NYS School Counseling Certification
Upon completion of the Master of Science degree in School Counseling, graduates are eligible for provisional certification as a School Counselor (K-12) in New York State. Applications for certification are available in the Academic and Student Services Office in 270 Huntington Hall or can be obtained directly from the New York State Department of Education. Visit the NYSED website to find an application form as well as information regarding additional requierments for School Counselor certification, including the completion of seminars and fingerprinting. Following two years of school counselor work experience, you are eligible to apply for the permanent certificate.
Applications may be processed or independently or through the Office of Academic and Student Services. Students typically apply for NYS certification upon completion of their degree. You may anticipate receiving your provisional certificate in the mail within 1-3 months of application submission. This delay does not restrict you from applying and interviewing for school counseling positions.
Should you be interested in pursuing School Counselor certification in other states, New York is a member of the New England Compact which offers reciprocity with other states. Check with your state(s) of interest to identify any additional certification requirements you must meet.
National Certifications
Students in all of the Master of Science concentrations are eligible for national certification. School counseling, community counseling, and CHES majors may sit for the National Counselor Examination in their final semester of study. The NCE is the qualifying examination for the National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation. Students in the Rehabilitation Counseling program who have completed 75% of their master's level coursework and are within six months of completing their program of study are eligible to sit for the national Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) Examination.