How to Become a School Counselor in New York: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Whether you are embarking on your first job or changing careers after some time in the workforce, becoming a school counselor can be an excellent way to serve your community and find professional fulfillment. Becoming a school counselor in NY means completing specific educational requirements, acquiring practical experience, and obtaining the necessary licensure.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), school counselors “help students develop academic and social skills and plans for after graduation.” School counselors may work at the elementary, middle, or high school level in either public or private schools.  

Becoming a school counselor in New York not only means entering an in-demand profession, but also being able to contribute to the development and success of thousands of New York students.  

If you are wondering how to become a school counselor in NY, the process involves meeting the professional requirements laid out by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Aspiring school counselors must complete:  

School counselors must earn a minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field before becoming eligible for licensure, which also means completing the prerequisites for a graduate program.  

Before becoming eligible for a master’s in school counseling, aspiring counselors must earn an undergraduate degree. Some of the most relevant degree programs that can help undergraduates complete their prerequisites include psychology, sociology, education, and social work. Most people can complete an undergraduate degree in four years if attending full time.  

The next step toward meeting the educational school counselor requirements in New York is earning a master’s in school counseling or a related field. A master’s degree can typically be completed in two years, and many programs offer part-time options for working professionals.  

Practical experience is essential for both learning the ropes and for meeting requirements for school counselor certification in New York. Practical experience allows aspiring counselors to engage in their new professions in a controlled and supervised environment. 

A practicum and internship should both be part of an aspiring school counselor’s graduate work and are required for eventual licensure. While both experiences are supervised, they are not the same. New York licensure requires a 100-hour practicum, which largely involves shadowing a licensed school counselor and a 600-hour internship, where supervised students start to do the work of group and individual counseling.  

Most professionals, regardless of their specific fields, can benefit from mentorship. Supervised clinical experiences that are part of a master’s in school counseling program provide an excellent opportunity to benefit from the experience of licensed counselors and hopefully develop lasting mentorship relationships. Students can discuss their experiences with their supervisors, receive guidance, and feedback throughout both their practicum experiences and internships.  

School counselor licensure is not automatic upon completion of a graduate program. As of 2024, new school counselors must apply for an initial certificate through the NYSED.  

School counselors in New York must meet certification requirements before they can begin independent work in schools. In addition to completing an approved graduate education program, including a practicum and internship, new counselors must complete:  

The only exam required for initial state certification as a school counselor is the School Counselor Content Specialty Test. The school counselor CST is a computer-based exam that consists of 90 selected-response items and one constructed-response item. The NYSED provides preparatory materials to help candidates prepare for the test. Fee-based study courses are also available. A passing score is 520.  

Applying for school counselor positions is similar to applying for other types of jobs. Typically, applicants will have to submit a resume and professional references along with an introductory cover letter.  

The process of completing a graduate degree program will help an aspiring school counselor develop a resume. Graduate advisors and faculty can help determine what skills are most relevant to include in a resume or CV and may provide references where appropriate.  

School counselor positions may also require applicants to submit a professional portfolio that outlines the applicant’s core competencies and experience in specific areas of school counseling, such as their counseling philosophy, educational background, and experience providing school counseling services.  

Many school counselor jobs are posted online. Job seekers can use standard job search engines, such as Indeed.com, or they may look for posts made by districts where they hope to work. Districts may have proscriptive application processes. For instance, applicants for jobs within New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) must apply through the NYCPS online application. Other districts may have similar requirements.  

After initial certification and working for three years, school counselors can apply for professional certification, which is valid for life unless revoked. There are no continuing education credit requirements for school counselors.  

In addition to working closely with colleagues and seeking mentorship opportunities, school counselors may choose to pursue professional development by joining relevant organizations such as the New York State School Counselor Association (NYSSCA), which hosts annual conferences and provides professional resources to its members.  

Working with students one-on-one or in small groups and helping develop counseling protocols for a school can be very fulfilling work. At the same time, some school counselors may eventually want to grow their influence and advance in their careers through leadership opportunities.  

School counselors may decide to further their education with a PhD in School Counseling, psychology, or education, at which point they could become eligible for more administrative roles and leadership positions.  

According to the BLS, the demand for school counselors in the U.S. is expected to grow by 4% between 2022 and 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all professions. In New York, the demand is even greater. Additionally, the state of New York spends approximately twice the national average on public school funding, meaning school counselors can expect to find career opportunities and paths for growth in the Empire state.  

More than 22,000 school counselors work in New York, earning an annual mean wage of $72,930. The New York-Newark-Jersey City region has the highest employment level for school counselors of any metropolitan area in the country.  

One study from the journal Professional School Counseling indicated that “Students who have greater access to school counselors and comprehensive school counseling programs are more likely to succeed academically and behaviorally in school.“ School counselors not only help students cope with and thrive in their current educational environment, but they have also been shown to be critical in helping students move on to collegiate postsecondary success. Low-income students and students of color have indicated that their school counselors were the most important support in pursuing college. Becoming a school counselor means devoting your career to helping kids succeed.  

The Russell Sage College Master of Science in Professional School Counseling degree can be a launching pad for a fulfilling career as a school counselor. With dedicated faculty, a strong practicum and internship infrastructure, and administrators who support all student needs, Sage can help you reach your goals. If you have already earned or are in the process of earning an undergraduate degree, you can apply today to take this critical next step in your career.