2026 How to Become a School Counselor in California

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Becoming a school counselor in California is a credentialed career path, not just a counseling job in a school setting. You need the right graduate preparation, supervised school-based experience, background clearance, and the Pupil Personnel Services credential in school counseling before you can serve students in California public schools.

The decision matters because California schools continue to face heavy counseling demand. The state has a 464:1 student-to-school-counselor ratio, far above the recommended 250:1, which means counselors often work with large caseloads while supporting students’ academic planning, mental health concerns, family challenges, college readiness, and career goals. This guide explains the practical steps, timelines, credential rules, salary expectations, and career options so you can decide whether this path fits your goals in 2026.

Quick answer: becoming a school counselor in California

To work as a public school counselor in California, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, a CTC-approved graduate program in school counseling, supervised fieldwork, fingerprint clearance, and the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a specialization in School Counseling.
School counselors in California earn about $59,618 per year, while online college counselors earn about $63,168.
California employed 43,800 educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors in 2022, the highest number in the nation.
Employment in California is projected to rise 11% from 2022 to 2032, reaching 48,400 jobs and producing about 3,710 annual openings over the decade.
This path is best for people who want to work with students in K–12 systems, can manage large caseloads, and are willing to complete graduate training and state credentialing requirements.

Degree requirements for California school counselors
School counseling specialization options in California
How long the degree and credential process takes
Required California school counseling certification
Moving a California school counseling credential to another state
Credential renewal rules for California school counselors
Skills California school counselors need most
Managing high student-to-counselor ratios
Moving from school counseling into clinical counseling
Alternative routes into California school counseling
Average school counselor salary in California
California school counselor job outlook
Career growth options for school counselors additional advancement notes

What degree do I need to become a school counselor in California?

California public school counselors need graduate-level preparation and a state credential. A bachelor’s degree starts the process, but it is not enough by itself. The required professional preparation is usually completed through a master’s degree or graduate-level school counseling program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Requirement	What it means	Why it matters
Bachelor’s degree	You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The major can be in any field.	This is the entry requirement for graduate study and does not need to be an education or psychology major, although related coursework may help.
Master’s degree in school counseling	You must complete a CTC-approved school counseling program, including at least 48 semester units of professional preparation and supervised experience with school-aged children.	This is where you learn school counseling law, ethics, academic advising, social-emotional support, assessment, crisis response, and program design.
Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Counseling	After completing the approved program, candidates seek the PPS credential in California with a school counseling specialization.	This credential authorizes practice as a school counselor in California public K–12 settings.

The key decision is not simply “Which counseling degree should I earn?” but “Will this program qualify me for the California PPS credential in school counseling?” Before enrolling, confirm that the program is CTC-approved, includes the required practicum and internship structure, and prepares you for school-based work rather than only general counseling practice.

If you are comparing school counseling with other mental health paths, review how the school-based route differs from the clinical psychology pathway in this guide to becoming a counseling psychologist.

Are there school counseling specializations in California?

Yes. School counseling programs in California may offer concentrations or electives that help you focus your training, although the most important requirement for public school employment is still eligibility for the PPS school counseling credential. Some programs may also hold CACREP accreditation, but applicants should distinguish accreditation from California credential approval because they are not the same thing.

Specialization or focus area	Best for students who want to...	Typical school counseling use
General school counseling	Serve students across PK–12 academic, social-emotional, and career development needs.	Comprehensive counseling programs, classroom guidance, academic planning, family communication, and intervention coordination.
Career counseling	Help students connect interests, strengths, courses, and postsecondary plans.	Career exploration, vocational planning, assessments, pathway advising, and transition support.
School-based family counseling	Work with students whose school performance is affected by family stressors.	Family engagement, crisis support, referral coordination, and collaboration with caregivers.
Clinical mental health integration	Build stronger mental health intervention skills while staying connected to school systems.	Student support for trauma, behavioral concerns, and social-emotional needs; may support later clinical licensure planning depending on the program.
College counseling and student affairs	Guide students through college readiness and higher education transitions.	College applications, financial aid planning, course selection, transition advising, and postsecondary readiness programs.
Marriage, couple, and family counseling	Understand how family systems and relationships affect student well-being.	Collaboration with families, communication support, referral planning, and student advocacy.

