Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Education
School Counselor Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for school counselor in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for School Counselor in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$69,900 median (7% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for School Counselor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NYS Education Department~Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $69,900, School Counselors in New York earn 7% above the national median of $65,140. New York ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$69,900Hourly estimate
$33.617% above national median
Difference: +$4,760
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSchool Counselor Salary Ranking
#12 of 50 statesfor School Counselor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $94,320 |
| #2 | Washington | $83,930 |
| #3 | Alaska | $80,020 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $78,840 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $77,940 |
Nearby States Comparison
School Counselor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $69,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $60,920 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $78,840 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $70,400 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $77,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $61,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Vermont | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Massachusetts | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Education Department • Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education
89 Washington Avenue, Education Building, 5N, Albany, NY, 12234
Phone: 5184743901
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $110,000 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,110 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $108,700 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $83,270 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a School Counselor in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for School Counselors in New York?
New York lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for School Counselors.
What education do you need to become a School Counselor in New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for School Counselor licensure in New York.
What is the typical School Counselor salary in New York?
The median annual salary for School Counselors in New York is $69,900. Salaries range from $45,150 (10th percentile) to $131,050 (90th percentile).
How does the School Counselor salary in New York compare to the national average?
School Counselors in New York earn 7% above the national median of $65,140, with a state median of $69,900.
How many School Counselors work in New York?
New York employs approximately 22,660 School Counselors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my School Counselor license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for School Counselors in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / Office of Teaching Initiatives Higher Education. Review agency details at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.
How often do you renew a School Counselor license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.