School Counseling

The University’s recommendation for a letter of eligibility for certification by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission in the appropriate area or areas is contingent upon: 

• Completion of the Georgia Educators Ethics Assessments (exit levels) 
• Completion of all courses in the professional education sequence (each with a minimum grade of “C”); Note: if the Exceptional Child course is required, it must be completed with a minimum grade of "B".
• All professional courses must be completed within 10 years of the student’s graduation date unless approved by the department chair; 
• Application for graduation; 
• Submit documents of all field experience requirements including grade bands (PK-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12);  
• Clearance on a personal affirmation form reflecting the moral standards and code of ethics of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the Piedmont University College of Education; 
• Applications to counselor education* and to Internship may be denied based on information presented in the background clearance.  
• An overall 3.0 GPA 
• A passing score on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments** 
• A passing score on the CPCE exam** 

*Candidates must be Admitted to Counselor Education (ACE) before beginning the 3rd semester. Individuals who have not been admitted will not be permitted to register for 3rd semester courses. ACE requirements includes passage of the ethics exam, personal affirmations, a criminal records check, obtainment of liability insurance, and a 3.0 GPA. 

**Candidates must take and pass the appropriate GACE (Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators) content tests and the CPCE (Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination) prior to beginning the Internship II semester. Individuals who have not passed the GACE tests and/or the CPCE will not be permitted to register for Internship II.