Risk and Prevention Program (R&P) Licensure Requirements for School Guidance Counselor

Grade Levels of License

PreK-8, 5-12

Stage of License

Initial (This license is valid for five years of employment in Massachusetts.)

Requirements for Initial Licensure

1. Obtain a Master's degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study through the two-year Risk and Prevention Guidance Counselor licensure program.
2. Complete all Risk and Prevention Coursework and Fieldwork requirements.
3. Pass the Communication & Literacy Skills part of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Please see the NES MTEL website and the Licensure Unit MTEL website for more information.

Requirements for Professional Licensure

1. Possess an Initial Guidance Counselor license.
2. Complete 3 years of employment as a School Guidance Counselor.
3. Complete one of the following:
   • 60 graduate level credits appropriate to the license,
   • obtain certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors, or
   • obtain certification from the National Board for School Counseling.

(Please see Section 7.11 of the Massachusetts Licensure Regulations for more detailed information.)

How to Obtain Licensure at an Additional Level

A Child Development course (e.g., H-250) fulfills the DOE requirement for additional licensure at the PreK-8 level. An Adolescent Development course (e.g., H-236) meets the DOE requirement for additional licensure at the 5-12 level.

How to Obtain Additional Licensure as a School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor

It is not possible to complete both the R&P Guidance and R&P Adjustment state-approved programs concurrently while at HGSE. To obtain an additional School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor license, you will need to either demonstrate that you meet the requirements through the MA DOE Panel Review Process or complete a state-approved Adjustment Counseling program. For information regarding obtaining licensure through the Panel Review Process, please see the FAQ section of this website.

Cost for Licensure

$100 First Massachusetts license
$25 Each additional license

Licensure Processing Information

All licenses are processed through the Licensure Unit. Meetings will be scheduled throughout the year to keep you informed of all licensure requirements and deadline dates.

Required Paperwork

1. Online Application
2. Original Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
3. Name Change Documentation (e.g., marriage license, valid driver's license with Social Security number, Passport)

Resource to answer additional questions about Licensure Requirements

Please visit our FAQ section for R&P students or e-mail Kim Nguyen at kim_nguyen@gse.harvard.edu.

Resource to answer additional questions about the R&P Program

Please visit the Risk and Prevention website or e-mail rp@gse.harvard.edu.