Choose a specialization based on the student population and setting you want to serve. For example, high school counselors often benefit from college and career counseling coursework, while counselors in districts with significant student trauma needs may value stronger preparation in crisis response and mental health collaboration.

How long does it take to complete a school counseling degree in California?

Most full-time students complete a California school counseling master’s degree in about two to three years. Programs at California State University-Sacramento or San Bernardino commonly run about three years because they combine graduate coursework with practicum and internship requirements. California State University-Bakersfield offers a somewhat shorter structure of around 2.5 years. Online formats may give students more scheduling flexibility, but they still require approved fieldwork in school settings.

Part-time students often need more than three years, especially if they are working while completing field placements. California programs commonly include 48 to 60 graduate semester units, a 100-hour practicum, and 600 to 800 hours of supervised internship experience in K-12 schools. Candidates must also satisfy the California Basic Skills Requirement through options such as the CBEST or CSET, and exam scheduling or preparation can add time.

Timeline factor	How it can affect completion	What to ask before enrolling
Full-time vs. part-time study	Full-time students may finish in two to three years; part-time enrollment can extend the timeline.	Can I complete the program while working, and how often are evening, weekend, or online courses available?
Graduate unit requirements	Most programs require 48 to 60 graduate credits, with some requiring 59-60 units.	How many total units are required for both the degree and PPS credential recommendation?
Fieldwork requirements	Students must complete at least 600 hours of supervised K-12 school experience, and some programs require 600 to 800 hours.	Does the program help arrange placements, or am I responsible for finding a school site?
Practicum	A 100-hour practicum is commonly part of the preparation sequence.	When does practicum begin, and what clearance or prerequisites must be finished first?
Basic Skills Requirement	Passing or otherwise satisfying the requirement may add several months depending on preparation and test dates.	Which options does the program accept for meeting the California Basic Skills Requirement?
Cohort design	Cohort programs provide structure but may limit how quickly students can move ahead.	If I need to pause, can I rejoin a later cohort without delaying graduation significantly?

The National Association for College Admission Counseling chart below helps show why training must cover more than individual counseling. Public secondary school counselors divide their time across academic advising, college and career guidance, student support, administrative responsibilities, and collaboration.

What certification is required to work as a school counselor in California?

California public school counselors need the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a specialization in School Counseling. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing issues this credential, and districts generally require it for K–12 school counseling roles.

The credential process usually happens after you complete a state-approved school counseling degree or graduate preparation program. The process is designed to confirm that you have met academic, fieldwork, safety, and professional standards before serving students.

Meet the Basic Skills Requirement: Candidates must show competency in reading, writing, and mathematics through approved options such as the CBEST or equivalent coursework.
Finish a CTC-approved school counseling program: The graduate program must include required coursework, practicum, and supervised internship preparation.
Receive a formal program recommendation: Your institution must verify that you completed all academic and fieldwork requirements and recommend you for the credential.
Submit the CTC application and fee: Candidates apply through the CTC system and pay the processing fee, which was $100 as of 2025.
Complete fingerprint clearance: California requires background clearance through fingerprinting reviewed by the California Department of Justice and the FBI.
Obtain the preliminary credential: Qualified applicants receive a five-year preliminary credential that allows professional school counseling practice.
Move to the clear credential: Counselors must complete the required professional experience or induction steps during the preliminary period to upgrade to the renewable clear credential.

Checklist before choosing a California school counseling program

Is the program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for PPS school counseling preparation?
Does the program include the master’s degree, the PPS credential preparation, or both?
How many graduate units are required?
How are practicum and internship placements arranged?
Does the program support online students with local California school placements?
What are the pass or completion expectations for the Basic Skills Requirement?
What is the total cost after tuition, fees, fingerprinting, books, commuting, and unpaid fieldwork time?

Can I transfer my California school counseling license between states?

A California school counseling credential does not automatically transfer to every other state. California does not participate in a formal interstate reciprocity arrangement that guarantees immediate school counseling authorization elsewhere. If you move, the new state will review your education, credential, fieldwork, exams, and background clearance under its own rules.

