How to Become a School Counselor in California for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

California, known for its vast and diverse population, faces a notable 464:1 student-to-school-counselor ratio, well above the recommended 250:1. This gap underscores the pressing demand for skilled counselors who can address the academic, emotional, and social needs of millions of students across the state. As California continues to grow and diversify, the role of school counselors becomes increasingly vital in ensuring equitable access to guidance and support.

In this guide, I will cover the step-by-step process to become a school counselor in California, from educational requirements to licensing. I will also discuss the job outlook, salaries, and tips for career success.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a School Counselor in California

School counselors in California earn about $59,618 per year, offering competitive compensation compared to many states.
In 2022, California employed 43,800 educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors, the highest in the nation.
Employment for school counselors in California is expected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the national average.

What degree do I need to become a school counselor in California?
Are there school counseling specializations in California?
How long does it take to complete a school counseling degree in California?
What certification is required to work as a school counselor in California?
Can I transfer my California school counseling license between states?
How often do California school counselors need to renew their credentials?
What core skills are essential for school counselors in California?
What are the alternative pathways to become a school counselor in California?
What is the average salary of school counselors in California?
What is the job outlook for school counselors in California?
What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in California?
Other Things You Should Know About Being a School Counselor in California

What degree do I need to become a school counselor in California?

Becoming a school counselor in California requires completion of specific academic degrees and credentialing as mandated by the state. These requirements ensure counselors are well-prepared to support students effectively.

Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution is necessary, though the major can be in any field, providing the foundational education for advanced study.
Master’s Degree in School Counseling: Completion of a master’s degree in school counseling in California is required from a program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), including at least 48 semester units of professional preparation and practicum experience with school-aged children.
Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling: After earning the master’s degree, obtaining the PPS credential in California with a specialization in school counseling from a CTC-approved institution is mandatory for public school counselors, certifying the candidate’s competence in ethical practice, counseling skills, and school-based experience.

Understanding these degree requirements is key to planning your education and career path, especially since access to counseling services remains uneven across public schools, as shown in the image below. For those interested in exploring related career pathways, resources such as counseling psychologist how to become provide detailed guidance on professional development.

Are there school counseling specializations in California?

California’s CACREP-accredited school counseling programs offer specialized tracks that align with the diverse demands of K–12 students and local school communities. These specializations support counselors in fulfilling the Pupil Personnel Services credential requirements and addressing specific student needs.

General School Counseling: Prepares counselors to implement comprehensive, data-driven services targeting academic, social-emotional, and career development for PK–12 students.
Career Counseling: Equips counselors to assist students with career exploration, planning, and vocational transitions through targeted assessments and guidance.
School-Based Family Counseling: Focuses on working collaboratively with children and families to address family dynamics, crisis intervention, and support for student success.
Clinical Mental Health Integration: Provides dual training in school counseling and clinical mental health, enabling counselors to support students facing trauma and behavioral challenges while meeting licensure standards for professional clinical counseling.
College Counseling and Student Affairs: Prepares counselors to guide high school students in college readiness, transition planning, and navigating higher education pathways.
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling: Develops skills to address relational and communication issues within family systems that affect student well-being and academic performance.

For those interested in how to become a therapist or expand their counseling expertise, understanding these school counseling specializations in California is essential for professional growth within the state’s educational system.

How long does it take to complete a school counseling degree in California?

Completing a school counseling master’s degree in California typically takes between two and three years for full-time students. Programs at institutions like California State University-Sacramento or San Bernardino generally span three years, combining academic coursework with extensive practicum and internship experiences. Some universities, such as California State University-Bakersfield, offer slightly shorter programs of around 2.5 years. Online programs provide flexibility but still require completion of state-mandated fieldwork hours.

Part-time enrollment is common for working professionals and can extend the time to degree completion beyond three years. All students must meet California’s requirements, including 48 to 60 graduate semester units, a 100-hour practicum, and 600 to 800 hours of supervised internship in K-12 schools. Additionally, candidates must satisfy the California Basic Skills Requirement through exams like the CBEST or CSET, which may add several months depending on individual preparation and scheduling.

Several factors influence the overall duration to earn the degree and credential:

State-Mandated Fieldwork: At least 600 hours of supervised K-12 school experience are required.
Credit Hour Requirements: Most programs require 48 to 60 graduate credits, with some specifying 59-60 units.
Credentialing Exam: Passing the Basic Skills Requirement is necessary before credential recommendation.
Program Structure: Cohort-based formats may limit acceleration but offer structured support.
Individual Circumstances: Enrollment status, prior education, and personal commitments affect completion time.

