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The Global Insight

How do I become a school guidance counselor in NC?

Author

Robert Miller

Updated on March 19, 2026

To be licensed as a Professional School Counselor in North Carolina, one is required to have a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited university and pass the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam. There are routes to provisional licensure as described in State Board of Education Policy LICN-001.

How long does it take to become a guidance counselor?

The amount of time it takes to become a school counselor may vary by state. All school counselors must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, which takes four years to complete. School counselors must also earn a master’s degree, which may take up to two years to complete.

How much does a high school counselor make in North Carolina?

The average salary for a school counselor in North Carolina is around $49,530 per year.

Do school counselors make the same as teachers?

Salary Comparison In general, school counselors earn a higher salary when compared to the average earnings of K-12 teachers. Middle and high school teachers earn a bit more, at $53,550 and $55,150. Both elementary and secondary school counselors, however, take in $61,190 on average, according to the BLS.

What qualifications do I need to be a guidance Counsellor?

Colleges will set their own entry requirements but most will expect you to have completed the introductory and Level 3 counselling courses to go further….College

  • Level 3 Certificate in Counselling.
  • Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills.
  • Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.

    Is it school counselor or guidance counselor?

    Although some schools still used the outdated “guidance counselor” term, the American School Counselor Association encourages the use of “school counselor” to more accurately reflect the role.

    How much does a licensed mental health counselor make in North Carolina?

    The average salary for a mental health counselor in North Carolina is around $46,530 per year.

    What is the average salary of a school social worker?

    Average School Social Worker Salary The mean annual salary of child, family, and school social workers is $52,370.

    Is it better to be a teacher or school counselor?

    Teachers get much more face time with students and get to see more students on a regular basis. Your school counseling master’s program will help you understand all of the ways you will be contributing to your district, where you will be able to have a more broad impact than you may have as a teacher.

    How to become a licensed counselor in North Carolina?

    NORTH CAROLINA. Educational Requirements: Master’s degree from a state-approved university program in school counseling Experience Requirements: None Examination: Praxis II: School Guidance and Counseling (0420): Must have a passing score of 570. Certification: K-12 Reciprocity: North Carolina has reciprocal contracts with these states: Alabama,…

    What do you need to become a certified guidance counselor?

    Generally, state requirements include a master’s degree, continuing education credits and passage of an examination. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) offers the certification necessary to be a National Certified Counselor (NCC).

    When do mental health counselors open in NC?

    The office hours for the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors from May 31, 2021 through September 6, 2021 will be 8am-6pm Monday through Thursday and 8am-12pm on Friday. We encourage you to review the website to learn more about the professional counselor licensure process in the state of North Carolina.

    How to become a national certified school counselor?

    The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) The NCSC is a specialty credential which recognizes counselors who possess a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling with course work in school counseling and who have passed a challenging national application and examination process.