Correctional Counselor in California:
What are the Steps Necessary to Become a Counselor?
Jackie Phillips
Psychology, Post University
HSV203 Introduction to Counseling Professions
Unit 8A Assignment: Career Planning
Richard Six
Due Date: 11:59 pm EST Saturday of Unit 8
Overview: This assignment is designed to deepen your understanding of the roles that professional associations and credentialing bodies play in the counseling profession. You will research a specific professional credential/license, analyze the credentialing requirements in your state or region, and develop a professional growth plan to obtain your dream role
Thinking about a counseling profession that you may want to pursue, look up the associated licensure or credential required by your state. Then answer the following:
1. Identify and explain your dream role and the licensure or credential that is required. Identify the professional association that you would be eligible to pursue with this license and role.
I would be interested in a Correctional Counselor in a prison here in California. There is such a wide range of types of prisons here in Northern California alone, with county, state and federal prisons all within an hour to two hours drive.
“At minimum for this career, you’ll need to be a U.S. citizen over 21 years old, not be a convicted felon, have a bachelor’s degree, and pass several competitive written, oral, psychological and physical examinations in order to enter the field. You’ll also need to pass a drug test.
However, some states require that correctional counselors take licensing or certification tests during or after the completion of training.
The most common professional certifications for corrections healthcare workers are offered by the American Correctional Association (ACA) and they have several levels of certification for all levels of corrections professions from correctional officer to management. While certifications are not limited to correctional counselors, Zippia states that the Certified Corrections Manager (CCM) certification is most common among corrections counselors. Youth correctional counselors can apply for the Correctional Behavioral Health Certification–Adult/Juvenile Correctional Officer (CBHC-CO) credential after completing one year of experience in a prison, a detention facility or community/work release center supervising and working with behavioral and mental health staff to care for offenders.” (No author given, 2025)
2. Explain the requirements for the credential/license in your state. Be sure to include the educational qualifications, supervised experience expectations, examination requirements, and any other requirements.
“How to Become a Correctional Counselor
Requirements on how to become a correctional counselor vary by state. In some areas, there may be bachelor’s or master’s degree programs that provide a foundation to become a correctional counselor. In other areas, the educational requirements may be achieved through a certificate program.
Earning a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in criminal justice is a way to open many doors to this position. Since working with prisoners or others undergoing behavior counseling involves psychology, a background in psychology and social work will help to make potential students stand out to both school admittance officers and hiring managers.
Sometimes, criminal behavior goes hand-in-hand with substance abuse or other problem behaviors such as gambling addiction. Having experience with substance abuse and addictions can also increase a person’s chances of being hired.
The International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors is an organization of professional substance abuse and addictions counselors, corrections counselors, students, and counselor educators. The organization is concerned with improving the lives of individuals exhibiting addictive and/or criminal behaviors.
IAOCC is a division of the American Counseling Association. Students who wish to have successful careers as correctional counselors might benefit from joining the IAAOC, which bestows scholarships, grants, and awards for outstanding practitioners.
Another organization of note is the ACA, or American Correctional Association. With six levels of membership, from Associate to Executive Gold, members can benefit from discounts on professional development and access to resources.” (No author given, 2025)
3. Explain the importance of this credential from an ethical perspective.
Importance of Education:
- Foundation for effective practice: Education, typically a bachelor's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, or a related field, provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of criminal behavior, rehabilitation strategies, and correctional systems.
- Specialized knowledge and skills: Relevant coursework and potentially a master's degree in areas like forensic psychology or counseling equip correctional counselors with the skills needed to address the specific challenges of working with incarcerated populations, such as evaluating mental health needs, developing treatment plans, and implementing effective interventions.
- Career advancement: A bachelor's degree is generally the minimum requirement, but a master's degree can open doors to higher-level positions and specializations within the field.
Importance of Licensing and Certification:
- Professional standards and accountability: Licensing and certification ensure that correctional counselors meet established professional standards and adhere to ethical guidelines, which is vital for providing quality care to inmates.
- Validation of expertise: Passing exams and obtaining certifications validate a correctional counselor's knowledge and skills, indicating their competence to potential employers.
- Credibility and trust: Licensure and certification can contribute to building trust with inmates and their families, as they demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and ethical practices.
- Legal requirements: Many states or jurisdictions require correctional counselors to be licensed or certified to practice.
In summary, education provides the necessary foundation and specialized knowledge, while licensing and certification ensure professional competence and credibility, both of which are essential for correctional counselors to effectively assist inmates with their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
4. Then, based on your research, create a professional growth plan that outlines your goals to obtain the role. Include specific steps you will take to meet credential/licensure requirements such as coursework, supervised experiences, and preparing for any exams.
“Experience: In a California state correctional institution either:
- One year performing the duties of a Correctional Program Supervisor I. or
- One year performing the duties of a Youth Counselor. Or
- Two years performing the duties of a Correctional Officer or Medical Technical Assistant.
Education: Equivalent to graduation from a recognized four-year college. Registration as a senior in a recognized institution will admit applicants to the examination but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.” (No author given, 2025)
I am completing the 4-year college degree here at Post. I have two more classes after this class and then I will have a BS in Criminology.
In the past I have already performed jobs as a Youth Counselor here in the Bay Area. That was one of my reasons for starting and completing the 4 year degree in Criminology. I already have a two year degree in Administration of Justice from a local Community College here in the Bay Area.
“The written test will consist of four component(s): Arithmetic, English Usage, Reading Comprehension, and Penal Code. The Written Test Study Guide is available from the CDCR website at: Correctional Counselor 1 Study Guide or in person at the street address listed above.” (No author given, 2021)
There is a study guide attached to this PDF and I have already seen it. My math and writing and reading skills are already fine. I have done well on the practice tests.
I can pass the background tests and I have no felonies on my record
“Demonstrated capacity for assuming progressively greater responsibility as evidenced by a recent employment history; neat personal appearance; adaptability; and emotional maturity and stability; tact; patience; willingness to work irregular hours; satisfactory record as a law-abiding citizen; normal or corrected to normal hearing; sound physical condition; strength; endurance; and agility; willingness to report for duty anytime of emergency crisis.” (No author given, 2021)
I can do all those things and more listed above.
References
No author given, 2025, All Criminal Justice Schools, What Does a Correctional Counselor Do? https://www.allcriminaljusticeschools.com/specialties/correctional-counselor-training/
No author given, 2025, Counseling Schools, Become a Correction or Prison Counselor-Education and Certification, https://www.counselingschools.com/careers/correctional-counseling
No author given, 2025, CalHR, Correctional Counselor I (9904), https://www.calhr.ca.gov/state-hr-professionals/Pages/9904.aspx
No author given, 2021, California Department of Corrections and Rehab, Correctional Counselor 1, https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/careers/wp-content/uploads/sites/164/2021/08/CorrCouns1-O-091721.pdf
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