ACSC (ASCA) - ASCA-Certified School Counselor

The ASCA-Certified School Counselor certification is designed for professional school counselors who wish to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the highest standards of the profession. This certification recognizes advanced knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive school counseling services. The ACSC exam is also called the Praxis 5421 exam.

Completion Time: 2 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A Master’s degree or higher in school counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

• A valid school counseling credential issued by a state education agency.

• A minimum number of hours of post-graduate work experience in a school counseling setting.

• Completion of continuing education units in school counseling.

• Membership in the American School Counselor Association may be required.

• Passing an ASCA certification examination.

Cost: For ASCA SPA program graduates, $110 for ASCA members and $250 for non-members. For those who graduate from a non-ASCA SPA program, $260 for ASCA members and $400 for non-members.

Exam Format

The ACSC is a computer-based exam with 120 multiple-choice questions covering Foundations, Delivery of Services, Management, and Accountability.

Certification Process

Obtain a relevant graduate degree and state credential in school counseling.

Gain professional experience as a school counselor.

Complete the required continuing education units.

Apply for the ASCA-Certified School Counselor certification through the ASCA

The application will be scored based on the applicant’s Praxis score and the ACSC portfolio. You must receive a score of 156 on the Professional School Counselor Praxis exam or a passing score of 159 on the School Counselor exam.

ACSC certification requires renewal every 5 years, which involves obtaining continuing education credits in areas relevant to school counseling and adhering to professional practice standards.

Renewal fees: $99 for members, $300 for non-members

Continuing education for ASCA-Certified School Counselors may include topics in student counseling, mental health, career guidance, educational technology, diversity and inclusion, and legal/ethical issues in school counseling.

For specific information regarding ASCA-Certified School Counselor certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, continuing education requirements, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA). ASCA provides comprehensive resources, training, and standards for professionals in the school counseling field.

Career Opportunities

ASCA-Certified School Counselors work in public and private K-12 schools.

They focus on student academic achievement, career development, and personal/social development through comprehensive school counseling programs.Career Opportunities

ASCA-Certified School Counselors work in public and private K-12 schools.

They focus on student academic achievement, career development, and personal/social development through comprehensive school counseling programs.

Other related certifications include:

• NASW Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)

• NASP Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP)