How to Become a Rhode Island School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island Department of Education licensing department at (401) 222-4600.

I’m a High School Graduate…

As a high school graduate already doing research on the Rhode Island school counselor career, you are way ahead of the curve. This type of motivation and maturity will serve you well as you continue to learn whether a career in school counseling or education is right for you. However, don’t stop here!

Below are recommended steps to help you begin advancing you level of education as well as information about volunteering or paid work options. These recommendations should help you to learn whether you will enjoy a career as a Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island
• Rhode Island list of schools and school districts
  • 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! Learn what it’s like to work with student-aged individuals. Find out if a career in education 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 Rhode Island:

Step One:

Educational requirements for Rhode Island school counselor certification states you must initially have completed a bachelor’s degree. You must also fulfill additional educational requirements through the following avenue:

• • Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling
    
    
  • Or find more school counseling programs in Rhode Island here.

Step Two:

You will need to be eligible for a Rhode Island teaching certification. You can find all the requirements for becoming eligible for a Rhode Island teaching certification on the RIDOE website at this location.

Step Three:

You will need to complete experience requirements by showing documents stating the completion of at least two full years of teaching experience and 3 semester hours of supervised school counseling internship. The internship will be conducted through your school counselor preparation program.

Step Four:

Follow the procedures and instructions (listed here) in applying for your Rhode Island school counselor certification, then download the Initial Teacher Certification Application (Certificate of Eligibility for Employment – CEE)

Although the application says “Teacher Certification”, it is used for school counselor certification as well.

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Rhode Island does offer school counselor certification through reciprocity agreements with participating states. However, you will still need to complete an application as well as have your current credentials verified. You can find instructions for the certification procedure here.

Find which states participate in reciprocity agreements with Rhode Island for the school counseling certification, here.

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