What is the path to becoming a high school guidance counselor?

It depends on your state laws regarding educational certifications. My reccomendation would be to start with an undergraduate degree in teaching, get some experience in the classroom and complete a maters in guidance and counseling with a specialization in school counseling. School Counselors almost always need to have a certificaiton/endorsement in addition to a counseling license. Continuing education and training are required to keep up with certifications and licenses. Check your states guidelines and ask your own counselor what type of education they have and what licenses they have had to obtain.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Complete a Master's Degree Program
Acquire a School Counseling Credential
Obtain a Teaching License
Continue Education
Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization, such as the American School Counselors Association (ASCA), can provide guidance counselors with access to a number of continuing education resources.
Consider earning professional certification. High school guidance counselors may benefit from earning professional certification through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NBCC awards the National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation to qualified candidates who pass a certification examination. Select states accept NCC certification in lieu of passage of a state licensing exam. To qualify for NCC certification, applicants must have master's degrees, as well as 100 hours of supervision and 3,000 hours of counseling experience within two years of graduating.

Hi Most of the above answers obtain helpful information. I am a School Social Worker and have my MSW Degree. After completing my Master's Degree, I applied for my School Social Worker Certification through my state's Department of Education. Additionally, I recently submitted my credentials to obtain my School Counselor Certification. Even though part of my role as a School Social Worker includes providing education on career development for students with Individual Education Plans and worked very closely with my former school's I&RS committee, (guidance department) to monitor at risk Students and assist in Career Day Events, I still have to enroll in a vocational course and complete field work, even though, I completed my Master's Degree Field in a clinical setting.
Additionally, School Counselors also focus on pre-interventions and implementing the school's Positive Behavioral Support Program and their HIB "no bullying" Policy. Overall, when you head to college, take courses in psychology and education and definitely speak to an advisor. Currently, School Counselors are in demand and education is a rewarding yet challenging field with the growing numbers of problems in society.

HI Jackson

To succeed in this field, you must have high physical and emotional energy and a supreme ability to handle stress. You must be organized, willing to continue training over your career, and good communicators. Of course, the desire to work with kids is essential.
Every state requires school counselors hold their state's school counseling certification and to have completed at least some graduate-level course work. Almost all states require that counselors have a master's degree in their field. Continuing education and training credits are required to keep up with certification, though how many hours and what types of courses must be taken varies by state.

I hope this helps.