How To Become A School Counselor In Georgia With Pictures

Technically, you can get a degree in any field, but it always helps if you have a degree in something related to counseling or education. Degrees in human development, developmental psychology, sociology, or social work are also helpful. You should be culturally competent. Understand that people are different for various reasons and be respectful and compassionate towards students. [5] X Expert Source Alicia OglesbyProfessional School Counselor Expert Interview. 29 October 2020. Learn to be a good listener and listen without judgement. [6] X Expert Source Alicia OglesbyProfessional School Counselor Expert Interview. 29 October 2020.

As of 2021, the following institutions in Georgia have approved certification-only programs: Albany State University, Columbus State University, Fort Valley State University, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, and Mercer University. If you’ve already been working as a school counselor in another state and don’t have a master’s degree, you can become a school counselor in Georgia using your certificate from the other state, as long as it indicates master’s level work. [8] X Research source

Go to https://www. ets. org/gre to get more information about the GRE and register to take the test.

A full master’s degree gives you more options professionally and academically. While with certification-only programs you’re restricted to approved schools in Georgia, your master’s degree can come from anywhere. Even though you can get your master’s degree anywhere, if you already know you want to work as a school counselor in Georgia, it makes a lot of sense to get your degree at a school in Georgia. You’ll have more access to state-specific resources and your professors will have connections in the Georgia school system that can help you find a job after graduation.

The grade requirement of “B” or better only applies to coursework completed on or after July 1, 2019, so it doesn’t apply if you took the course earlier. You’re exempt from this requirement if you’re moving to Georgia from another state and already have at least 5 years of experience as a school counselor. You’re also exempt from this requirement if you already hold a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certificate or if you have a degree with a major in special education. [14] X Research source

For more information about the GACE exam, go to https://www. gace. ets. org/. Since you’ll need approval from your program before you can register for the test, you’ll learn more about it after you get started in your graduate program. If you’re moving to Georgia from another state where you already have at least 5 years of experience as a school counselor, you don’t need to take the GACE exam. [15] X Research source

If you’re concerned about something in your background that might keep you from working as a school counselor, talk to a faculty member in your graduate program. They can help you determine if your past would present a problem.

By the time you get to this point of your program, you should have a general idea of what type of counseling you want to do and what ages you want to work with—but it’s okay if you don’t! You can always switch to something else. For example, you might do your supervised training in a high school and then decide you’d rather work in an elementary school.

If you went to school in Georgia, go back to the schools where you graduated and talk to teachers, counselors, and administrators you know who are still there. They’ll be happy to support you, especially if you were a good student. Join professional organizations as a student and attend local mixers and events to get to know some of the counselors in your area. Your professors in your counseling program can also help you find a position where you’ll thrive. They typically know counselors working throughout the state and can help you find out about possible openings that haven’t been posted yet, such as if a counselor is about to move to another school.

If you want to work at the school where you did your supervised training, let your supervisor know as soon as possible. There won’t always be an open position there, but if there is, that’s a great way to get your foot in the door. Private schools might be a lot more likely to hire you before you’re certified as a counselor than public schools will be. [20] X Research source

A full year of experience in a school setting is defined as a minimum of 120 days working full-time in school.

When you register for an account, the GaPSC will assign you a Certificate Identification Number. Write this number down and keep it in a safe place—you’ll need it throughout the application process. The number is also listed on your MyPSC account for your convenience. The certification process is paperless, so you cannot apply for certification through the mail or over the phone—you can only apply online. [23] X Research source

If you happen to need several different certifications, there’s no need to start multiple applications—you can apply for all of them through a single online application.

For example, one of the questions asks if you’ve ever been convicted of any criminal offense. If you answered “yes” to that question, you would need to provide documentation of the offense and the penalty assessed for it. [26] X Research source

Once your affidavit is notarized, scan it and upload it to your MyPSC account to submit it to the GaPSC.

You can check the status of your application through your MyPSC account to confirm that your transcripts have been uploaded.

As of 2021, the initial certification fee is $20. If you want a notarized copy of your certificate, there’s an additional $20 fee for a total of $40. You can pay using any major credit or debit card. [31] X Research source Once you’ve met the requirements for a certificate and provided all the necessary documentation, the GAPSC will issue your certificate. You can download a copy directly through your MyPSC account. If you ordered a notarized copy, it’ll be mailed to you. [32] X Research source