The post-Master's certificate in School Counseling includes a minimum of 18 semester hours of courses and field practice. Candidates must have a previously earned Master's in Counseling, preferably from a CACREP-accredited program. Additional semester hours may be required of candidates who need to remove deficiencies or who have particular interests. According to State of Tennessee certification requirements, school counseling candidates without prior teaching experience will need to participate in an additional orientation experience, including observation of, participation in, and analysis of classroom teaching in a school setting as part of their academic training. Candidates who wish to meet the requirements for School Counselor certification in Tennessee must complete all required coursework and pass the designated PRAXIS II exam. Applications for state certification in School Counseling must be sent from Southern's Certification Officer to the State Board of Education. Students are responsible for meeting with the Certification Office to begin the application process. No applications are made until students have passed the PRAXIS-II exam and have met with the Certification Officer.