Top 11 Academic Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for academic counselors in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency and expertise in their field. They also provide employers with an assurance that the academic counselor has met a certain standard of professional excellence. Certifications can also make counselors more competitive when applying for jobs, as they demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, certifications can help counselors stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in their field, which may be beneficial when counseling students.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Academic Counselors and explain how they can benefit an academic counselor's career.

What are Academic Counselor Certifications?

Academic counselor certification is a professional development program that provides counselors with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to work effectively with students in an academic setting. The certification process helps counselors to become knowledgeable and competent in their field, allowing them to provide effective counseling services for students.

Academic counselor certification typically includes specialized training in areas such as educational psychology and student development, as well as specific techniques for helping students achieve success in their academic pursuits. It also covers topics related to the legal and ethical considerations of working with minors, as well as strategies for working with diverse student populations.

The benefits of having an academic counselor certification include increased credibility within the profession, access to advanced learning opportunities, and recognition from employers. Counselors who have earned this credential are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and advance their career potential by being able to offer more comprehensive services to their clients. Additionally, having an academic counselor certification can be beneficial when seeking employment or promotion within the field of counseling.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for academic counselor certification in your state before beginning the process. Different states may have different requirements, such as educational background, experience, and/or testing. Knowing what is required of you beforehand can save time and help ensure that you are able to become certified in a timely manner.

Related: What does an Academic Counselor do?

Top 11 Academic Counselor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Academic Counselors today.

1. Certified Academic Counselor (CAC)

Certified Academic Counselor (CAC) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of counselors who specialize in academic advising, career counseling, and college admissions. The CAC credential is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in counseling.

The process to become a Certified Academic Counselor includes:

1. Completing an approved master’s degree program in counseling or related field from an accredited institution;

2. Passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE);

3. Submitting three letters of reference;

4. Participating in at least two years of supervised post-graduate experience; and

5. Passing the NBCC's Specialty Examination for Academic Counseling (SEAC).

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all of these requirements before becoming certified as an academic counselor. The cost of obtaining the CAC credential varies depending on the state in which you live, but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)

National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) is a professional certification offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCSC is designed to recognize school counselors who have achieved a high level of professional excellence in their practice. It is an advanced credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of school counseling and provides recognition to those who have met rigorous standards of quality and performance.

The process of becoming an NCSC can take up to two years and consists of three parts: completing the NBCC’s application, passing the National School Counselor Examination (NSCE), and submitting evidence of your professional experience as a school counselor.

To apply for the NCSC, you must first complete an online application with the NBCC. This includes providing information about your educational background, work history, and any other relevant credentials. Once your application is approved, you will be eligible to take the NSCE. This exam tests your knowledge of school counseling principles and practices, as well as your ability to apply them in real-world situations. After passing the NSCE, you must submit evidence of at least two years of full-time experience as a school counselor. The NBCC will review this evidence before granting you certification as an NCSC.

The cost for applying for the NCSC varies depending on where you live, but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD.

3. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a type of mental health professional who provides counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. They are trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues, as well as provide guidance on life issues such as stress management, relationship problems, career choices, and other personal matters.

In order to become an LPC in the United States, one must obtain a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. After completing their degree program, they must pass a national exam administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Once this exam is passed, they must then apply for licensure with their state board of professional counselors.

The amount of time it takes to become an LPC varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete all of the required coursework and exams necessary for licensure.

The cost of becoming an LPC also varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, tuition costs for a master's degree program can range from $10,000-$50,000 USD depending on the school attended. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking the NBCC exam which typically range from $200-$500 USD. Finally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for licensure which vary by state but typically range from $50-$200 USD.

4. Certified Educational Planner (CEP)

A Certified Educational Planner (CEP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of excellence in the field of educational planning. The CEP designation is offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for becoming a CEP. First, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in college admissions counseling and/or college planning. They must also have completed 45 hours of approved continuing education credits related to college admissions counseling, college planning, and financial aid. Additionally, they must pass an online exam administered by NACAC.

