A school counselor is a professional educator who holds a valid school counselor certification as defined by the Professional Educator Standards Board (RCW 28A.410.043).

School counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement, supporting a safe learning environment, and addressing the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are part of a comprehensive school counseling program for academic, career/college, and social emotional supports.

Find out about school counseling ESA certification or how to become a certified school counselor Education Staff Associate (ESA) Professional Certificate in Washington State.

Questions about certification? Go to OSPI Certification and Professional Educators Standards Board for more information.

Benchmarks for School Counselors are on the Professional Educator Standards Board website.

Approved Suicide Prevention Renewal Requirement and List of Approved Trainings.