In California, high school and middle school counselors need a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential with a School Counseling specialization, issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), requiring a Master's degree, a practicum, passing exams (like CBEST), and a background check, with focus on student mental health and academic/career readiness. Key Requirements for the PPS Credential: Education: A bachelor's degree plus a CTC-approved Master's degree (or post-baccalaureate program) in School Counseling, including specific coursework. Practicum: Completion of a supervised practicum with school-aged children. Basic Skills: Passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or meeting the requirement through other means. Examinations: Passing the required state exams, including the CBEST and potentially Praxis School Counselor tests. Background Check: Completing the LiveScan fingerprint process for a background check. University Recommendation: Receiving a formal recommendation from your university's credential program to the CTC.