Top 11 Guidance Counselor Certifications

Certifications are important for guidance counselors in the job market because they demonstrate a professional level of knowledge and experience in areas such as counseling, education, psychology, and social work. Additionally, certifications can help counselors stand out from their peers and increase their chances of getting a job. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the counselor is qualified to practice in their specific field, which can lead to more job opportunities. Lastly, certifications can give counselors an edge when competing for higher salaries or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Guidance Counselors and explain how they can help to further a guidance counselor's career.

What are Guidance Counselor Certifications?

Guidance counselor certification is a professional credential that is earned by individuals who have completed the necessary educational requirements to become certified guidance counselors. This certification is required in order for an individual to practice as a guidance counselor in most states.

Guidance counselor certification provides assurance that the person has been trained in the best practices for providing counseling services and can be trusted to provide quality advice and assistance to their clients. It also shows that the person has met all of the requirements set forth by their state's board of education, which includes completing a graduate degree in counseling or school psychology, passing an exam, and completing supervised fieldwork hours.

The main benefit of obtaining guidance counselor certification is that it allows individuals to practice as a professional counselor with confidence. With this credential, they can show potential employers that they are qualified to work with students and families in need of counseling services. It also helps them develop relationships with schools and other institutions that may hire them as counselors. Additionally, having this credential may make them more attractive candidates when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization. Finally, having guidance counselor certification may open up new opportunities for advancement within their profession.

When considering guidance counselor certification, make sure to research all of the requirements in your state, as they may vary significantly from state to state. Additionally, check with your local school district or university for any additional certifications, trainings or courses that may be required in order to become a certified guidance counselor.

Related: What does a Guidance Counselor do?

Top 11 Guidance Counselor Certifications

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

1. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

The National Certified Counselor (NCC) is a professional credential that is awarded to counselors who have met the highest standards of professional counseling practice. It is a voluntary certification, meaning it is not required for counselors to practice in any state.

To become an NCC, a counselor must hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling from an accredited university, have at least two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). The NCE is administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

The process of becoming an NCC typically takes about six months to complete. After meeting all the requirements for certification, applicants must submit their application materials to the NBCC. Once approved, applicants will receive their NCC certificate and be listed on the NBCC website as a nationally certified counselor.

The cost of becoming an NCC varies depending on which state you are applying in. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$400 to apply for certification with the NBCC. This fee covers the cost of taking the NCE exam as well as any additional fees associated with submitting your application materials.

2. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) is a mental health professional who provides counseling and psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. LPCs are licensed by their state to provide counseling services in a variety of settings such as private practice, hospitals, schools, and community agencies.

It typically takes two to three years of graduate-level education (Master’s degree or higher) in the field of counseling or a related field to become an LPC. Additionally, most states require that applicants complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before they can be licensed as an LPC.

The cost of becoming an LPC varies depending on the state in which you are seeking licensure. Generally speaking, it will include tuition for your Master's degree program plus any additional fees associated with taking licensing exams and/or applying for licensure. In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, you may also need to pay for books and other materials related to your studies.

In order to become an LPC, applicants must first meet all educational requirements set forth by their state's licensing board. This includes completing a master's degree program in counseling or a related field from an accredited institution as well as completing any required supervised clinical experience hours. Once these educational requirements are met, applicants must then pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). After passing this exam, applicants must then apply for licensure with their state's licensing board and submit all required documentation including transcripts from their Master's degree program and proof that they have passed the NCMHCE exam.

Once all requirements have been met and approved by the state licensing board, applicants can then become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs).

3. 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 live independently and become productive members of society. CRCs provide counseling services to help clients develop the skills necessary for independent living and employment. They also work with employers to create job opportunities for their clients.

The process of becoming a CRC typically takes two years or more. The first step is to complete a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you must pass the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE). You must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience before you can be certified as a CRC.

To get certified as a CRC, you must submit an application to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). This includes providing proof of your educational background and passing scores on the NCE exam. The CRCC will then review your application and determine if you meet all eligibility requirements for certification. The cost for applying for certification varies depending on where you live; however, it typically costs around $450-$600 USD.

4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a nonprofit organization that provides voluntary certification to counselors who meet its standards of excellence. The NBCC offers two types of certification: the National Certified Counselor (NCC) and the Master Addictions Counselor (MAC).

