New Jersey Guidance Counselor Certification

New Jersey's guidance counselor certification is based mostly on educational requirements.

Guidance counselors in New Jersey must be certified by the state prior to practicing. This means that there is no experience requirement for certification, but there are strict education requirements and a number of additional application requirements before certification is issued, including an institution reference, background check and exam.

Higher Degree Requirements

To be eligible for a guidance counselor certification in New Jersey you must hold a master's or higher degree from an accredited institution. An accredited institution is a college or university that has passed a national review process approving its curriculum, requirements and facilities.

Course Requirements

The State of New Jersey requires certain coursework in the master's or higher degree achieved by the applicant. The applicant must have completed a graduate program in school counseling or have taken at least 18 credit hours in counseling theory and procedure, three credit hours in testing and evaluation, six credit hours in psychology and six credit hours in sociological foundations.

Reference and Transcript

The State of New Jersey requires both a reference from the accredited institution that issued the applicant's higher degree and a transcript in order to prove that the applicant successfully completed all the required coursework.

Background Check

The applicant for a guidance counselor certification in New Jersey must submit to a background check by the state at the time of application. This is to ensure the person who is applying is a U.S. citizen and has not taken part in any illegal activities that would render her unfit to be working with children.

Examination

At the time of application the applicant must also pass an exam given by the State of New Jersey that tests subjects such as psychology, hygiene and the effects of drugs and alcohol.

Fees

State certification for school teachers or counselors is $175 per certification.

References

• American School Counselor Association: Certification Requirements