- PSYG 508 (3) Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy II (prerequisite 506)
- PSYG 536 (3) Psychological Assessment
- PSYG 715 (3) Counseling Internship I (300 total hours)
- PSYG 725 (3) Counseling Internship II (300 total hours)
Once students complete the additional twelve (12) credits, they will become licensure eligible. This means that they have met the necessary academic requirements for licensure. The following information is provided so that individuals understand the process and requirements, post-degree, to become a licensed professional counselor.
Graduates must successfully pass a licensure exam. There are several exams recognized by the State Board, but one of the most common is the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE) given by the NBCC. For more information, visit the NBCC website.
The next step in the process of licensure is to accrue 3,000 supervised hours of counseling work. Practicum and Internship hours cannot be counted towards the 3,000 supervised hours. The “clock starts” for these hours only once an individual has been conferred his or her degree.
Graduates will participate in supervised clinical experience at either their place of employment or by contracting with a qualified supervisor (rates for supervision vary, so shop around). The 3,000-hour, supervised clinical experience shall be completed in no less than two years and no more than six years, except that no less than 500 hours and no more than 1,800 hours may be credited in any 12-month period.
Once you have accrued 3,000 supervised hours, you are eligible to apply for licensure through the State Board’s website. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for the State Board to process applications and for licenses to be mailed out. For specific information on the application process and requirements, visit the State Board’s website.
The above is a brief summary of the pathway to becoming a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Because licensure is a lengthy process that can involve considerable time and a financial commitment, it is imperative that individuals seeking licensure fully understand the process and guidelines.
Information on Chapter 49 of the Pennsylvania Code that fully outlines the licensure process.
How to Become a Certified School Counselor
The educational requirements to become a certified school counselor in Pennsylvania include the completion of an approved, degree-conferring master’s program in school counseling. Our program meets PDE’s specific criteria through the following courses:
Core Counseling Courses (30 credits)
- PSYG 500 – Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
- PSYG 503 – Psychopathology
- PSYG 506 – Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy I
- PSYG 510 – Research Design and Methodology
- PSYG 512 – Legal & Ethical Issues in Counseling and Psychotherapy
- PSYG 514 – Development across the Lifespan: Individual and Family
- PSYG 530 – Group Therapy
- PSYG 532 – The Role of Culture & Gender in Counseling and Psychotherapy
- PSYG 542 – Career Development and Counseling
- PSYG 662 – Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents
School Counseling Courses (12 credits)
- SCHC 501 – Foundations of School Counseling I
- SCHC 502 – Foundations of School Counseling II
- EDSP 530 – Theory and Pedagogy in Special Education
- EDSP 535 – Evaluation/Assessment and the Law for Students with Disabilities
Clinical Training (7 credits)
- SCHC 704 – School Counseling Pre-Practicum (20 hours)
- SCHC 705 – School Counseling Practicum (100 hours)
- SCHC 715 – School Counseling Internship (420 total hours)
In order to ensure exposure, understanding, and competencies regarding the practice and delivery of academic, career, and personal/social interventions, students will participate in a supervised counseling practicum and internship experience, typically in their second year of the program.
Upon graduation, and prior to Certification as a School Counselor by the PA Department of Education, graduates will be required to successfully complete and pass the School Counseling PRAXIS Exam (#0420). Information on the PRAXIS Exam.
Finally, Pennsylvania School Law requires that all applicants for employment in public and private schools, employees of independent contractors seeking business with public and private schools, and student teacher candidates undergo background checks if they will have direct contact with students. In addition, employment history reviews must be completed for all applicants seeking employment.
The following three background checks are required:
- Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
- Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
- Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
