California · Career guide
How to become a School Counselor in California
School counselors deliver classroom guidance lessons, run small groups, provide individual counseling, and coordinate college / career planning for high-schoolers. Most states require a master's degree (M.Ed. or M.S. in School Counseling) plus a separate license tier from classroom teaching. Caseloads are typically large — 250-500 students per counselor is common — but the role offers higher pay scales than the equivalent step on a teacher schedule.
No school counseling positions are open in California right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in California
- Earn a bachelor's degree; subject matter competency required. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. California typically requires:
- CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills
- CSET (California Subject Examinations for Teachers) — Subject matter competency for your credential area
- CalTPA or edTPA — Teaching performance assessment required for Clear Credential
- RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) — Required for Multiple Subject (elementary) credentials
A school counseling endorsement is a separate license; most states require a state-approved master's program + supervised practicum + state-administered exam.
- Apply for your initial license through California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) →
- Job-search in California. We'll track school counseling openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in California
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, California offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Intern Credential: Teach while completing your credential program (district-sponsored)
- District Intern Programs: Earn your credential while employed full-time
- Career Technical Education (CTE) credentials for industry experts
- Paraprofessional to Teacher pathway
California salary context
Average teacher salary in California: $92,000/year (rank #1 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $45,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full California salary guide for the breakdown.