Become a Licensed School Counselor in Oregon
How to Become a School Counselor in Oregon
The journey toward a fulfilling career as a school counselor starts with understanding the specific requirements and processes involved, each of which play a crucial role in shaping you as a qualified professional.
Oregon School Counselor Requirements
Education
- Master's degree or higher from an approved institution
- Completion of a School Counselor License Preparation Program. This does not have to be a CACREP-accredited program, but CACREP is the gold standard for counseling programs and so is highly recommended. (view our school counseling programs)
Criminal Background Check
- Furnish fingerprints
- Satisfactory responses to character questions
Application
- Complete and correct application
- Payment of all required fees
Personal Qualifications
- At least 18 years of age
- Good moral character
- Mental and physical health necessary for employment as a school counselor
Oregon no longer requires that school counselors pass an exam to become licensed. However, some other states such as Washington still do. If you’re considering working in a state other than Oregon, it could be worthwhile to take the Praxis exam for school counselors, which is a commonly required exam for licensure or certification in states other than Oregon.
In order to renew your school counselor license, you must also complete a professional development plan and report on completion of continuing education regarding suicide risk assessment, treatment, and management.
For the most up to date information about school counselor licensure in Oregon, please refer to the Oregon TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) website.
Washington
To apply for Washington’s School Counselor ESA (Educational Staff Associate) Certification, visit the website for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for details.
Become a School Counselor at George Fox University
Whether you see yourself working at the elementary, middle or high school level – or in a district supervisory position – George Fox’s school counseling program can equip you with the tools to succeed in your role of addressing students’ academic, personal/social and career development needs.
We offer three paths for you to earn an Oregon K-12 school counselor license:
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I do not have two or more years of documented experience as a licensed Oregon teacher
The Master’s Degree in School Counseling (Track II) program is also generally two to four years in length with 62 semester hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation, including a 100-hour teaching practicum.
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I have two or more years of documented experience as a licensed Oregon teacher
The Master’s Degree in School Counseling (Track I) program is generally two to four years in length with 60 semester hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation.
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I have a master’s degree in a mental health profession
The licensure-only Certificate in School Counseling is generally two years in length with 34 semester credit hours of coursework required as a minimum for graduation. All classes are held at our Portland Center location.
Employment Outlook
Graduates of the program can expect favorable job prospects. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks school counseling among its “Best Social Services Jobs” list. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong employment possibilities for school counselors, with demand expected to increase 5% between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average for all professions.
Questions?
Kelly Peterson
Admissions Counselor, Graduate Counseling Programs