Credential Profile: The National Certified School Counselor (NCSC)

National Certified Counselors (NCCs) who counsel students in school settings are eligible to stay on top of best practices and enhance their careers by earning the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential.

NCSCs have met stringent education, examination, supervision, experience, and ethical requirements and completed specific training to meet the mental health needs of youth. Among other requirements, candidates must document the equivalent of 2 academic years as a school counselor or 3,000 hours over 20 months or longer.

“As the educational landscape evolves, the NCSC credential prepares counselors to meet the diverse needs of students,” says Taunya Marie Tinsley, PhD, DMin, NCC, ACS, LPC, LPCC, Director of Certification and Credentialing Services. “This credential reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability in our dynamic field. By earning the NCSC credential, you affirm your dedication to the art and science of school counseling. More importantly, you gain the best practices necessary to support our youth’s mental health and academic success, making a tangible difference in their lives.”  

Jeffrey M. Warren, PhD, NCC, NCSC, ACS, LPC, obtained the NCSC in 2014. Dr. Warren is the Associate Dean of the School of Education at North Carolina Central University and says the credential has helped him along his career path.

“As an early career school counselor, I chose to pursue the National Certified School Counselor (NCSC) credential to signify my commitment to excellence and dedication to continued professional growth,” Dr. Warren says. “I also believed the credential was a way to advocate for the important work of school counselors. Today, over 15 years later, the NSCS credential is a recognition that has provided leverage and opportunities in leadership within K–12 schools and higher education. I believe the NCSC credential is a great way for school counselors to demonstrate that they are qualified, competent, and committed to delivering evidence-based comprehensive programs devoted to promoting student success.”   

NCSC applicants must meet coursework requirements of at least 2 semester hours or 3 quarter hours of graduate-level credit. Prerequisites include a course in the foundations of school counseling and other courses in at least three of the following areas: counseling consultation and program development; family counseling; counseling children, adolescents, and/or at-risk youth; addictions counseling; and counseling for trauma, violence, or abuse.

Additionally, candidates must have completed 6 semester hours or 10 quarter hours of supervised school field experience or one of the following:

• 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours of supervised school field experience and 10 continuous years as a fully state-licensed school counselor
• 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours of supervised school field experience and an additional 120 hours of direct supervision

Finally, applicants must document at least 100 hours of post-graduate school counseling supervision and be endorsed by a professional colleague with a master’s degree or higher in a mental health field.

The application fee is $250. After becoming certified, NCSCs pay an annual renewal fee of $85 and must adhere to NBCC’s Code of Ethics and complete at least 25 approved continuing education (CE) credit hours during each 5-year maintenance cycle.

Carrie Woodard, MA, NCC, NCSC, the Director of Student Support Services for Pittsburgh Public Schools, obtained the NCSC credential in 2021 and encourages counselors looking for career development opportunities to consider applying.

“The NCSC credential is a way to proudly showcase your qualifications as a school counseling professional,” she says. “For anyone considering earning this credential, my advice is to embrace the opportunity. It will enhance your professional credibility, demonstrate your commitment to the field of school counseling, and reinforce your dedication to supporting student success.”

Learn more about the NCSC credential and how to apply on our website.