School counselor requirements new jersey

state statutes or regulations recommends minimum certification standards that include advanced coursework and graduate degree requirements for counselors and completion of a practicum or internship.

DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES (ENDORSEMENT CODE: 0602)

Document addresses minimum certification or degree requirements for director of school counselors.

New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:9B-14.8 School counselor.

(a) The school counselor endorsement authorizes the holder to perform school counseling services such as study and assessment of individual pupils with respect to their status, abilities, interest, and needs; counseling with administrators, teachers, students, and parents regarding personal, social, educational, and vocational plans and programs; and developing cooperative relationships with community agencies in assisting children and families. The certificate holder is authorized to perform the services in preschool through grade 12.

(b) To be eligible for the standard educational services certificate with a school counselor endorsement, a candidate shall hold a master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university, and complete one of the following:

• 1. A Department-approved graduate program in school counseling; or
• 1. A minimum of 48 graduate semester-hour credits in the following areas:
• i. Counseling: minimum of 18 semester-hour credits that shall include study in theory and procedures of individual and group counseling, counseling and interviewing techniques, and career counseling;
• ii. Testing and evaluation: minimum of three semester hours;
• iii. Psychology: minimum of six semester hours in study related to child and adolescent psychology, psychology of exceptional children, and psychology of learning;
• iv. Sociological foundations: minimum of six semester hours that shall include study in community agencies, organizations and resources, and multicultural counseling;
• v. Statistics and research methods: minimum of three semester-hour credits;
• vi. Supervised counseling practicum in a preschool through grade 12 school setting: minimum of six credits; and
• vii. The remaining six semester hours of study may be chosen from among the topics listed in (b)2i through vi above or education.

(c) A candidate who has completed a master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university whose school counseling program meets the Standard of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) will be issued a standard school counselor certificate.

(d) Upon the executive county superintendent's request, the Office may issue an emergency certificate to a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• 1. A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
• 1. Fifteen graduate semester-hour credits of study from the areas in (b)2i through iv above. At least six of the credits shall be from the area in (b)2i above.