To become an NCC, applicants must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited college or university, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE). To become a MAC, applicants must have a master's degree in counseling from an accredited college or university, complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience with substance abuse clients, and pass the Master Addictions Counselor Examination (MACE).

The process typically takes 2-3 years to complete. Applicants must first apply to take the NCE or MACE exam by submitting their educational transcripts and other required documents. After being approved to take the exam, applicants can then register for it online. Once they have passed the exam, they will be eligible to apply for certification through NBCC.

The cost of applying for certification through NBCC varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. The cost for NCC certification is $275 while the cost for MAC certification is $325.

5. American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) is a professional organization dedicated to supporting school counselors through professional development, resources, and advocacy. ASCA was founded in 1952 and provides members with access to research-based resources, information on current trends in the field of school counseling, and networking opportunities.

To become a member of ASCA, you must be employed as a school counselor or hold an equivalent position in a school setting. You must also have completed at least a master’s degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university. Membership is open to all levels of school counselors including elementary, middle/junior high, high school, college/university and career/technical education counselors.

The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership you choose. Standard membership is $150 per year while discounted rates are available for students ($50), retired members ($75), and international members ($125). Additional fees may apply if you choose to join one of ASCA’s special interest groups or receive additional benefits such as discounts on conferences and publications.

Once your application has been approved by ASCA staff, your membership will be active immediately. You can then begin taking advantage of the many benefits that come with being an ASCA member such as access to exclusive webinars, discounts on conferences and publications, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, and more!

6. National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC)

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is an organization of professional college admission counselors who are dedicated to helping students and their families make informed decisions about postsecondary education. NACAC provides resources, training, and networking opportunities to its members. It also serves as a voice for the profession in higher education policy discussions.

It takes approximately two weeks to become a member of NACAC. The process begins with completing an online application form and submitting it along with the required documents, including proof of current employment in college admissions counseling or related fields. After the application is received and reviewed, applicants will receive notification of acceptance or denial within two weeks.

To join NACAC, you must pay an annual membership fee which varies depending on your type of membership (e.g., individual or institutional). Individual memberships cost $125 per year while institutional memberships cost $400 per year.

In addition to the annual fee, there may be additional costs associated with attending conferences or other professional development activities sponsored by NACAC.

7. American College Counseling Association (ACCA)

The American College Counseling Association (ACCA) is a professional organization that provides resources, training, and support to counselors who work with college students. ACCA was founded in 1981 and has since grown to include over 5,000 members across the United States and Canada.

To become a member of ACCA, you must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field. You must also be licensed or certified as a professional counselor in your state or province. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for membership online. There is an application fee of $50 USD for new members and annual dues of $95 USD for regular members.

Once accepted as a member of ACCA, you will receive access to various benefits such as discounts on conferences and publications, access to webinars and workshops, networking opportunities with other counselors, and more. In addition, you will be able to participate in the organization’s leadership activities such as committees and task forces.

ACCA also offers certification programs for counselors who want to specialize in working with college students. The certification process takes about one year to complete and includes an application fee of $150 USD plus an exam fee of $225 USD. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive the Certified College Counselor (CCC) credential from ACCA.

8. International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG)

The International Association for Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG) is a global non-profit organization that works to promote the development of educational and vocational guidance services in countries around the world. It was founded in 1951 and is now headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

IAEVG works to improve access to quality educational and vocational guidance services by providing training, resources, advocacy, research, and networking opportunities to its members. It also provides an international platform for dialogue between policy makers, practitioners, and researchers on current issues related to educational and vocational guidance.

To become a member of IAEVG, you must be either an individual practitioner or an organization involved in the field of educational or vocational guidance. Membership is free but requires approval from the IAEVG Executive Committee. Once approved, members can take part in IAEVG activities such as conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, publications, and other events.

In addition to membership fees, IAEVG also charges fees for attending their various events such as conferences or workshops. The cost of these events varies depending on the type of event and location.

Overall, IAEVG provides an important platform for education professionals around the world to come together and share their experience and knowledge about best practices in educational and vocational guidance.

9. National Career Development Association (NCDA)

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of career development and guidance. It was founded in 1913 as the National Vocational Guidance Association, and its mission is to promote the career development of all people over the life span. NCDA provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for professional counselors, career practitioners, educators, employers, and other professionals who work with individuals in career-related settings.

