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North Dakota Initial School Counselor Certification

How to Become a School Counselor in North Dakota - 2025 Guide
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: February 26th, 2025

North Dakota Licensing Body

Initial (In-State) North Dakota School Counselor Certification

For those new to school counseling (and not already teachers):

  • You need two licenses:
    • First, get a School Counseling Educator’s License from ESPB (STEP 1).
    • Then, get a Counseling Credential from DPI (STEP 2).
  • Both licenses must be completed before the school year begins.

If you already have a North Dakota Educator License:

  • You only need one license:
    • Get a Counseling Credential from DPI (STEP 2).
  • This credential must be obtained before the school year begins.

Step 1: Obtain a School Counseling License From ESPB

Follow the steps below to learn how to obtain your School Counseling License from ESPB:

Education or Degree Requirements

Applicants must have a a master’s degree in school counseling, counseling, education, or a related human service field from an accredited institution.

Specific coursework includes elementary and secondary school counseling, counseling program management, counseling theories, assessment techniques, group counseling, career counseling and assessment, social and multicultural counseling, ethics and law, and counseling techniques.

Experience Requirements

To fulfill the experience prerequisites, applicants must meet two (2) key criteria:

  • Firstly, possessing a current and valid professional license in education; secondly, completing a comprehensive supervised internship within a school setting, encompassing a minimum of 450 hours.
  • This internship must be diversified, with a minimum of 150 hours dedicated to elementary-level experiences and another 150 hours focused on secondary-level engagements.

This requirement underscores the importance of hands-on, multifaceted educational experiences in both primary and secondary educational contexts.

Testing Requirements

The Praxis School Counselor test, also known as ETS Test Code 5422, is an examination designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for entry-level School Counselors. It is aligned with the ASCA (American School Counselor Association) School Counselor Professional Standards & Competencies, which outline the essential qualities and behaviors needed for effective School Counseling practice from pre-K through grade 12.

  • To obtain a School Counselor license in North Dakota, candidates must achieve a score of 159 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422).
  • This requirement ensures that individuals possess the necessary proficiency to meet the demands of the profession and effectively support students’ academic, social, and emotional development.

To access detailed information about the exam, including sample questions and study tips, you can download free resources from the official Praxis website. These resources will help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and content, allowing you to prepare effectively for the test.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and security of students and maintain the integrity of educational institutions. It helps identify any criminal history or past behavior that may pose a risk to the educational environment.

To meet the background check requirement for certification in North Dakota, you need to complete an FBI background check and fingerprinting process. This involves:

  • Downloading and completing the Fingerprinting Instructions and Form from the North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB) website.
  • Submitting the completed form, along with a $44.50 processing fee and two (2) completed fingerprint cards, in a sealed envelope signed by the fingerprint technician to the ESPB office at 2718 Gateway Ave, Suite 204, Bismarck ND 58503.

Ensure timely submission of all required documents and fees to avoid delays in the certification process. Once the information is received at ESPB, it is forwarded to the FBI/BCI for processing. The average processing time for results to return to ESPB is around three (3) weeks.

Application Process

To apply for a School Counseling Credential/Educator’s Licence in North Dakota, you have the option to submit your application online through the ND Teach portal. Here’s a breakdown of the application process and associated details:

  • Submit Official Transcripts – Provide official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, including transfer credits leading to your earned degree. More information on transcript submission can be found on the relevant webpage.
  • Proof of Passing Score – Present proof of passing score for the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5422).
  • Application Fee – Pay an application fee of $30 and a $5 maintenance charge. This can be done through the ND Teach online education portal.

For any queries regarding your application, you can fill out the contact form available here. You can also contact the Education Standards and Practices Board at (701)-328-9641. Specialists are available Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM CST.

STEP 2: Obtain a School Counseling Credential from DPI

To become a legally practicing school counselor, you will also need to obtain a school counseling credential from DPI. Remember, this is a credential separate from your educator license. Although the application for this credential is not part of the STEP 1 applications, you can begin both within your existing ND Teach Account.

For any questions about the school counseling credential and its requirements, reach out to Jim Upgren at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), the issuing body. You can contact him at 701-328-2244 or jimupgren@nd.gov.