How to Become a New Hampshire School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a New Hampshire School Counselor?

• I’m a High School Graduate…
• I have already earned a college degree…
• I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Explore the information below and learn how you can become a school counselor in New Hampshire. Some of the information below may be subject to change. In order to make sure you have the most current information, please feel free to contact your school counseling education program advisor or contact the New Hampshire Department of Education licensing department at (603) 271-2408.

I’m a High School Graduate…

As a high school graduate researching the New Hampshire school counseling career, you are way ahead of the curve. Such early career research shows maturity and motivation that will serve you well in all facets of your life.

So, don’t stop here! We have put together a couple recommended next steps for you to take. These steps should provide you with a better insight into New Hampshire school counseling and the field of education in general.

We also recommend you request information from schools offering associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs. Whether or not you decide to become a New Hampshire school counselor or something else, post-secondary education is essential in being considered for professional careers.

Step One:

Gather information from schools offering associate degree programs or bachelor degree programs in psychology, counseling or any type of program you are currently interested in. It is not imperative you enroll in a counseling program at this point. The only necessity is that you begin earning your associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree.

Step Two:

A great way to find out if you are interested in a social service type of career, like school counseling, is to find volunteering organizations who work with children or young adults. The following are links to organizations who can place you in volunteering positions across the state of New Hampshire:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire
• List of all Schools and Academies in New Hampshire
  • Use this link to find schools near you as well as each school’s contact information. Contact these schools to find out if there are any volunteer programs you may participate in.

Finally, don’t be afraid to get out there and learn whether a career in education is right for you! Develop rewarding relationships, boost your resume and confirm your desire to work with school-aged pupils.

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I have already earned a college degree…

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in New Hampshire:

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through one of the following avenues:

• • Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling
    
    
  • Or find school counseling programs in New Hampshire here.

• Through the alternative certification method, you can initiate certification procedures while having a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field. There are various additional requirements for earning your New Hampshire school counselor certification this way. Contact the NHDOE for specific information. The following are a few schools offering Master’s level programs in counseling and related fields…

Step Two:

You will need to have completed a supervised internship for a duration of 600 clock hours. If you are earning your New Hampshire school counseling certification through the alternative method, you will have different experience requirements. Learn more about requirements for various paths to certification in New Hampshire here.

Step Three:

A criminal history background check is required prior to the commencement of the certification process. Call the New Hampshire Department of Education bureau of licensure at the following number: (603) 271-2408

Step Four:

Download a certfication application and follow the instructions and fulfill requirements listed.

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

New Hampshire does recognize reciprocity agreements between other states; however, you will still need to have you credentials, education and experience evaluated before certification as a New Hampshire school counselor will be granted.

Find more information on becoming certified in New Hampshire coming from another state on the following New Hampshire Department of Education webpage.

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