California schools, kindergarten through high school, require their school counselors to have the PPS-SC. Students pursuing the 59-unit PPS-SC Credential follow the exact same course requirements as students with the 60-unit Master’s in Counseling Degree objective who are specializing in school counseling, with the exception of a 1-unit Culminating Requirement. The 60-unit master’s degree is not required, although most students elect to complete the degree. In addition to the PPS-SC course requirements, individuals who obtain the credential must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), required for all TK-12 credentials in California. The program meets all standards established by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CCTC).

Students pursuing the Pupil Personnel Services School Counseling Credential follow the same course requirements, with the exception of the Culminating Requirement, as do master's degree students with the School Counseling specialization objective.