This chart from the National Association for College Admission Counseling shows the time allocated by public secondary school counselors to their tasks.

What certification is required to work as a school counselor in California?

To work as a school counselor in California’s public schools, candidates must obtain the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a specialization in School Counseling (PPS-SC). This credential is issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and is essential for legal practice in K–12 settings.

The certification process, completed after earning a state-approved school counseling degree, involves several critical steps to ensure professional readiness and student safety.

The certification pathway includes these key requirements:

Basic Skills Requirement: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics through approved exams like the CBEST or equivalent coursework.
Completion of a State-Approved Program: Graduation from a CTC-accredited school counseling program with required practicum or internship experience under supervision is mandatory.
Formal Recommendation: The educational institution must officially recommend the candidate for the PPS-SC credential, confirming all academic and fieldwork criteria are met.
Application and Fees: Submission of the CTC online application along with the processing fee, which was $100 as of 2025, is required.
Fingerprint Clearance: A thorough background check involving fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice and the FBI is conducted to ensure student safety.
Preliminary Credential Issuance: After meeting these conditions, candidates receive a five-year preliminary credential allowing them to practice professionally.
Clear Credential Upgrade: Counselors must complete additional professional experience or induction requirements within the preliminary period to obtain the renewable clear credential.

Can I transfer my California school counseling license between states?

California does not participate in formal interstate reciprocity agreements for school counseling licenses. This means that your California credential cannot be automatically transferred to another state for immediate practice. Instead, if you move out of California, you must navigate that state’s individualized licensure or certification process, often referred to as “licensure by endorsement” or “licensure by credential.”

School counselors seeking licensure in another state after California typically encounter the following requirements:

Submission of detailed documentation including official transcripts, verification of your California credential, and sometimes letters of recommendation.
Evaluation of your master’s degree coursework to ensure it aligns with the new state’s educational standards, which may require additional graduate classes.
Completion of a specified number of supervised internship or practicum hours if the new state’s requirements surpass those of California.
Passing state-specific examinations, such as the Praxis II or a jurisprudence/ethics exam on local laws and regulations.
Undergoing a new criminal background check, as most states require fingerprinting independent of California’s Live Scan process.
Payment of application fees and potentially obtaining temporary or provisional licensure to work under supervision while completing outstanding requirements.

Transferring a California school counseling license to another state can be a lengthy process, often requiring additional coursework, exams, or supervised experience due to the lack of reciprocity. One counselor who graduated from a California university described the move as “starting over,” noting that while the extra steps were frustrating, they deepened her understanding of local policies. She credited California’s rigorous training for giving her confidence but acknowledged the challenge of adapting to new requirements.

A temporary license allowed her to begin working sooner, easing the transition and ultimately expanding her professional expertise. This context sets the stage for understanding the balance between part-time and full-time roles among school counselors, as shown in the image below.

School counselors who work full-time and part-time

How often do California school counselors need to renew their credentials?

In California, school counselors are required to renew their credentials every five years to maintain active authorization to practice. This renewal cycle ensures that counselors remain qualified and compliant with state regulations.

Renewal Frequency: Credentials must be renewed every five years to remain valid.
Application Process: Renewal is primarily completed online via the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Educator Login portal, with processing typically within 10 business days.
Renewal Fee: A fee of $102 is generally required for online renewals; applicants should verify current fees on the CTC website.
Continuing Education: Unlike other counseling licenses, clear PPS School Counselor credentials do not require continuing education hours for renewal.
Employment Verification: Applicants must ensure that their employment information is current in the CTC system; provisional or preliminary credential holders may need to submit additional documentation.
Background Clearance: Maintaining an active fingerprint clearance (Live Scan) is mandatory; lapses may require resubmission of fingerprints.
Name Changes: Changes to personal information must be submitted separately using official CTC forms with legal documentation.
Alternative Renewal Method: Those unable to renew online may submit renewal applications by mail using forms from the CTC website.

What core skills are essential for school counselors in California?

School counselors must excel in interpersonal communication, crisis intervention, and cultural sensitivity to effectively serve diverse student populations. They should demonstrate strong ethical reasoning, robust problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to dynamic educational environments. A thorough understanding of legal frameworks and state-specific policies is also critical for maintaining professional integrity and safeguarding student welfare. Continued professional development and mastery of digital tools further enhance these competencies. For targeted insights into skill development and streamlined certification processes, consider exploring the fastest way to become a counselor in California.

What are the alternative pathways to become a school counselor in California?

California offers several alternative pathways to become a school counselor, particularly for career-changers and individuals without a traditional educational background. These options provide flexible routes to certification while addressing workforce shortages.

