The development of unified college and career standards for school counselors and college access professionals is essential to increase postsecondary outcomes for all students.

A standard and unified set of credentials, based on standards for college and career practice, is needed to strengthen the roles of school counselors and college access professionals.  Credentials denote attained educational levels, certification/licensure status, and professional achievements.  Most importantly, college and career credentialing ensures credibility and competence to consumers, particularly students, families and school districts.   Standards and competencies must be developed that include the unique skills and knowledge needed to promote and attain increased college and career outcomes of underserved young people.  And, a  set of competencies and standards is required for the alignment of state and national credentials (e.g., licensure, certification) for professional college and school counseling practice.  

Strategic partnerships with stakeholders (e.g., school counselors, parents, students, state boards and agencies) and groups that currently credential and train school counselors and college access professionals (e.g., ASCA, ACA, ACES, CACREP, NBCC) are paramount to  success in this area.