Training+and+license+Requirements

**Training and License Requirements**



[[file:TX Licensing and Regulation of Professional Counselors.pdf]]
In the state of Texas, a college counselor is expected to have completed at least a master's degree coursework in counseling. Accumulation of 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised counseling experience beyond the master's degree level, the passage of a State-recognized exam, adherence to ethical codes and standards, and the completion of annual continuing education credits.

__** Other qualifications: **__ College counselors should have a strong desire to help others and should be able to inspire respect, trust, and have confidence. They should be able to work independently or as part of a team. Collge counselors must follow the code of ethics associated with their respective certifications and licenses. Counselors must possess high physical and emotional energy to handle the array of problems that they address because dealing daily with these problems can cause stress.

__**Certification and advancement:**__ Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor. This national certification is voluntary and is distinct from State licensing. In some States, those who pass the national exam are exempt from taking a State certification exam. To maintain certification, counselors must successfully retake the certification exam or complete 100 credit hours of acceptable continuing education every 5years.