This process is often described as licensure by endorsement, credential review, or out-of-state credential evaluation. Requirements vary, so contact the destination state’s educator licensing agency before you relocate or accept a position.

You may need to submit official transcripts, proof of the California credential, and professional verification documents.
The new state may compare your graduate coursework with its own school counseling standards and require extra courses.
If its practicum or internship requirement is higher than California’s, additional supervised hours may be necessary.
Some states require exams such as the Praxis II or a state-specific law, ethics, or jurisprudence assessment.
A new fingerprint-based background check is usually required because California Live Scan clearance does not automatically satisfy another state’s process.
You should expect application fees and, in some cases, a temporary or provisional credential while you finish remaining requirements.

If you plan to leave California...	Do this before applying for jobs
You are still in graduate school	Compare your program’s coursework and fieldwork with the state where you may eventually work.
You already hold the California PPS credential	Request official transcripts and credential verification early because reviews can take time.
You want to work immediately after moving	Ask whether the new state offers a temporary, provisional, or conditional credential.
You may return to California later	Keep your California credential active and track renewal deadlines.

For many counselors, moving states is manageable but paperwork-heavy. The main mistake is assuming that a valid California credential equals automatic authorization elsewhere. Treat interstate mobility as a separate licensing project.

School counselors who work full-time and part-time

How often do California school counselors need to renew their credentials?

California school counseling credentials must be renewed every five years. Renewal keeps the credential active and confirms that the counselor remains authorized under California Commission on Teacher Credentialing rules.

Renewal cycle: California school counseling credentials are renewed every five years.
Online renewal: Most renewals are completed through the CTC Educator Login portal, and processing typically takes within 10 business days.
Renewal fee: Online renewal generally requires a $102 fee, but applicants should confirm the current amount on the CTC website.
Continuing education: Clear PPS School Counselor credentials do not require continuing education hours for renewal, unlike some other counseling licenses.
Employment record: Counselors should keep employment information accurate in the CTC system; preliminary or provisional credential holders may need additional documentation.
Fingerprint clearance: An active Live Scan clearance must be maintained, and lapses may require new fingerprints.
Name updates: Legal name changes must be handled separately with official CTC forms and supporting documents.
Mail option: Counselors who cannot renew online may use CTC renewal forms and submit them by mail.

Set renewal reminders well before the deadline. A lapsed credential can create employment problems, especially if a district requires proof of active authorization before the school year begins.

What core skills are essential for school counselors in California?

California school counselors need a mix of counseling ability, school systems knowledge, cultural responsiveness, documentation discipline, and crisis judgment. The role is not limited to one-on-one student meetings. Counselors often coordinate with teachers, administrators, caregivers, community agencies, and college or career partners while protecting student privacy and following ethical rules.

Skill	Why it matters in California schools	How to build it
Culturally responsive communication	California schools serve highly diverse communities, so counselors must communicate effectively across languages, cultures, identities, and family systems.	Choose field placements in varied school settings and seek supervision focused on equity and inclusive practice.
Academic and career advising	Students need help choosing courses, meeting graduation requirements, exploring careers, and planning college or workforce transitions.	Learn graduation requirements, college admissions basics, career assessment tools, and pathway planning methods.
Crisis intervention	Counselors may respond to student safety concerns, grief, trauma, bullying, or urgent emotional distress.	Complete supervised practice in crisis protocols and know district referral procedures.
Ethical and legal decision-making	School counselors must balance confidentiality, mandated reporting, parental involvement, and student welfare.	Study California-specific rules, district policies, and professional ethics throughout training.
Data-informed caseload management	Large student loads require counselors to prioritize needs, track follow-ups, and evaluate program effectiveness.	Practice using student information systems, scheduling tools, and outcome data responsibly.
Collaboration	Student support often depends on teamwork with teachers, administrators, families, school psychologists, nurses, and outside providers.	Use internships to practice team meetings, consultation, and referral coordination.

If speed and flexibility are major concerns, compare credential routes carefully before enrolling. This overview of the fastest way to become a counselor in California can help you understand how different counseling pathways may vary.

How do school counselors effectively manage high student-to-counselor ratios in California?

High caseloads are one of the defining challenges of school counseling in California. Because the state’s student-to-school-counselor ratio is 464:1, counselors need systems that help them reach more students without losing sight of individual needs.

