A Guide To State Laws And Regulations On Professional .
A Guide to State Lawsand Regulations onProfessional SchoolCounselingOffice of Public Policy & Legislation March 2012
ABOUT THE INFORMATION IN THIS REPORTThe information in this report was compiled through a survey of state education agenciesconducted at the end of 2011. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of theinformation presented here, but due to the complexity of some of the regulations and thefrequency with which state regulations can and do change, we cannot guarantee that thisreport is completely without error. Readers are invited to bring any errors, omissions, orchanges to our attention by contacting the American Counseling Association’s Office ofPublic Policy & Legislation.For additional information, or clarification or interpretation of any of the laws and regulationssummarized in this report, please contact the appropriate state agency.Updated by Guila Todd, Office of Public Policy & Legislation.Copyright 2012 by the American Counseling Association. Permission is granted toreproduce and adapt only with attribution.Single copies of this publication are free to members of the American Counseling Association.Non-members may purchase this publication for 10. Please call (800) 347-6647, x222 toObtain a copy.American Counseling AssociationOffice of Public Policy & Legislation5999 Stevenson AvenueAlexandria, VA 22304(800) 347-6647www.counseling.orgScott Barstow, Director, Public Policy and Legislation (ext. 234) (sbarstow@counseling.org)Art Terrazas, Grass Roots Advocacy Coordinator (ext. 242) (aterrazas@counseling.org)Guila Todd, Public Policy Coordinator (ext. 354) (gtodd@counseling.org)American School Counselor Association1101 King Street, Suite 625Alexandria, VA 22314(800) 306-4722www.schoolcounselor.orgDon W. Locke, PresidentBradley T. Erford, President ElectRichard Yep, Executive DirectorGuide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTSCREDENTIALINGBackground on Certification2An Overview of State Credentialing Requirements3Using and Understanding the Information Presented in the Chart5Certification/Licensure Requirements Chart7U.S. Territories60Certification/Licensure Renewal Requirements63STATE MANDATESBackground on Counseling Mandates71State Counseling Mandates Chart72Examples of Mandates81ASCA POSITION STATEMENTSThe Professional School Counselor and ComprehensiveSchool Counseling Programs87The Professional School Counselor and Credentialingand Licensure90STUDENT-TO-COUNSELOR RATIOSStudent-to-Counselor Ratio Chart921Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
CREDENTIALING OFPROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORSProfessional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state, the District ofColumbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to obtain a state-issued credential in orderto be employed in public schools. In some states, this credential is called “certification” while inothers it is termed “licensure” or “endorsement”.The requirements and qualifications needed to obtain this credential in each of the 50 States, theDistrict of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands are summarized in the chart onpages 7-62 of this report. The requirements outlined for each state/territory are those necessaryto obtain an initial entry-level credential as a professional school counselor. Some states permitschool counselors to obtain provisional or temporary credentials pending their satisfaction of allrequirements. Readers who are interested in this option should contact their state agency to learnwhether, and under what circumstances, it may be available in their state.Renewal and Different Tiers of LicensureMost states require professional school counselors to complete additional coursework or earncontinuing education credits in order to renew their credentials. Renewal requirements aresummarized on pages 63-70.Some states also have different tiers of credentialing, granting counselors with greater experienceand/or educational attainment, credentials of longer duration. This information was not madeavailable by every state; readers should contact the appropriate certification/licensing agency formore information.Alternative Routes to CertificationA growing number of states are establishing alternative paths for the credentialing of teachersand other school personnel. In compiling this report, we have tried to include any alternativecertification program that affects requirements for professional school counselors. Information onthis issue was difficult to obtain, however, and we would welcome more information and feedbackfrom professional school counselors and state officials in those states that are implementingalternative certification programs.2Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
