Top 10 After School Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for an after school counselor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications provide proof that an individual has met certain standards and has the qualifications necessary to perform a particular job. They also provide employers with assurance that the individual is competent and reliable, which can be beneficial when competing with other applicants. In addition, certifications may help open up new opportunities, as some employers prefer to hire individuals who have achieved certification in their field. Ultimately, certifications can help an after school counselor stand out from their competition and increase their chances of finding gainful employment in their chosen field.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the benefits of obtaining certifications for After School Counselors, which can enhance their career prospects.

What are After School Counselor Certifications?

After school counselor certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with children and adolescents in out-of-school time settings. After school counselors are responsible for providing guidance, support, and educational programming to students in grades K–12 during non-school hours. This includes activities such as tutoring, mentoring, recreational programs, and community service projects.

The certification process is designed to ensure that after school counselors maintain the highest standards of professional practice while working with youth. It requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of child development theory and practice; effective communication strategies; crisis prevention and intervention techniques; program planning and evaluation; advocacy for youth; collaboration with other professionals; cultural competency; legal and ethical considerations; diversity awareness; safety protocols; and more.

Having an after school counselor certification can be extremely beneficial for those who wish to work with students outside of the traditional classroom setting. It provides evidence that an individual has the necessary education and experience to provide quality services to young people in out-of-school time settings. It also serves as a valuable credential when seeking employment opportunities or promotions within this field. Additionally, it can help employers identify qualified professionals who possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful job performance in after school counseling roles.

Pro Tip: After school counselor certification programs can be a great way to enhance your career, but make sure you research the program thoroughly before enrolling. Check the credentials of the instructors and ensure the program is recognized by relevant professional organizations and governing bodies.

Related: What does an After School Counselor do?

Top 10 After School Counselor Certifications

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

1. Certified School Counselor (CSC)

Certified School Counselor (CSC) is a professional certification that recognizes school counselors who have met the highest standards of excellence in their field. This certification is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The CSC credential demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and provides evidence of advanced knowledge, skills, and experience in school counseling.

To become certified as a CSC, an individual must meet certain criteria. This includes having a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution, completing at least 48 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in counseling, and passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). In addition, applicants must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised work experience as a school counselor within five years prior to applying for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSC varies depending on the state you are applying in. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$400 to apply for certification. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the NCE exam or other required courses.

In terms of how long it takes to get certified as a CSC, this can vary based on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete all requirements necessary for certification.

2. National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)

National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) is a professional certification awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). This certification is designed to recognize school counselors who have met rigorous standards of excellence in the field of school counseling.

In order to be eligible for the NCSC, applicants must hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution, have completed at least three years of full-time experience as a school counselor within the last five years, and pass an NBCC-administered examination.

The application process includes submitting transcripts, proof of experience, and other required documents. Once all materials are received and approved, applicants can register for the NCSC examination. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral portion. The written portion takes approximately four hours to complete while the oral portion takes about one hour.

The cost of applying for the NCSC varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $400-$500. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for and taking the exam.

3. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LPCs are trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. They also provide guidance on life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and stress management.

In order to become an LPC in the United States, one must first obtain a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university. This typically takes two to three years of full-time study. After completing the degree program, the individual must then pass a national licensing exam administered by their state's board of professional counselors.

Once the individual has passed the exam, they can apply for licensure with their state's board of professional counselors. The application process typically includes submitting transcripts from their graduate program and providing proof of supervised clinical experience hours. Once approved, they will be issued an LPC license which is valid for two years before it must be renewed.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to attend. Tuition for master’s programs can range anywhere from $15,000-$30,000 per year depending on the school and location. In addition to tuition costs there are also fees associated with taking the licensing exam which range from $150-$200 depending on your state's requirements.

4. Certified Child and Adolescent Counselor (CCAC)

Certified Child and Adolescent Counselor (CCAC) is a professional certification for mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and adolescents. The CCAC credential is awarded by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).

To become a CCAC, applicants must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. Applicants must hold at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least two years of supervised clinical experience working with children and adolescents. Finally, they must pass the AMHCA National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).

The cost to become a CCAC depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The application fee is $125 and the exam fee is $195. In addition, applicants may need to pay for any required continuing education courses or other training needed to meet the eligibility requirements.

Once all of the requirements have been met, it typically takes about four weeks for the application to be processed and approved. After approval, applicants will receive their official CCAC certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

5. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

The National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a certification offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that a counselor has met national standards for counseling practice.

In order to become an NCC, an individual must meet certain educational and professional requirements. This includes completing a master’s degree in counseling from an accredited institution and obtaining at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for the NCC credential through the NBCC website. The application fee is $195 for NBCC members and $295 for non-members. After submitting the application, individuals will need to take and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The cost of the exam is $275 for members and $375 for non-members.

After successfully passing the NCE, individuals will receive their NCC certification within 6-8 weeks. The certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits as well as documentation of professional activities related to counseling practice during the 5 year period.

6. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is a professional credential in the field of behavior analysis. It is awarded by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and requires a master's degree, supervised experience, and passing an exam. The BCBA credential is used to provide services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

It typically takes two to three years to become a BCBA. This includes completing a master's degree in behavior analysis or related field, accumulating supervised experience hours, and passing the BACB exam. The BACB also offers an online course for those who want to become certified as quickly as possible.

To get the BCBA credential, you must first complete a master’s degree program that meets the BACB’s requirements. Once you have completed your degree, you must then accumulate at least 1,500 hours of supervised experience in behavior analysis over two years or more. Finally, you must pass the BACB exam which consists of 170 multiple-choice questions on topics such as ethical considerations, assessment techniques, and intervention strategies.

The cost of becoming a BCBA varies depending on factors such as tuition costs for your master’s program and fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more to become certified as a BCBA.

7. Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) is a mental health professional who has met the educational, training, and experience requirements set forth by their state's licensing board. They are qualified to provide counseling services and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups.

To become an LMHC, you must have a master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited college or university. You must also complete two years of post-graduate supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Additionally, you must pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The cost of becoming an LMHC varies depending on your state's licensing requirements. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete all of the necessary education and training requirements. The cost of tuition and fees associated with completing a master’s degree in counseling or a related field will depend on the school you attend. Additionally, most states require that applicants pay a fee when applying for licensure as an LMHC.

8. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

A Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals with physical, mental, developmental, and emotional disabilities to become independent and productive members of society. The CRC works with individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop goals for the future, and create an individualized plan of action to achieve those goals.

In order to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), you must complete a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or an equivalent program from a Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) accredited university. This typically takes two years of full-time study. After graduating, you must pass the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) examination and obtain state licensure in order to practice as a CRC.

The cost of obtaining a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling varies depending on the institution you attend; however, it can range from $10,000-$50,000 or more. The cost of taking the NBCC exam is $195 for first-time test takers. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with obtaining your state license.

9. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) is a professional who has been trained to provide mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. LCSWs are qualified to assess and diagnose mental health issues, as well as provide psychotherapy and other related interventions. They may also work with social service agencies or in private practice.

It typically takes two years of post-graduate study to become an LCSW. This includes completing a master's degree in social work from an accredited university, passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam, and obtaining a state license for clinical social work practice.

To obtain a state license for clinical social work practice, applicants must meet certain requirements set by their state board of licensure. These requirements vary by state but generally include completion of an accredited master’s degree program in social work, successful passage of the ASWB exam, and completion of supervised clinical experience hours.

The cost for becoming an LCSW varies depending on the state in which you are seeking licensure. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $100-$300 for application fees; $200-$400 for the ASWB exam; and $200-$500 for supervision hours.

10. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in School Counseling

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification in School Counseling is a voluntary certification program that recognizes school counselors who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in their field. It is designed to recognize the highest standards of professional practice and to help ensure that students receive the best possible counseling services.

In order to obtain NBPTS certification, school counselors must meet specific eligibility requirements and complete an intensive application process. This includes completing an online application form, submitting official transcripts, providing evidence of at least three years of successful experience as a school counselor, and passing a written exam. The entire process can take up to two years to complete.

The cost of obtaining NBPTS certification varies depending on the state where you are applying. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam.

Do You Really Need a After School Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their circumstances. For example, someone who is already a school counselor but wishes to specialize in after-school counseling may wish to pursue an after-school counseling certificate. An after-school counseling certificate can provide additional knowledge and skills related to working with children and families in an after-school setting, as well as administrative duties such as grant writing or program development.

For someone looking for a job or career change, having an after-school counseling certificate may be beneficial. It can demonstrate an interest in the field of after-school counseling and show employers that you are committed to furthering your education and gaining more experience in the field. An after-school counseling certificate can also open up more opportunities for internships and jobs related to this specific area of counseling.

However, if you are already a school counselor or have other relevant experience in the field, then obtaining an after-school counseling certificate may not be necessary. Employers will likely take your experience into consideration when making hiring decisions, so it is important to weigh the cost of obtaining the certificate against the potential benefits it could provide you. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide if they need an after-school counseling certificate or not.

Related: After School Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About After School Counselor Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an after school counselor?

Answer: Generally, most states require individuals to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as education, psychology, or social work. Additionally, many employers may prefer counselors to have experience working with children and/or hold additional certifications.

2. What kind of training is required for an after school counselor certification?

Answer: The specific training requirements for after school counselor certifications will vary depending on the state and employer. Generally speaking, though, counselors should complete courses in child development and behavior management techniques. They may also need to become certified in CPR and first aid.

3. How long does it take to get an after school counseling certification?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get an after school counseling certification will depend on the individual's background and experience level as well as the specific requirements of their employer or state. It can take anywhere from a few months to several years to complete all the required coursework and exams necessary for certification.

4. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining an after school counseling certification?

Answer: Yes, in order to maintain their certifications, counselors must typically participate in ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking classes related to their field of work. Additionally, some states may require recertification every few years in order to remain current with best practices and legal changes.

5. What kind of job opportunities are available with an after school counseling certification?

Answer: With an after school counseling certification, individuals can pursue roles such as youth development coordinators, behavioral health specialists, or special education aides at schools or community-based organizations that provide support services for children and families.