Use tiered support: Counselors can provide schoolwide lessons and group interventions for common needs, then reserve individual sessions for students requiring more intensive help.
Prioritize by urgency and risk: Safety concerns, crisis situations, attendance problems, and major academic barriers need faster response than routine scheduling questions.
Collaborate instead of working alone: Teachers, administrators, school psychologists, social workers, and community partners can help identify and support students earlier.
Track caseload data: Digital calendars, referral logs, and student information systems can reduce missed follow-ups and reveal patterns across grade levels or student groups.
Create repeatable processes: Standard forms, appointment systems, classroom guidance schedules, and referral protocols prevent counselors from reinventing workflows each week.
Protect counseling time: Counselors should work with administrators to limit non-counseling duties that reduce student access to services.

Technology can help with scheduling, documentation, communication, and early identification of student needs, but it does not replace professional judgment. Counselors still need to evaluate context, confidentiality, safety, and equity before acting on data. If you are comparing related student support professions, this guide explains how to become a school psychologist in California.

How can school counselors transition to clinical counseling roles in California?

School counseling and clinical counseling overlap, but they are not the same license path. A PPS school counseling credential authorizes school-based counseling services in educational settings. Clinical counseling roles usually require separate preparation focused on diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, supervised clinical hours, and state clinical licensing rules.

A school counselor who wants to move into clinical practice should review California’s clinical licensure requirements before assuming that school counseling coursework will fully apply. The transition may require additional graduate coursework, supervised clinical experience, examinations, and registration with the appropriate state licensing board.

School counseling role	Clinical counseling role
Focused on academic, career, and social-emotional development in K–12 schools.	Focused on mental health assessment and treatment in clinical, community, private practice, or agency settings.
Requires the PPS credential for California public school counseling.	Requires a separate clinical licensure pathway.
Works within school policies, education law, and student support systems.	Works under clinical practice laws, treatment documentation rules, and mental health licensure standards.
May provide short-term support, crisis response, referrals, and consultation.	May provide ongoing psychotherapy, diagnosis-related services, and clinical treatment planning when licensed.

For a deeper look at the clinical route, review the LPC licensure requirements in California and compare them with PPS credential requirements before choosing a graduate program.

What are the alternative pathways to become a school counselor in California?

California offers flexible routes for career changers and working adults, but there is no shortcut around graduate preparation, supervised school-based experience, and credential eligibility. The best alternative pathway is one that fits your schedule while still meeting CTC requirements.

Pathway	Who it may fit	Important caution
Online graduate program	Working adults, parents, and students outside major campus areas who need flexible coursework.	Confirm that the program includes PPS credential preparation and approved California school placements.
School counselor residency	Students who want structured mentorship, practical experience, and possible paid training in underserved areas.	Residency availability varies, and participants may have service commitments or location limits.
Post-baccalaureate certificate	Applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree and need graduate preparation connected to credential eligibility.	Make sure the certificate alone qualifies for credential recommendation or is paired with required graduate study.
Career-change route from education or social services	Teachers, case managers, youth workers, or nonprofit professionals with relevant student support experience.	Experience can strengthen your application, but it does not replace required graduate coursework and fieldwork.
Alternative certification structure	Applicants seeking a less traditional sequence of coursework and supervised practice.	CBEST or other Basic Skills Requirement options, background checks, and fieldwork still apply.

Accreditation and approval language can be confusing. CACREP may signal counseling program quality, but California school counseling candidates should first verify CTC approval for the PPS credential. To understand accreditation terminology, read this guide to the CACREP accreditation process.

What is the average salary of school counselors in California?

The average annual salary for a school counselor in California is $59,618. Online college counselors earn about $63,168. Pay can vary by district, grade level, union contract, years of experience, additional credentials, and local cost of living.

Urban areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco may offer higher pay to reflect local labor markets and living costs, while rural districts may pay less. Public high schools often have different salary structures than elementary schools or private schools. Counselors with advanced qualifications, leadership responsibilities, or extra assignments may qualify for higher compensation depending on district policies.

