How to Become a School Counsellor?
Explore the journey to becoming a School Counsellor, including essential steps, eligibility criteria, tasks, and top colleges offering relevant courses
In this Career Outline
Introduction to School Counsellor
"School Counsellors are the architects of students’ dreams, helping them build a foundation for success."
School Counsellors are trained to help students with academic, social, emotional, and career development. They guide students through challenges, helping them navigate with confidence. Students of all ages, especially those facing academic or personal difficulties, benefit from their support. Acting as advocates, counselors provide compassionate, nonjudgmental care. They work in public and private schools at all levels—kindergarten, middle, and high school—often in private offices where confidential conversations can take place.
Steps to Become a School Counsellor:
Step-1
Pursue a relevant undergraduate degree in psychology, education, or a related field.
Step-2
Obtain experience through internships or work in educational or counselling settings.
Step-3
Enroll in a Master’s program in school counselling or a closely related field.
Step-4
Take and pass relevant certification or licensure exams.
Step-5
Apply for certification or licensure as required by your state or country.
Step-6
Cultivate key skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
Step-7
Start applying for school counsellor positions in schools or educational institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | A B.A. in Psychology, diploma, or certification from a recognized institution is required to become a School Counsellor. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology is beneficial for advanced learning and career growth. |
| Entrance Exams | No standardized entrance exams for Psychology; availability depends on the university. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.
- There are no standardized entrance exams after 12th for enrolling in Psychology. The availability of these assessments is solely based on the prospects of the University.
- One must acquire a B.A in Psychology, diploma or certification in a recognized establishment to become a School Counsellor.
- An M.Sc in Counselling Psychology can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and extensive learning.
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Tasks to perform as a School Counsellor:
Knowledge & Skills Required
School Counsellors must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding the physical, emotional, and cognitive development stages in children and teenagers. | Familiarity with different counseling approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, etc. |
| Skills to manage and intervene during crisis situations, including trauma, bullying, or mental health issues.t | Knowledge of school policies, academic programs, and educational laws affecting students. |
| Understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and addressing their specific needs. | Awareness of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, and how they affect student performance. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Problem-Solving | Empathy and active listening |
| Effective communication | Organizational skills |
| Conflict resolution | Patience and adaptability |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of School Counsellor.
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Job roles offered for a School Counsellor:
Once you qualify as a School Counsellor, many career paths open up:
Oversees curriculum development and teacher support in schools, ensuring the best teaching practices are used to help students succeed.
Guides prospective students through the application process, helps them choose programs, and informs them about financial aid options.
Assists students with personal and academic goals, administering assessments and offering referrals for specialized support.
Helps individuals make informed career choices by assessing their skills, interests, and qualifications, and guiding them toward suitable job options.
Administers psychological tests to diagnose educational or behavioral disorders, analyzes results, and provides detailed reports on findings.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for a School Counsellor:
School Counsellors can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Vedantu | WhiteHat Jr | iNurture Education Solutions |
| NIIT | Blossoms International | INDIAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION |
| Little Leap | iTeach Schools | FAD Institute of Luxury Fashion & Style |
Colleges offering courses for School Counsellor:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Fergusson College, Pune | Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Pune |
| Indraprastha College for Women, New Delhi | National Post Graduate College, Lucknow |
| Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | Shri HK Arts College, Ahmedabad |
| Banasthali University, Jaipur | Amity University (AUUP), Lucknow |
| Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad | Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara |
End Note
Becoming a School Counsellor is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities to make a significant impact on students' lives. With the right education, experience, and skills, you can guide students toward a brighter future. If you’re ready to start this fulfilling career path, connect with our experts at SetMyCareer. We’re here to guide you in Career counselling after graduation at every step of the way.
In this Career Outline
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