To become an NCDA member, you must meet certain criteria such as having a degree in counseling or a related field and at least two years of experience working in the field of career development. There are also different levels of membership depending on your qualifications and experience.

It typically takes about two weeks to process an application for NCDA membership. Once approved, you will receive a welcome packet that includes information about your membership benefits and access to exclusive online resources.

The cost for an annual NCDA membership varies depending on your level of membership. For example, individual memberships range from $50 - $100 per year while group memberships range from $200 - $500 per year.

10. American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)

The American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) is a professional organization that represents mental health counselors in the United States. It was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to promoting the advancement of mental health counseling as a distinct, recognized profession. The AMHCA provides education and training for members, advocates for licensure and regulation of mental health counselors, and works to ensure that its members are respected and valued by other professionals in the field.

It takes about one year to become an AMHCA member. To become an AMHCA member, applicants must first be licensed as a mental health counselor in their state or jurisdiction. Applicants must also have completed at least 60 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in counseling or related fields from a regionally accredited institution. Once these criteria are met, applicants can submit an application along with proof of licensure and transcripts to the AMHCA.

The cost of becoming an AMHCA member varies depending on membership type and length of time selected. For example, annual membership for professional members costs $170 per year; two-year membership costs $320; three-year membership costs $460; and lifetime membership costs $1,000. Student memberships cost $45 per year.

In addition to regular membership fees, there may be additional fees associated with joining the AMHCA such as application fees or late payment fees.

11. Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE).

The Association for Assessment in Counseling and Education (AACE) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in assessment and evaluation practices. Founded in 1978, AACE provides members with access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and professional development programs.

To become an AACE member, applicants must meet the following criteria: hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field; have at least two years of experience as a counselor or related professional; and be actively engaged in assessment-related activities. The application process typically takes about two weeks to complete.

Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen. Standard membership fees range from $50 for student members to $150 for regular members. Premium membership fees range from $100 for student members to $200 for regular members and include additional benefits such as discounts on publications and conferences.

AACE also offers specialty certifications that recognize excellence in specific areas of assessment practice. To obtain certification, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by passing an exam administered by the organization. Certification exams typically cost between $125-$200 depending on the type of certification sought.

Do You Really Need a Guidance Counselor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on what you want to do with your career. Guidance counselor certificates are typically required for those who wish to pursue a job in the field of counseling, such as school counselors, mental health counselors, or marriage and family therapists. However, many people choose to become guidance counselors without obtaining a certificate.

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a guidance counselor, then a certificate is usually necessary. It can demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to work with clients in the field of counseling. A certificate also shows potential employers that you have taken the time and effort to learn about this profession and that you understand its complexities.

On the other hand, if your goal is simply to volunteer or provide informal counseling services in your community, then a certificate may not be necessary. In these cases, it may be more beneficial for you to gain experience through volunteer work or shadowing someone who already works in this field. This will help you develop relationships with people who need help and gain valuable insight into how best to serve them.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a guidance counselor certificate depends on what type of career path you wish to take. If your goal is to obtain a job as an official counselor, then it is likely best for you to obtain one so that employers know that you are qualified for the position. If your goal is more informal or volunteer-based work, then it may not be necessary for you to get one at all.

Related: Guidance Counselor Resume Examples

FAQs About Guidance Counselor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a guidance counselor?

A: To become a guidance counselor, you must have at least a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and complete the necessary licensing requirements for your state.

2. How do I get certified as a guidance counselor?

A: You must pass an examination administered by your state’s department of education or other certifying body. Additionally, some states may require additional coursework or supervised experience in order to receive certification.

3. Are there any continuing education requirements for guidance counselors?

A: Yes, most states require that guidance counselors complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a guidance counselor?

A: The amount of time it takes to become certified can vary depending on the individual’s background and the specific requirements of the state they are seeking certification in. Generally, the process can take anywhere from six months to two years or more.

5. What is the cost associated with becoming certified as a guidance counselor?

A: The cost of becoming certified can vary depending on the certifying body and/or state requirements but typically includes fees for examinations, licensing applications and/or additional coursework or training if required by your state board of education or other certifying body.