How to Become a North Dakota School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a North Dakota 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 North Dakota. 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 North Dakota Department of Education licensing department at (701) 328-9641.

I’m a High School Graduate…

If you are a high school graduate already looking into the North Dakota school counselor career, you are way ahead of the curve. Researching professional careers this early in your educational process shows strong character and focus on your part. Whether from Bismark or Fargo, you will find that great things happen when you demonstrate this kind of motivation and maturity. However, don’t stop now!

The following are recommended steps that will help you learn how you can advance your education while also learn whether you are cut out for a career as a North Dakota school counselor.

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 North Dakota:

• Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Fargo, North Dakota
• North Dakota School Websites
  • 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, your research is only as valuable as what you do with it. So get out there! Learn whether a career as a North Dakota school counselor is right for you!

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I have already earned a college degree…

The following are the steps necessary for earning your school counseling certification in North Dakota:

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 North Dakota here.

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• Or earn a Master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related human services area (specific course requirements found here), complete the required coursework for the North Dakota school counselor licensure.

Step Two:

Depending on the route you wish to go in order to obtain your counseling credential, you will have different requirements. For example, if you currently hold a professional educators license, you will earn your North Dakota school counselor certification through different avenues as you would if you have never held an educator’s certification.

You can view specific educational requirements, experience requirements and application procedures through the following link: North Dakota school counselor credential information

Step Three:

If you have never held a North Dakota professional educator’s license, you will need to complete a criminal backgroud check by submitting fingerprint cards to the North Dakota Education and Standards Board for screening.

Step Four:

You will need to complete the North Dakota licensure application. You can complete the application online through the ND Teach Online Licensure Application website.

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

North Dakota does not offer school counseling certification purely through reciprocity agreements; however, through evaluation of credentials and qualifications, you may be awarded a school counseling certification in North Dakota.

In addition, you will need to complete a criminal background check regardless by completing and sending fingerprint cards to the North Dakota Education and Standards Board for screening.

Find more information about North Dakota school counselor/guidance counselor certification requirements here.

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