Online Graduate Programs: Flexible Master’s in School Counseling programs include the required Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, suited for working adults and career-changers.
School Counselor Residency Programs: Paid residencies in underserved areas combine master’s degrees with mentorship and practical experience, reducing financial barriers.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs: Designed for those with non-education bachelor’s degrees, these include graduate coursework and practicum leading to credential eligibility.
Relevant Work Experience and Alternative Certification: Programs may consider related professional experience, though graduate study and supervised fieldwork remain mandatory.
Exams and Requirements: Passing the CBEST, completing graduate programs with fieldwork, and background checks are essential across all pathways.

Prospective counselors should verify program alignment with the CACREP accreditation process to ensure quality and state recognition. These alternative pathways enable wider access to school counseling certification in California through online school counseling programs in California and other flexible models.

What is the average salary of school counselors in California?

The average annual pay for a school counselor in California is $59,618, while online college counselors earn about $63,168. Experience and seniority often lead to higher pay, rewarding counselors who gain advanced skills or move into leadership roles. Geographic location also matters; urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically offer higher salaries to match living costs, whereas rural districts tend to pay less.

The type of institution can impact earnings, too, with public high schools generally paying more than elementary or private schools. Additionally, advanced degrees and certifications help counselors qualify for higher salary brackets, as shown in the chart below. Furthermore, a strong union representation in well-funded districts can further enhance compensation and benefits.

When I spoke with a California school counselor who graduated from a local university, he reflected on the financial realities of the profession. He noted that while starting salaries were modest, the incremental increases tied to experience and additional certifications made a tangible difference over time. “The cost of living here demands that we continuously upgrade our skills,” he said, emphasizing how his union’s negotiation efforts secured improved health benefits and stipends for extracurricular involvement.

He recalled the initial challenge of managing finances early in his career but expressed satisfaction with the steady progress and stability the role eventually provided, framing his salary as both a reward for perseverance and a foundation for long-term professional growth.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in California?

The job outlook for school counselors in California is positive, with employment expected to remain stable and grow faster than national averages. In California, there were 43,800 educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors employed in 2022.

By 2032, this number is projected to reach 48,400, representing an 11% growth rate. Additionally, the state anticipates about 3,710 annual job openings over the decade, driven by retirements, workforce turnover, and expanding student support needs.

High Employment Numbers: California leads the nation in school counselor employment, signaling sustained demand and plentiful opportunities for new professionals entering the field.
Student Enrollment Trends: With one of the largest student populations in the U.S., California's consistent enrollment rates drive the ongoing need for counseling services across urban and rural districts.
Growing Mental Health Needs: Increased awareness of student mental health challenges has prompted schools to expand counselor roles to include social-emotional support and crisis intervention.
State Education Initiatives: Policies emphasizing college and career readiness and comprehensive student support systems elevate the importance of school counselors in academic guidance and intervention.
Retirement and Workforce Turnover: Regular retirements and career changes among current counselors create steady job openings, maintaining a dynamic job market.
Competitive Salaries: California offers some of the highest median wages nationwide for school counselors, with recent estimates around $73,690 annually, attracting both new graduates and experienced professionals.

For prospective counselors seeking cost-effective educational pathways, exploring affordable online colleges for counseling degree programs can be a practical step toward entering this promising field. The combination of stable employment trends and supportive initiatives makes the school counselor employment trends in California particularly favorable for those dedicated to student success.

What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in California?

School counselors in California have multiple pathways for career advancement beyond traditional counseling roles. These opportunities align with the increasing demand for specialized expertise and leadership within educational and mental health services.

Lead or Head School Counselor: Oversees counseling teams in larger districts, requiring several years of experience and leadership skills.
School Counseling Consultant: Provides expertise and professional development, often needing a PPS credential and advanced training.
School Counseling Educator: Trains future counselors at the university level, typically requiring a graduate degree and teaching experience.
District Administrator or Director: Manages student services with a master’s degree and administrative credentials.
Mental Health Program Coordinator: Leads school-based mental health initiatives, emphasizing grant writing and interagency collaboration.
Career Counselor: Specializes in higher education or private practice settings, often holding NCC certification.
Residency Mentor: Supports trainee counselors, demanding a strong professional record and ongoing development.

Advancement in these roles typically requires several years of experience, continuing education, and involvement in professional development for school counselors in California. Those considering advanced degrees may explore differences between programs, such as MA vs MS in counseling, to align their qualifications with career goals.

What do school counselors in California say about their career?