To get started on the path to becoming a CEP, applicants should visit the NACAC website and review the eligibility requirements and application process. Once they are ready to apply, they can submit their application materials online or via mail.

The cost for applying for a CEP designation is $500 USD. This fee covers the cost of processing the application and administering the exam.

5. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a professional certification organization that provides credentials to counselors who have met the highest standards of professional competency. The NBCC offers two levels of certification: the National Certified Counselor (NCC) and the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC).

To become an NCC, applicants must possess a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for their NCC credential. The application process typically takes between six to eight weeks.

To become a MAC, applicants must possess a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, complete 4,500 hours of supervised clinical experience with at least 2,000 hours dedicated to addictions counseling, and pass the Master Addictions Counselor Examination (MACE). Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for their MAC credential. The application process typically takes between six to eight weeks.

The cost of applying for both certifications varies depending on the applicant's state of residence. Generally speaking, it costs $195 to apply for either certification and $75 per year thereafter for renewal fees.

6. Academy of Education Arts and Sciences (AEAS)

The Academy of Education Arts and Sciences (AEAS) is a non-profit organization that provides education and certification in the fields of art, science, and technology. It was founded in 2007 with the mission to provide quality education for those who want to pursue careers in these areas. AEAS offers a range of courses, including basic and advanced levels, which can be taken online or at their physical locations. The courses are designed to help students gain knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen field.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete an AEAS course depending on the program you choose. To get started, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with your payment. You will then receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to access your course materials.

The cost of an AEAS course varies depending on the program you choose but typically ranges from $500-$2000 USD.

Once you have completed your course, you will be eligible for certification from the Academy of Education Arts and Sciences (AEAS). This certification is recognized by employers worldwide as proof of your expertise in the field.

7. American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a professional organization for school counselors that provides members with resources, advocacy, and professional development. ASCA was founded in 1952 and has more than 30,000 members from all 50 states and several countries around the world.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become an ASCA member; you can join anytime. To become a member, you must fill out an application form and pay the annual membership fee. The membership fee varies depending on your profession, location, and other factors. Generally speaking, the cost of membership ranges from $50-$200 per year.

In addition to providing access to resources such as publications and webinars, ASCA also offers its members numerous benefits including discounts on conferences, access to job postings, networking opportunities with other counselors, and access to grants and scholarships.

8. International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)

The International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting ethical and equitable practices in college admission counseling. It provides professional development, networking opportunities, and advocacy for counselors who work with college-bound students.

Membership in IACAC is open to all professionals involved in the college admission process, including school counselors, independent counselors, admissions representatives from colleges and universities, and other related educational professionals.

To become a member of IACAC, you must submit an application that includes your contact information and a brief statement of purpose. Once your application has been reviewed by the IACAC Board of Directors, you will be notified of your membership status within two weeks.

The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership you select. Student memberships are free; professional memberships cost $75 per year; institutional memberships cost $125 per year; and corporate/vendor memberships cost $500 per year.

9. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a professional membership organization that serves more than 15,000 professionals from around the world who work with students as they make their college and career decisions. The organization provides resources, education, and advocacy for college admission counselors, high school counselors, independent educational consultants, college access organizations, and other members of the college admissions community.

In order to become a member of NACAC, you must submit an application and meet certain qualifications. The application process typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. To be eligible for membership in NACAC, you must have at least two years of full-time experience in the field of college counseling or related activities such as admissions or financial aid counseling. Additionally, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.

The cost of joining NACAC varies depending on your type of membership and location. Membership fees range from $50-$450 annually depending on your type of membership. There are also additional fees for attending conferences and events hosted by NACAC throughout the year.

NACAC offers many benefits to its members including access to professional development opportunities such as webinars and conferences; discounts on college planning materials; access to job postings; networking opportunities; and advocacy support on issues related to college admission counseling.

10. American College Testing Program Certification in College Admissions and Career Planning

The American College Testing Program (ACT) Certification in College Admissions and Career Planning is a professional certification program designed to help college admissions and career planning professionals better understand the ACT assessment, its uses, and how to use it effectively in their work. The certification program consists of four courses that cover topics such as interpreting ACT scores, understanding the ACT test structure, using the ACT for college admissions decisions, and helping students prepare for the ACT.