Salary factor	How it can affect earnings
Experience level	District salary schedules often reward years of service, so earnings may improve as counselors remain in the field.
Location	Higher-cost regions may offer higher salaries, though living expenses can reduce real take-home value.
School type	Public, private, elementary, middle, high school, and college-focused counseling roles may use different pay models.
Advanced education and credentials	Additional graduate units, certifications, or leadership qualifications may affect salary placement in some districts.
Union representation	Collective bargaining can influence salary steps, benefits, stipends, and working conditions.

When evaluating return on investment, do not compare salary with tuition alone. Include unpaid internship time, commuting, exam costs, application fees, fingerprinting, books, and the income you may forgo while completing fieldwork.

What is the job outlook for school counselors in California?

The employment outlook for California school counselors is favorable based on the available projections. In 2022, California employed 43,800 educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors. By 2032, employment is projected to reach 48,400, which represents 11% growth. The state is also expected to have about 3,710 annual job openings during the decade.

Large existing workforce: California has the highest employment level in the nation for educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors, which indicates a large and active labor market.
Ongoing student support needs: A large K–12 population and a 464:1 student-to-school-counselor ratio create continuing demand for counseling services.
More attention to student mental health: Schools increasingly expect counselors to support social-emotional development, crisis response, and referral coordination alongside academic advising.
College and career readiness priorities: Districts rely on counselors to help students plan graduation, postsecondary education, workforce pathways, and transitions.
Replacement openings: Retirements, turnover, and career changes help produce regular job openings even when enrollment patterns vary by district.
Competitive labor market considerations: Recent estimates around $73,690 annually may attract applicants, but actual pay depends heavily on district, location, and role.

If cost is a major concern, compare tuition and credential fit before borrowing for graduate school. A practical starting point is this list of affordable online colleges for counseling degree programs.

Current trends affecting California school counselors

Higher mental health visibility: Counselors are more involved in prevention, crisis response, and referrals, even when they are not clinical therapists.
Technology-supported counseling operations: Scheduling tools, student data systems, and digital communication can improve follow-up, but they also require strong privacy practices.
Equity-focused student support: Schools expect counselors to identify gaps in access to advanced courses, college planning, mental health support, and career information.
Credential scrutiny: Employers and state agencies continue to distinguish between school counseling credentials and clinical counseling licenses.
Cost-conscious graduate enrollment: Prospective counselors are paying closer attention to total program cost, fieldwork flexibility, and whether online programs lead to California credential eligibility.

What are the career advancement opportunities for school counselors in California?

School counseling can lead to leadership, consulting, higher education, district administration, and specialized student support roles. Advancement usually requires experience, strong performance, professional development, and sometimes additional credentials or graduate study.

Advancement option	Main responsibilities	Typical preparation
Lead or head school counselor	Coordinates counseling services, mentors colleagues, and helps manage programs in larger schools or districts.	Several years of school counseling experience and demonstrated leadership ability.
School counseling consultant	Provides training, program evaluation, and technical assistance to schools or districts.	PPS credential, advanced expertise, and professional development experience.
School counseling educator	Teaches or supervises future counselors in a university or graduate training setting.	Graduate degree, field experience, and teaching or supervision background.
District administrator or director	Oversees student services, counseling programs, policies, and districtwide initiatives.	Master’s degree, leadership experience, and administrative credentials when required.
Mental health program coordinator	Leads school-based mental health partnerships, grants, interventions, and interagency collaboration.	Experience with student support systems, program management, grant writing, and community partnerships.
Career counselor	Specializes in career development in schools, colleges, workforce programs, or private settings.	Career counseling expertise and, in some settings, NCC certification.
Residency mentor	Supports and supervises school counselor trainees during fieldwork or residency experiences.	Strong professional record, PPS credential, and continuing professional development.

If you are considering another graduate degree or comparing counseling program formats, this explanation of MA vs MS in counseling can help you align your education with leadership, school-based, or clinical goals.

Common mistakes to avoid when pursuing California school counseling

Choosing a program without checking CTC approval: A counseling program may be legitimate but still not qualify you for the California PPS school counseling credential.
Looking only at tuition: Total cost includes fees, books, fingerprinting, exams, commuting, technology, and unpaid fieldwork time.
Assuming online means fully remote: Online coursework does not remove practicum and internship requirements in K–12 school settings.
Confusing school counseling with clinical counseling: The PPS credential is not the same as a clinical counseling license.
Ignoring transfer rules: A California credential may not automatically qualify you to work in another state.
Underestimating caseload demands: The 464:1 ratio means counselors must be organized, data-aware, and comfortable working at both individual and systems levels.
Relying on rankings alone: A highly visible school is not automatically the best fit if it lacks the structure, field placement support, cost profile, or credential alignment you need.

Questions to ask schools before enrolling

Is the program CTC-approved for the PPS Credential in School Counseling?
Does the program lead to both the master’s degree and credential recommendation?
How many students complete the program on time?
How are practicum and internship placements assigned?
Can working students complete fieldwork without leaving full-time employment?
What support is available for the Basic Skills Requirement?
What is the total estimated program cost, including fees and fieldwork-related expenses?
Does the program prepare students for elementary, middle, high school, or all K–12 levels?
What happens if a student needs to pause enrollment or change fieldwork sites?
How does the program support students who may later pursue clinical counseling licensure?

What do school counselors in California say about their career?

Anecdotal experiences can help prospective students understand the day-to-day reality of the profession, but they should not replace careful review of credential rules, program costs, fieldwork expectations, and district salary schedules.

After completing my school counseling preparation at San Diego State University, I felt ready for the pace and complexity of California schools. My first local school role showed me how much students’ different backgrounds shape the counseling relationship. Supporting young people across cultures and life circumstances has made the work deeply meaningful, and the state’s attention to mental health and inclusive education keeps the role relevant. Raiden
Graduating from the University of Southern California’s counseling program gave me the foundation I needed to handle the real challenges students bring to school. In my local school setting, I saw how family engagement, culture, and community context affect nearly every part of the counselor’s work. The career has pushed me to become more resilient and empathetic while allowing me to support students in my own community. Leticia
When I began working as a school counselor after finishing my program at California State University, Long Beach, I found more professional growth opportunities than I expected. California’s focus on multicultural education and student mental health means the job is never static. The work is demanding, but helping students move through the state’s complex education system keeps me motivated. Hector

References

American School Counselor Association (2023). Student-to-School-Counselor Ratio 2022–2023. Retrieved from American School Counselor Association student-to-counselor ratio report
National Association for College Admission Counseling (2023). School Counseling: Caseloads and Responsibilities. Retrieved from National Association for College Admission Counseling school counseling resource
O*Net OnLine (n.d.). California Employment Trends 21-1012.00 - Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. Retrieved from O*Net OnLine California employment trends
Zippia (2025). School Counselor Demographics and Statistics in the US. Retrieved from Zippia school counselor demographics
ZipRecruiter (2025). School Counselor Salary in California. Retrieved from ZipRecruiter school counselor salary in California

Key Insights

California school counseling is a credentialed profession. A bachelor’s degree is only the starting point; public school roles require graduate preparation and the PPS Credential in School Counseling.
Program approval matters more than convenience. Before choosing an online, hybrid, or campus program, verify CTC approval and fieldwork support.
The timeline is usually two to three years for full-time students and longer for many part-time students, especially because programs include 48 to 60 graduate semester units, a 100-hour practicum, and 600 to 800 supervised internship hours.
The job market is strong by current projections: California employed 43,800 counselors in 2022 and is projected to reach 48,400 by 2032, with 11% growth and about 3,710 annual openings.
Salary should be evaluated against local cost of living and total education cost. The average annual salary is $59,618, but actual earnings depend on district, experience, role, and location.
High caseloads are part of the job. With a 464:1 student-to-counselor ratio, successful counselors need systems thinking, collaboration, data tracking, and strong boundaries around non-counseling duties.
If you may want clinical practice later, plan early. The PPS credential does not automatically qualify you for clinical counseling roles, so choose coursework carefully if you want both options.

Other Things You Should Know About Being a School Counselor in California

What are the basic requirements to become a school counselor in California in 2026?

To become a school counselor in California in 2026, you need a master's degree in school counseling from a state-approved program, complete at least 600 hours of supervised fieldwork, and hold a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential. Additionally, passing the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is required.