ANSWER:

The school counselor credentialing requirements in the State of Maryland are as follows––

• The requirements for certification as a school counselor are:

A. Option I––The applicant shall submit:

1. A master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from an institution of higher education;
2. A certificate of the National Board of Certified Counselors; and
3. Two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor in a school setting.

B. Option II––The applicant shall submit:

1. A master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling in a program approved using state-approved standards under COMAR 13A.07.06.01; and
2. Two years of satisfactory performance as a teacher or school counselor, or 500 clock hours in a supervised practicum in school counseling or school guidance and counseling.

C. Option III––The applicant shall submit a master’s degree in school counseling or school guidance and counseling from a program approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The Social Worker credentialing requirements in the State of Maryland are as follows:

• Social Workers hired in MCPS must have a Master’s degree. To obtain certification as a school social worker, the applicant shall be licensed by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners as a:

1. Graduate social worker;
2. Certified social worker; or
3. Licensed social worker-clinical.

• The Licensed Social Worker-Clinical shall have:

1. Obtained at least two years, consisting of not less than 104 weeks, of at least 3,000 hours
   of supervised clinical social work experience in direct service to clients. Half of the
   3,000 hours (1,500 hours) shall consist of face-to-face client contact;
2. One-hundred and forty-four hours of periodic direct face-to-face supervision while obtaining clinical social work experience which is obtained under a contractual agreement form for supervision;
3. Supervision in the assessment, formulation of a diagnostic impression, and treatment of mental disorders and other conditions and the provision of psychotherapy;
4. Documentation of 12 academic credit hours in clinical course work from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

School counselors provide academic, social emotional, and career development for all students.  Social workers provide counseling and psycho-social services to children and adolescents in the school setting.  School counselors have the ability to work in multiple areas while social workers primarily attend to social emotional concerns.

MCPS also invests in a school psychologist model.