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Ohio Initial School Counselor Certification

How to Become a School Counselor in Ohio - 2025 Guide
School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: March 3rd, 2025

Ohio Licensing Body

Initial Ohio School Counselor Certification Requirements

To obtain an Initial School Counselor Certification in Ohio, candidates must adhere to specific requirements outlined by the state’s Department of Education. Follow the steps below to learn how to earn an Initial School Counselor Certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

To become a certified School Counselor in Ohio, you must have obtained a master’s degree in School Counseling from a regionally accredited college or university. Find school counselor degree programs in Ohio.

Additionally, you need to have completed a practicum or internship experience as part of your degree program.

Tips:

  • Research accredited programs and seek recommendations from practicing school counselors.
  • Review program curriculum to confirm coverage of essential topics for school counselor licensure.

Experience Requirements

Complete a practicum or internship experience as part of the degree program. The internship should consist of 600 contact hours in a school setting. This practical experience provides hands-on training and prepares you for the day-to-day responsibilities of a school counselor.

Tips:

  • Actively engage in the internship, seek mentorship, and reflect on experiences to enhance skills and knowledge.
  • Consider volunteering or shadowing opportunities to gain additional experience and insight into the role of a school counselor.

Testing Requirements

To meet testing requirements, candidates must pass the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) School Counselor (040) test with a minimum score of 220. This computer-based test assesses your knowledge and skills in various areas related to school counseling.

  • You can register for the exam and find more information on the Ohio Assessments for Educators website.
  • The assessment fee is $109, and preliminary test results are provided immediately after testing. Candidates must agree to abide by all testing rules and policies when registering.

Be sure to thoroughly review the test content and consider utilizing study materials or practice exams to prepare effectively. The test consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and is available in computer-based and online-proctored formats. Breaks are allowed during computer-based testing, while online proctoring does not allow breaks. Assessment dates are by appointment year-round, with real-time seat availability available. Test sites are located throughout Ohio and nationwide, and candidates can test remotely.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and well-being of students (see background check overview). It helps identify any criminal history or red flags that may disqualify an individual from working with children.

To meet background check requirements, individuals need to submit their fingerprints at a Webcheck Location for electronic processing. This process helps expedite the background check process conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Application Process

The application process for the Professional Pupil Services certificate with a school counseling endorsement in Ohio is primarily completed online through the Ohio Department of Education application portal. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Access your OHID account: Log in to your OHID account.
  2. Navigate to CORE: Click on “Educator Licensure and Records (CORE)”.
  3. Apply for a NEW Credential: From the CORE dashboard, select “Apply for a NEW Credential.”
  4. Select Pupil Services License – 5 Year: Choose “Pupil Services” and then select “Pupil Services License – 5 Year.”
  5. Complete the online application: Follow the prompts to complete the online application. Ensure all required fields are accurately filled.
  6. Submit required documents: Upload official transcripts from each college/university you have attended, including degrees conferred (see official transcripts overview). Additionally, provide proof of passing score for the Ohio Assessments for Educators school counseling assessment (040).
  7. Pay the application fee: A $200 application fee is required for submission. Ensure payment is made to avoid delays in the application process.
  8. Submit Your Application: Once all required documents and information are entered, submit your application online.

Before uploading your transcripts, please take a moment to review the Instructions for Submitting Transcripts as well as a brief video tutorial. This will help ensure that your transcript submission process is conducted accurately and effectively.

For further details regarding the Online CORE License System, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. This resource provides additional information that may help complete your application process smoothly and efficiently.

For additional information or assistance with your application, contact the Office of Educator Licensure at (614)-466-3593 during normal business hours. Alternatively, you can email a specialist at educator.licensure@education.ohio.gov.