How to Become a Vermont School Counselor

Where are you on your quest to become a Vermont 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont Department of Education licensing department at (802) 828-2445.

I’m a High School Graduate…

As a high school graduate looking into the professional career option of a Vermont school counselor, you are showing motivation and maturity that is already setting you apart. Whether you are from Burlington, Essex, Hartford, or anywhere else across the state of Vermont, you will find opportunities and resources that will help you along your way to beginning a career in the Vermont educational system.

Below are recommended steps to help you begin advancing you current level of education as well as learn whether a career as a Vermont school counselor is right for you.

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 Vermont:

• Vermont’s Mentoring Partnership
• The Green Mountain United Way
• Vermont’s list of public schools with 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.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get out there and learn what kind of opportunities await you! The only way to learn whether a career in education is right for you is to immerse yourself in a similar environment.

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I have already earned a college degree…

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

Step One:

Fulfill educational requirements through the following avenue:

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

Step Two:

You will need to complete a supervised counseling internship of at least 600 clock hours. 60 hours will need to be devoted to both school counseling in the elementary (PK-6) grade levels and for the secondary (7-12) grade levels.

Step Three:

Download an application for certification on the Vermont Department of Education’s website. Here, you will find information about the application process, what materials are necessary, what fees are required, and the process of fingerprinting.

If you have any further questions regarding your particular situation, call the Vermont Department of Education at the following number: (802) 828-2445

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I’m a certified counselor from another state…

Vermont does offer licensure through reciprocity as stated under the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement. However, the certification applicant must be able to demonstrate at least 3 years of successful experience during the last 7 years under a certification with the same endorsement the applicant is requesting in Vermont.

Otherwise, the applicant can request certification through the alternative route, which is through peer review.

You can learn more about the process of certification through reciprocity on the following Vermont Department of Education webpage.

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