AN OVERVIEW OF STATE CREDENTIALING REQUIREMENTSEDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS All states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands requiregraduate education in school counseling as an entry-level prerequisite for statecredentialing as a professional school counselor. Forty-four (44) states, the District ofColumbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require attainment of a master’s degree inschool counseling or a related field. Seven (16) states, Guam, and the Virgin Islands require applicants to complete a specificminimum number of credit hours of graduate study in school counseling before they canbe credentialed. An additional six (6) states require this only if the master’s degree earned is in afield other than school counseling. The number of required hours ranges from 24-48 semesterhours. Most states require completion of 30 credit hours or more. Eleven (11) states, Guam, and the Virgin Islands require applicants to supplement theirgraduate education in school counseling with training or coursework in additional subjectareas. These areas include: Education of children with disabilities (6 states: CT, GA, IA, MO, NE, NV, and the VI)Multicultural issues (2 states: AK, NE)Substance abuse counseling (1 state: NV)State and/or Federal laws and constitutions (2 states: NV, WY)Use and applications of technology in education/computer competency (2 states: GA, NV, andthe VI) Identification and reporting of child abuse (3 states: NY, OH, WA) School violence intervention and prevention (1 state: NY) History and culture (Alaska, Guam, and the Virgin Islands) Twenty-six (26) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands requirecompletion of a supervised, school-based internship and/or practicum. An additional four(4) states require this only if the master’s degree earned is in a field other than school counseling.The prescribed duration of the internship/practicum ranges from 100-700 clock hours.EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Fifteen (15) states, Guam, and Puerto Rico require applicants to have previous counselingor teaching experience (1-3 years). Five (5) of these states require applicants to have previous counseling or teaching experience,but permit this requirement to be satisfied by completion of a supervised, school-basedinternship or practicum (AZ, CT, DE, IL, and OR). Two (2) states require applicants to have previous school counseling or related experienceonly if their master’s degree was in a field other than school counseling (NV and NH). The Virgin Islands only require counseling or teaching experience if applicant does not hold, oris eligible to hold, a valid teaching certificate.3Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
Four (4) states require a teaching certificate/license in order to be certified/licensed as aschool counselor (AR, CT, NE, and RI).EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Thirty-nine (39) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico use one or morestandardized examinations as part of the credentialing process. Twenty-four (24) states use examinations that measure professional knowledge of the practiceof school counseling (Praxis II: School Guidance & Counseling or equivalent). Fourteen (14) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico use examinations thatmeasure basic proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing (Praxis I or equivalent). Four (4) states use examinations that measure professional knowledge of teaching andlearning (Praxis II: Principles of Learning & Teaching or equivalent) ((FL, HI, ME, and OK). Puerto Rico also requires passage of the National Counselor Exam (NCE). Four (4) states require examinations in additional areas: Georgia requires passage of an examination to demonstrate computer competency if nocoursework has been completed in this area. Nevada requires passage of examinations on NV School Law and the U.S. and NevadaConstitutions if no coursework has been completed in these areas. Oregon requires passage of an examination to demonstrate knowledge of Title VI of the CivilRights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and state and federalstatutes prohibiting discrimination. Wyoming requires passage of an examination on the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions if nocoursework has been completed in these areas (this is the only exam WY requires).RECIPROCITY Thirty-eight (38) states, The District of Columbia , Guam, and the Virgin Islands allowrecognition of school counseling credentials from other states. These reciprocity provisionsare unique to each state, however, and counselors interested in becoming credentialed in a newstate should contact that state’s school counselor oversight agency to learn more about thisprocess. (CT, IA, KS, LA, MN, NE, NM, ND, PA, SD, TX and WI DO NOT allow reciprocity)CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS All fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islandsrequire a criminal background check. Thirty-two (32) states, the District of Columbia, Guam,Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands require the background check when applying for initialcertification/licensure, and eighteen (18) states require the background check at the local schooldistrict level (at point of hire). One (1) state, Nebraska, requires a background check only if theapplicant is a non-Nebraska resident or has not lived in the state for 5 consecutive years.4Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
