The process to become a guidance counselor can differ significantly among geographic areas but typically includes the completion of an educational program as well as supervised practice in the area of school counseling. In some countries, individuals who wish to become a guidance counselor must complete post graduate training in counseling, while in other countries there are no specific requirements for those who wish to practice as school guidance counselors. In the United States, a school counselor often must hold professional licensure as a teacher and then complete a master's level program in school counseling in order to be eligible for licensure as a guidance counselor.
The role of a guidance counselor, sometimes simply known as a school counselor or school guidance counselor, is to offer support and assistance to students as they progress through school. The term guidance counselor is often specifically used to refer to school counselors who operate in high schools. It is a common practice in United States high schools for all students to be assigned to a specific guidance counselor who monitors their progress, offers assistance in managing personal concerns, and who also helps them select appropriate courses and prepare for future endeavors such as trade school, beginning a career, or enrolling in university.
If you wish to become a guidance counselor, you should find out your options for pursuing this career goal by contacting the board of education or appropriate educational agency in the jurisdiction in which you wish to work. In some places, you may only need to have some experience working in a school to become a guidance counselor, while other areas may have more formal requirements. In addition, individual schools may also set standards for hiring guidance counselors that may exceed licensure standards in the area.
In the United States, every state sets its own standards for guidance counselor training. In some places, you may need to first complete a bachelor's degree and requirements for licensure as a schoolteacher. You must then get a job working as an educator for several years before pursuing guidance counselor training. After you gain experience working in schools, you can apply for a guidance counselor training program, which often requires you to complete a master's degree in counseling, with an emphasis on school counseling.
To complete your degree, you will typically need to complete a practicum in which you work in a school counseling role under the supervision of a more experienced guidance counselor. You also need to complete coursework, which may include courses on vocational counseling, family counseling, as well as advanced educational topics. Once you have completed your training and practicum, you can apply for your guidance counselor license from the government agency that licenses counselors in your area.