Completing my school counseling program at San Diego State University truly prepared me for the dynamic environment of California schools. Starting my career in a local school, I quickly realized how much the diverse student population enriched my professional experience. The opportunity to support students from so many different backgrounds has been incredibly rewarding and has deepened my passion for this work. California’s commitment to mental health resources and inclusive education makes this career path both stable and impactful. Raiden
Reflecting on my journey, graduating from the University of Southern California’s counseling program gave me the foundational skills to manage the unique challenges faced by students in California. Working in a local school, I witnessed firsthand how cultural diversity and community engagement shape a counselor’s role. This career has fostered significant personal growth, teaching me resilience and empathy while allowing me to contribute positively to the well-being of young people in my community. Leticia
Starting my career as a school counselor after finishing my program at California State University, Long Beach, opened doors to professional development opportunities I hadn’t anticipated. California's focus on innovative mental health programs and multicultural education means I constantly learn and advance in my role. The chance to make a difference in students’ lives while navigating the state’s unique educational landscape is both challenging and fulfilling, and it motivates me every day. Hector

Other Things You Should Know About Being a School Counselor in California

Can California school counselors work in private practice?

California school counselors primarily work within public or private school systems; however, they can also establish or join private practices if they meet specific qualifications. To practice privately, school counselors must hold appropriate licenses beyond their school counseling credentials.

Typically, this involves obtaining a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential, which requires additional graduate coursework, supervised clinical experience, and passing state licensing exams. These licenses allow counselors to provide mental health services independently in private settings.

School counseling credentials alone do not authorize private practice counseling, as they are designed for educational environments rather than clinical therapy. Counselors interested in private practice should pursue the necessary licensing to comply with California law and to ensure they can address a broader range of client needs. Thus, while school counselors in California can work in private practice, doing so requires meeting the state's professional clinical licensing requirements.

Which majors are best for aspiring school counselors in California?

For aspiring school counselors in California, selecting the right undergraduate major can significantly enhance their preparation and career prospects. Common and effective majors include psychology, education, social work, and counseling. Psychology provides a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and mental health, which is crucial given that California school counselors often address diverse student needs, including mental health challenges.

Education majors gain insight into curriculum development and school systems, aligning well with the academic advising component of school counseling. Social work majors bring valuable skills in advocacy and community resources, important in California's diverse and often underserved student populations.

According to the California Department of Education, the demand for school counselors is projected to grow by 11% through 2030, reflecting the need for professionals well-versed in both educational and psychological principles. Majors that combine these areas tend to better equip candidates for the California Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, required for licensure.

Additionally, data from the California Association of School Counselors highlights that counselors with backgrounds in psychology or education report higher effectiveness in addressing student academic and socio-emotional issues.

How much does a school counseling degree in California cost?

The cost of a school counseling degree in California varies widely depending on the institution and program format. On average, tuition for a master’s degree in school counseling ranges from $7,000 to over $30,000. Public universities typically offer more affordable options for in-state students, while private institutions tend to charge higher rates.

Additional expenses may include fees for application, textbooks, background checks, and practicum placements. Many programs also require students to complete supervised fieldwork, which might involve transportation or other incidental costs. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement can help reduce the overall expense.

Prospective students should research program accreditation and state licensure requirements to ensure their chosen degree meets California’s standards. Comparing costs alongside program quality and support services is essential for making an informed decision about pursuing a school counseling degree in California.

What do supervisors look for in a school counseling practicum student in California?

Supervisors look for professionalism, strong communication skills, and a genuine commitment to student well-being in school counseling practicum students in California. They expect students to demonstrate ethical behavior and maintain confidentiality at all times. Being prepared and punctual for sessions shows respect for the role and the learning process.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are essential. Supervisors want students who actively engage with challenging situations and reflect on their experiences. Showing empathy and cultural sensitivity is crucial, given California’s diverse student population.

Additionally, supervisors appreciate students who seek feedback and use it constructively to improve their counseling techniques. Collaboration with school staff and openness to learning contribute to a successful practicum experience. Overall, supervisors expect students to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills while prioritizing student support and advocacy.

References:

American School Counselor Association (2023). Student-to-School-Counselor Ratio 2022–2023. Retrieved from https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a988972b-1faa-4b5f-8b9e-a73b5ac44476/ratios-22-23-alpha.pdf
National Association for College Admission Counseling (2023). School Counseling: Caseloads and Responsibilities. Retrieved https://www.nacacnet.org/school-counseling/#Footnotes
O*Net OnLine (n.d.). California Employment Trends 21-1012.00 - Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. Retrieved from https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1012.00?st=CA
Zippia (2025). School Counselor Demographics and Statistics in the US. Retrieved from https://www.zippia.com/school-counselor-jobs/demographics/
ZipRecruiter (2025). School Counselor Salary in California. Retrieved from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/School-Counselor-Salary--in-California