospects for their future.
Being a school counselor in California requires dedication, commitment, hard work, and most of all, a love for this fulfilling profession.
In this article we will explain as clearly and concisely as possible what it takes to become a school counselor in California.
What are the Requirements to Become a School Counselor in California?
Here is an outline for becoming a licensed school counselor in California:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
- Complete a master’s degree in school counseling
- Obtain a formal recommendation from your university
- Pass the Basic Skill Requirement test
- Submit fingerprints
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the application
- Get your license
Educational Requirements
To meet the educational requirements for a career in school counseling in California, you must first obtain a bachelor’s level undergraduate degree or higher from a college or university accredited by the state. Your undergraduate degree can be in any field.
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you will need to enroll in a master’s degree program in school counseling. You need to ensure that your master’s degree program have at least 48 semester units in a professional preparation program that specializes in school counseling.
Your master’s degree should be approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Furthermore, as a part of your master’s degree, you will also need to complete supervised work experience with school-age children.
Obtaining a Formal Recommendation from the University
Once you have completed your educational requirements, your university must provide you with a formal online recommendation. This recommendation is submitted directly to the Commission (CTC).
Basic Skills Requirement
The California Education Code requires a basic skills requirement to work in the state’s public schools. All prospective school counselors must meet this requirement by doing one of the following:
The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
This standardized test measures the prospective counselors’ writing, math, and reading skills, which is why it is divided into these three sections. The test is considered passed if you score 41 points or more in each section.
You only need to take the CBEST once to remain valid indefinitely. You can retake the test as many times as you want until you get the score you want. Just remember that there is a registration fee that you must pay each time you take the test.
The CBEST is completely online. You can take a look at the CTC website to get more information about their fee, policies and rules, and also to get preparation materials before the test.
The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)
This is another standardized test that measures several subject areas for prospective counselors as well as their writing skills. This test consists of many other sub-tests in the multiple choice format that focus on a wide variety of subjects such as science, English, math, world languages, or social studies.
You will need to pass the CSET Multiple Subjects test. Passing score for this test is 220 (for each sub-section).
The CSET is also computer based and you can take it any time of the year. You only need to pass it once and it is valid indefinitely. You can take each sub-test separately or take them all at once if you prefer. Check out the CTC website to get more information.
Passing the California State University (CSU) Early Assessment Program (EAP)
Passing the California State University Early Assessment Program, specifically the Mathematics and English sections, is also required to meet the basic skills requirement. As with the other tests mentioned above, you only need to pass it once and your scores will remain valid indefinitely.
In this test, you will need to obtain “College Ready” scores in English and Mathematics sections. Your test scores will be valid for one year.
Live Scan Fingerprint Process
The Live Scan Fingerprint process is designed to electronically capture the prospective school counselor’s fingerprints using a digital scanner. This is required to check the criminal background of any person seeking to become a counselor in California.
To complete this process, you must obtain Form 41-LS, the Request for Live Scan Service Form, from the school where you wish to work. Please note that you will be required to pay a fee to complete this process.
Application Processing Fee
Once the colleague or university has submitted the letter of recommendation online, you will need to pay the application processing fee. You will receive an email notification that the recommendation has been successfully submitted and will be directed to a secure database with instructions on how to pay the fee.
Submit Your Application
Next, you will need to complete an online application, which can be found on the CTC website. The application will require you to submit the educational requirements, the basic skills requirements, and the live scan fingerprint process so the board can check your background.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to review it and email you the results. If they approve your application, you’ll receive the credential that allows you to work as a school counselor in California.
School Counselor Certification Renewal Requirements
The renewal period for the School Counselor credential is five years. To renew this credential, you must pay the required fee and submit the application before your certification expires.
To apply for renewal, you must have worked at least 100 hours as a consultant without significant interruption during the past five years. This could include conferences, workshops, and the like. You must also provide documentation that you’ve been a school counselor for at least two years.
How Long Does It Take to Become a School Counselor in California?
The time it takes each person to become a school counselor in California varies depending on several different reasons. Your educational background, availability, and skill level could speed up or slow down the process a bit, as well as the time it takes each person to complete the credential application process.
Don’t forget that you need to have a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in school counseling, complete a certain number of hours of practicum or internship, and pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST). If you don’t pass these tests on your first try, you can retake them as many times as necessary, which will also add time to your school counseling journey.
A master’s degree in school counseling takes about two years to complete if you are enrolled full-time. The good part is that most peer institutions or universities in California require their students to complete the Basic Skills Requirement during their program, which can help you save some time and help you pursue the school counseling position as soon as you graduate.
Once you have earned your master’s degree in school counseling and completed the required internship hours, you will need to prepare for the CBEST or CSET exams. Again, the time it takes to prepare depends on your availability and study skills. However, it typically takes several months to prepare.
Overall, after earning your undergraduate degree, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to become a school counselor in California, depending on the program you enroll in, as well as your time availability, personal circumstances, and desire to grow into the career you so desire.
Can You Be a School Counselor With a Bachelor’s Degree in California?
You need a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s degree in school counseling to apply to become a school counselor in California, as well as a certification, which requires you to follow the other steps required, such as passing the CBEST or CSET exams.
If you only have a bachelor’s degree but don’t have a master’s degree in school counseling and the specific certification, you generally can’t become a school counselor in the state.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. If you have a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, you can work as a school counselor as long as you prove that you are pursuing your master’s degree in school counseling and the rest of the requirements to obtain the specific credential.
What is the Role of School Counselors in California?
School counselors in California are pillars of the educational system for several reasons. They provide valuable support to each student’s personal and academic experience, helping them to navigate their complex social and emotional issues while helping to shape their values and identity during this crucial time in their lives.
The role of the school counselor is to provide confidential guidance to students who are struggling academically. They are responsible for identifying the specific reasons that may be hindering the student’s progress, which can be familial, social, and emotional. Through their support and guidance, they help them get back on track.
At the same time, school counselors provide valuable information to help students prepare for college. Most high school students feel anxious and overwhelmed when faced with career options, and school counselors are there to make this process less daunting by informing them about the college application process, scholarships, and the like.
School counselors in California must be trained to support students’ mental health by teaching them self-care practices and stress management strategies to help them cope with their emotions and everyday challenges.
The school counselor’s job is interdisciplinary, which means that they work hand in hand with teachers, administrators, and counselors to develop unique strategies that promote the uniqueness of each student while fostering a positive school climate.
What are the Career Opportunities for School Counselors in California?
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) found that there are 708 students for every counselor in California, indicating the high demand for this profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this profession is projected to grow by 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is very good news for people looking to pursue this rewarding career.
There are many career opportunities for school counselors in California. You can apply to work at a K-12-powered online school, providing counseling and support to the students while helping the teachers develop the academic plan.
If you are interested in helping students navigate the transition between high school and college, you can apply to work in colleges and universities. Besides providing help and assistance, you can also assist students with financial aid and college applications.
There are also positions available in community organizations if your humanitarian side is calling you. Providing guidance and support in government or non-profit organizations can be a very rewarding way to put your wisdom into practice.
Another career option for school counselors in California is to work as a private consultant for schools and other academic organizations, helping them to cultivate a more positive and healthy environment for their students.