USING AND UNDERSTANDING THE INFORMATIONPRESENTED IN THE CHARTEDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTSThis column sets out the minimum educational qualifications required to be credentialed as aprofessional school counselor. Special coursework or training requirements (i.e., multiculturaltraining, identification of child abuse) are also detailed.Recency Credit and Recency ExperienceMany states require applicants to have earned at least a portion of their academic credits within thepast several years (generally, five years). Some also require that any experience applied towardmeeting experience requirements be recent as well. These requirements are denoted on the chart bythe terms “recency credit” and “recency experience”. The state agency should be contacted for moreinformation about the specifics of these requirements.EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTSThis column indicates what previous experience is required in order to obtain credentialing as aprofessional school counselor. A number of states, for example, require applicants to have previousschool counseling experience. In some instances, these experience requirements may be satisfiedwhile working under a provisional or temporary credential. The state agency should be contacted tolearn whether this option is available.EXAMINATIONA number of states require professional school counselors to pass standardized examinations as partof their credentialing requirements. This column outlines the tests required and, if available, theminimum passing score required.Educational Testing Service AssessmentsThe Educational Testing Service (ETS) administers the two main tests that are used by stateagencies in their credentialing program: Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) measure proficiency in mathematics, reading,and writing through multiple choice questions and an essay question on the Writing test. The testsare designed to evaluate whether you have the academic skills needed to prepare for a career ineducation. Computer-based versions (CBT) of these assessments can also be taken by appointment at ETSfield offices and other sites. Praxis II: Specialty Area Exams measure proficiency in and knowledge of a specific field ofspecialization, in this case, School Guidance & Counseling. In some cases, the Principles ofLearning and Teaching section is required.For more information about these examinations, contact ETS at 1-800-772-9476 / TTY 1-609-7717714, or visit them online at www.ets.org/praxis.5Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
State-Administered AssessmentsSome states have developed and administer their own assessments for school counselors, teachers,and other school personnel. State agencies should be contacted for more information about theseassessments.RECIPROCITYThis column indicates whether the state recognizes a comparable credential issued by another stateand permits applicants to use this credential to meet all or part of the state’s requirements forcredentialing.The complexity of state reciprocity regulations and procedures precluded us from providing moredetailed information about how reciprocity is handled by each state. The process is never automatic,however, and out-of-state credentials may only be substituted to the extent that they are comparableto the credentials of the state in which the application is being made.BACKGROUND CHECKThis column reports whether a state, or the employing school district, requires applicants to supplyfingerprints and undergo a criminal background check. Some additional background requirements,such as U.S. citizenship, are also indicated here.ACRONYMSCACREP: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programswww.cacrep.org (703) 535-5990NASDTEC: National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education & Certificationwww.nasdtec.org (508) 380-1202NBCC: National Board for Certified Counselorswww.nbcc.org (336) 547-0607NCATE: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Educationwww.ncate.org (202) 466-7496NCC: National Certified Counselor, a credential issued by the National Board for CertifiedCounselors (NBCC)NCSC: National Certified School Counselor, a credential issued by the National Board forCertified Counselors (NBCC)6Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012