The program takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, participants will be expected to complete all four courses as well as an additional project-based assignment. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive their official ACT Certification in College Admissions and Career Planning.

To get certified, individuals must first register for the program online or by mail. After registration is complete, participants will receive access to course materials which they must review before taking the final exam. Once they have completed all course requirements and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, they will receive their official certification from ACT.

The cost of the program varies depending on factors such as when you register and whether you are taking individual courses or completing the entire certification program. Generally speaking, however, it costs about $2,500 for those who take all four courses at once and $1,000 per course for those who take them individually.

11. National Career Development Association’s Certified Career Services Provider

The National Career Development Association’s (NCDA) Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) is a credential that recognizes professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide effective career services. This credential is designed for individuals who are employed in the field of career development and/or counseling, such as career counselors, coaches, educators, consultants, human resource professionals, recruiters, and other practitioners.

The CCSP is a rigorous program that requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in the core competencies of career development. To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as assessment tools and techniques; individual and group counseling; job search strategies; resume writing; interviewing skills; technology applications; diversity issues; ethics; legal issues; and other related topics.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the certification process. The first step is to submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of education level. Once your application has been approved by NCDA, you will receive an invitation to take the CCSP exam. After passing the exam with a score of at least 70%, you will be awarded the CCSP credential.

The cost for the CCSP certification varies depending on your location and membership status with NCDA. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD for non-members and $300-$400 USD for members.

Do You Really Need a Academic Counselor Certificate?

An academic counselor certificate is an important credential for those who wish to work as counselors in school settings. It is a way of demonstrating that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to help students achieve their educational goals. While it is not a requirement for all counseling positions, having this certification can be beneficial in terms of job prospects and salary potential.

For those who are interested in becoming an academic counselor, obtaining a certificate shows potential employers that you are serious about the profession and have dedicated yourself to learning the necessary skills. It also demonstrates that you have the knowledge and experience required to provide effective counseling services. In addition, having a certificate may give you access to additional resources such as mentorship programs or other professional development opportunities.

In some cases, having an academic counselor certificate can even open doors to higher-level positions within schools or universities. An accredited program may also allow for more flexibility with coursework scheduling or enable counselors to specialize in certain areas of study.

Overall, while there is no definitive answer as to whether or not you need an academic counselor certificate, it can be beneficial if your goal is to become an effective school counselor. With the right training and credentials, you can make a positive impact on students’ lives while also advancing your career goals.

Related: Academic Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Academic Counselor Certifications

Q1. What is an Academic Counselor Certification?

A1. An Academic Counselor Certification is a credential that demonstrates a counselor has met the standards of excellence set by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). It signifies that a counselor has achieved advanced levels of education, training, and experience in providing academic counseling services to students.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining an Academic Counselor Certification?

A2. Obtaining an Academic Counselor Certification demonstrates to employers and clients that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality academic counseling services. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other counselors in your field and may provide you with more job opportunities.

Q3. How do I obtain an Academic Counselor Certification?

A3: In order to obtain an Academic Counselor Certification, you must meet certain educational and professional requirements as set forth by ASCA. This includes completing a master’s degree program in school counseling or a related field, passing the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) Examination, obtaining supervised experience working with students in academic settings, and completing continuing education credits specific to school counseling topics.

Q4. How long does it take to complete all of the requirements for an Academic Counselor Certification?

A4: The amount of time it takes to complete all of the steps necessary for an Academic Counselor Certification varies depending on individual circumstances such as course load, work schedule, etc., but typically it can be completed within two years if you are able to dedicate yourself full-time to completing all of the necessary requirements.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining an Academic Counseling Certification?

A5: Yes, there may be some costs associated with obtaining an academic counseling certification such as application fees for taking the NBCC exam or tuition costs for attending college courses related to school counseling topics. Additionally, some states may require that counselors complete continuing education credits every few years in order to maintain their certification status; these credits may also incur additional fees depending on where they are taken from or what type of credit is being earned (i.e., online vs traditional classes).