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Best high school counselor certifications

High school counselor certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an high school counselor to employers. However, not all high school counselor certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a high school counselor are Pastoral Counseling Certification, Certified Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Below is a list of the best high school counselor certifications. Obtaining an high school counselor certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for high school counselors

RankHigh school counselor certificationOrganization
1Pastoral Counseling CertificationMt. Vision In...
2Certified Professional CounselorAPA, DAPA
3National Certified Counselor (NCC)NBCC
4Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)Microsoft

4 best high school counselor certifications

1. Pastoral Counseling Certification

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No

2. Certified Professional Counselor

You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

3. National Certified Counselor (NCC)

The NCC certification was launched by NBCC in 1983 as a result of the efforts of members of the American Counseling Association (ACA). Since that time, NBCC has become an independent entity and more than 80,000 counselors have become NCCs. The NCC is one of two NBCC certifications that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying organization
National Board for Certified...

4. Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

The Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) certification validates that educators have the global educator technology literacy competencies needed to provide a rich, custom learning experience for students. MCE certification is ideal for educators-in-training, faculty of teacher training colleges, and in-service educators. Microsoft offers a comprehensive e-learning curriculum, 21CLD, to help educators prepare for this rigorous exam.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

What is the best certification for a high school counselor?

The best high school counselor certification is Pastoral Counseling Certification. The Pastoral Counseling Certification is awarded by the Mt. Vision Institute.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this high school counselor certification:

  • To become a certified Pastoral Counseling Certification, you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • No renewal for certification, if you earn it once it is valid all time.

What certifications can impact a high school counselor career and salary?

The Pastoral Counseling Certification certification will help you to secure a school counselor position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A school counselor's average salary is $47,048 whereas high school counselors make an average salary of $48,361.

Best certifications

The most common combination of high school counselor certifications include: Pastoral Counseling Certification, Certified Professional Counselor, and National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Online courses for high school counselors to earn certifications

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