STATEALABAMAState Department ofEducationTeacher Education &CertificationPO Box 302101Montgomery, AL 36130(334) 353-8567tcert@alsde.eduwww.alsde.edu 30.00 application fee 54.15 background check fee 62.15 background check feefor out-of-state applicantswho submit a paperfingerprint cardProfessional EducatorCertificate: SchoolCounselor SEXAMINATIONRECIPROCITY(Option 1)Class A Professional EducatorCertificate in School Counseling:Master’s degree in schoolcounseling from a stateapproved program from aregionally accredited institutionthat includes a 30 hourpracticum and a 300 clock hourcounseling internship (begunsubsequent to completion of thepracticum) in a school-basedsetting.*Preliminary Certificate:None; issued uponrecommendation of asuperintendent or administratorto hire an individual as a schoolcounselor while completing theexperience requirements for aClass A Professional EducatorCertificate in SchoolCounseling through one of thefollowing three options:Written exam designedby the institutionYes, states who aremembers ofNational Council forAccreditation ofTeacher Education(NCATE)*For candidates who enter aprogram on or after August 1,2010, a 100 hour practicum and600 hour internship (begunsubsequent to completion of thepracticum) in a school-basedsetting are required, includingdirect service work with earlychildhood/elementary andsecondary school students.If the school counseling programis completed at an Alabamainstitution, an acceptableprerequisite ProfessionalEducator Certificate must beheld.(Option 2)Master’s degree from aCACREP-accredited schoolcounseling programANDPraxis II: SchoolGuidance &Counseling #0420(min. passing score:520)1 – Completion of an AL stateapproved Class A program forschool counseling but lackingthe required 2 full years of fulltime satisfactory educationalexperience required for theClass A Certificate.2 – Completion of a master’slevel state-approved programfor school counseling at aninstitution in another state andholding a valid professionaleducator certificate for schoolcounseling from any state butlacking the required 2 full yearsof full-time satisfactoryeducational experiencerequired for the Class ACertificate.3 – Completion of a master’slevel program in an area ofcounseling other than school7Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012BACKGROUNDCHECKYes
STATEALABAMA ENTSClass AA Professional EducatorCertificate in School Counseling:Hold the Class A ProfessionalEducation Certificate in SchoolCounseling; andCounseling and holding a validlicense as an AssociateLicensed Counselor or aLicensed ProfessionalCounselor issued by a stateboard of examiners incounseling.Completion of a state-approvedsixth-year program of at least 30semester hours of graduatecredit above the master’s degreefrom a regionally accreditedinstitution.EXAMINATIONClass A or Class AAProfessional EducatorCertificate in SchoolCounseling:2 years of full-time educationalexperience (not required forCACREP accredited programgraduates)8Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012RECIPROCITYBACKGROUNDCHECK
STATEALASKAState Department ofEducation and EarlyDevelopmentTeacher Certificationth801 W. 10 Street, Suite 200PO Box 110500Juneau, AK 99811(907) 465-2831tcwebmail@alaska.govwww.eed.state.ak.us 125.00 application fee 66.00 fingerprint processingfeeEDUCATIONALREQUIREMENTS(Option 1)A bachelor’s degree or higherand completion of a teachereducation program(Option2)An alternate teacher preparationprogram accepted by the state orthe commissioner with anendorsement in schoolcounseling or(Option 3)Completion of a counselingprogram at a regionallyaccredited one Those who lack the 3semester hours of the Alaskastudies and multicultural/crosscultural communicationsrequirement may apply for aProvisional Certificate, valid for2 years. Those who lack the recencycredit may apply for aTemporary Certificate, valid for1 year, if they have 3 years offull-time counseling experience.Type C Special ServicesCertificate: SchoolCounselor[grade levels K-129Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012RECIPROCITYYes, with all states,but requirementsmust be met.BACKGROUNDCHECKYes
STATEEDUCATIONALREQUIREMENTSARIZONAState Department ofEducationTeacher CertificationPO Box 6490Phoenix, AZ 85005(602) fication 60.00 application fee 69.00 fingerprint processingfee*(Option1)Master’s degree in guidance andcounseling from an accreditedinstitution(Option 2)Hold a valid guidance counselorcertificate from another stateEXPERIENCEREQUIREMENTS(Option 1)2 years of verified full-timeexperience as a schoolguidance counselorEXAMINATIONNone(Option 2)3 years of verified full-timeteaching experience(Option 3)Completion of a supervisedcounseling practicum in schoolcounseling from an accreditedinstitution (the college/university sets the # of hoursrequired)Call the AZ Dept. of PublicSafety for an IVP fingerprintclearance card application at(602) 223-2279. The officenow r
Guide to State Laws and Regulations on Professional School Counseling - January 2012 2 CREDENTIALING OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELORS Professional school counselors are required by law and/or regulation in every state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to obtain a state-issued credential in order
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Infant Safe Haven Laws: Summary of State Laws Many State legislatures have enacted legislation to address infant abandonment and infanticide in response to a reported increase in the abandonment of infants. Beginning in Texas in 1999, "Baby Moses laws" or infant safe haven laws have been enacted as an incentive for mothers in crisis to
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