Vocational rehabilitation counselors must obtain a master's degree from an approved university degree program. Approved degrees include behavioral health, psychology, behavioral science, psychometrics, disability studies, rehabilitation, human relations, social work, human services, special education, marriage and family therapy, vocational assessment, and occupational therapy.
In order to become a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor, the applicant must pass the nationally approved examination offered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). The exam is offered six times per year at over 300 locations in the United States and Canada. The cost to take the exam is $385 as of 2010.
Vocational rehabilitation counselors who put forth the additional effort, time and expense to become certified demonstrate that they meet the standards of their field. Many agencies require that vocational rehabilitation counselors be certified prior to employment and certification may lead to increases in salary and career advancement.