Additional Information
To become a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
(IECA), you have to get at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
It is common for members to have master's degrees or doctorates.
The only college in the U.S. that offers an accredited degree in private
educational counseling is the University of California at Los Angeles, says
Mike Sklarow. He works with the IECA.
The IECA website says: "To qualify for full membership, a
consultant must demonstrate familiarity and a working relationship with a
wide range of educational institutions. In addition, full members must demonstrate
extensive experience and skill in consulting techniques and a depth of knowledge
of diagnostic testing."
The IECA also requires that educational consultants have evidence that
they have visited at least 100 educational institutions. Educational consultants
need professional experience that includes either three years of independent
practice, or one year of independent practice coupled with at least three
years of related experience.
For educational consultants that work in facilities planning, the education
is a little different.
"Typically, a person with an architectural background or background in
planning [is] probably best equipped to do the job," says facilities planner
Michel De Jocas. "But we've hired people that have absolutely no professional
or formal academic credentials. They have a BA in English and they are just
as good.
"What you need to have is a good head and a good sense of being able to
write reports and be analytical."