The specialization in School Counseling authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:

• Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate a school counseling and guidance program that includes academic, career, personal, and social development.

• Advocate for the high academic achievement and social development of all students.

• Provide schoolwide prevention and intervention strategies and counseling services.

• Provide consultation, training, and staff development to teachers and parents regarding students’ needs.

• Supervise a district-approved advisory program as described in California Education Code, Section 49600.

Requirements for the Clear Credential - Specialization in School Counseling

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 

1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.

2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 48 semester units in a Commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school counseling, including a practicum with school-aged children.

3. Obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school counseling. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.

4. Satisfy the basic skills requirement.  (See options)

5. Completed 41-4

6. Application processing fee once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university.  Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database. 

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification 

Individuals holding certification issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in the area of Early Childhood to Young Adulthood – School Counseling may apply directly to the Commission for the clear credential. Those applying under this route are exempt from the basic skills requirement and all other credential requirements. Individuals may apply by submitting the following items by mail:

1. Photocopy of National Board Certification.

2. Completed 41-4

3. Application processing fee.

The specialization in School Psychology authorizes the holder to perform the following duties:

• Provide services that enhance academic performance.

• Design strategies and programs to address problems of adjustment.

• Consult with other educators and parents on issues of social development and behavioral and academic difficulties.

• Conduct psycho-educational assessment for purposes of identifying special needs.

• Provide psychological counseling for individuals, groups, and families.

• Coordinate intervention strategies for management of individuals and schoolwide crises.

Requirements for the Clear Credential - Specialization in School Psychology

Individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 

1. A baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally-accredited college or university.

2. Complete post baccalaureate degree study consisting of a minimum of 60 semester units in a Commission-approved professional preparation program specializing in school psychology, including a practicum with school-aged children.

3. Obtain the formal recommendation of a California college or university with a Commission-approved Pupil Personnel Services program specializing in school psychology. This process will result in the college or university submitting the recommendation online.

4. Satisfy the basic skills requirement.  (See options)

5. Completed 41-4

6. Application processing fee once the recommendation has been submitted online by the college or university.  Individuals will be notified via email that the application has been submitted and is awaiting payment in a secured database.