Given the importance of choosing a career for everyone, the present study aimed to examine the mediating role of career exploration in the relationship between emotional intelligence and career security of 9^th-grade students. The research method used was correlational research design. The statistical population consisted of all 9^th-grade students of Mashhad city in 2017-2018 academic years. 352 students were selected through multistage random sampling. They were interviewed using three questionnaires; 1.Emotional Intelligence Checklist (Bar-On,2006),2.Career Exploration Survey (CES) (Hirschi, 2010) and 3. Career Certainty Scale (Durr & Tracey, 2009). Structural Equation Modeling using AMOS-22 was used for data analysis. The results showed significant relationships between emotional intelligence and career security, emotional intelligence and career exploration, and career exploration and career security. The findings also confirmed the mediating role of career exploration in the relationship between emotional intelligence and career security. The study's findings suggest that principals and counselors consider the factors that influence students' career security.