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Wyoming Initial School Counselor Certification

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

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: April 4th, 2025

Wyoming Licensing Body

Initial Wyoming School Counselor Certification Process

To obtain Initial School Counselor Certification in Wyoming, candidates must complete a master’s degree in School Counseling, meet experience requirements through internships or relevant work, and demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions. A thorough background check is also required to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Follow the steps below to learn of the specifics for each requirement category.

Education or Degree Requirements

Candidates must satisfy one of the following options:

Tips:

  • Accreditation: Ensure that your degree program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Before enrolling, verify the program’s accreditation status by checking with the accrediting bodies.
  • Coursework Planning: If choosing the 30-semester credit option, carefully plan your coursework to ensure all credits are in approved School Counseling and guidance subjects. Consult with academic advisors to tailor your study plan accordingly.
  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of your coursework and syllabi. This will be useful in case you need to demonstrate that your coursework meets the state’s requirements.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated with any changes in accreditation or course requirements by regularly checking the Wyoming Department of Education website.

Experience Requirements

To meet the experience requirements for School Counselor certification in Wyoming, candidates can follow one of several pathways. Options include a one-year full-time internship in School Counseling, verified teaching experience, or relevant experience in a human services setting. Each path requires specific documentation and preparation.

  • Eligibility for a license to teach and two years of successful teaching experience; or
  • An approved one-year full-time internship in School Counseling; or
  • A minimum of two years of successful experience as a School Counselor in an assigned position of one-half time or more; or
  • Three years of comparable experience in a human services setting.

Tips:

  • Internship: For first-time certification seekers, completing a state-approved one-year full-time internship in School Counseling is the most common and straightforward path. Seek internships early, and ensure they are state-approved.
  • Teaching Experience: If you have teaching experience, ensure it meets the full-time requirement. Obtain documentation and evaluations from your employing school.
  • Human Services Experience: For those with human services experience, ensure your work is comparable to School Counseling. Gather detailed job descriptions and performance evaluations as evidence.
  • Networking: Connect with current School Counselors and educational administrators in Wyoming to learn about available internships and job opportunities. Professional associations can also provide guidance and resources.

Testing Requirements

To fulfill the requirement of demonstrating knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and the Wyoming State Constitution for the Initial Wyoming School Counselor Certification, you have two options: completing approved coursework or passing an exam.

Coursework Option:

  1. Approved Coursework: Ensure the course you choose is approved and covers comprehensive content on both the U.S. Constitution and the Wyoming State Constitution.
  2. Documentation: Include verified completion of the coursework with your official transcript and complete application packet.

Exam Option:

  1. Scheduling the Exam:
    • If in Wyoming, schedule your exam through the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) office or a Wyoming school district.
    • If out-of-state, find a nearby location that offers the exam.
  2. Preparation:
    • Use study guides available through the PTSB website to prepare for the exams.
  3. Documentation:
    • Include verified results and scores with your official transcript and complete application packet.

Main Concepts to Understand:

  • U.S. Constitution: Fundamental principles, structure, amendments, and key historical contexts.
  • Wyoming State Constitution: State-specific laws, structure, amendments, and unique elements compared to the U.S. Constitution.

Exemption:

  • You do not need to demonstrate proficiency if you already have or have ever had a School Counseling license through the Wyoming PTSB.

If you need specific links or additional information, please visit the Wyoming PTSB website or contact their office directly for the most accurate and updated resources.

Background Checks

Background checks are essential to ensure the safety of students and to verify that applicants do not have any disqualifying criminal history (see Background Check Overview).

Fingerprinting:

  • Obtain two FBI fingerprint cards (in black ink).
  • Ensure the cards are not folded, stapled, or damaged.
  • Contact your local school district for recommendations on where to get fingerprinted.

Submission:

  • Send an email to wyoptsb@wyo.gov with your name, phone number, and mailing address with the subject heading “FINGERPRINT CARD REQUEST” to request a Wyoming Fingerprint Packet.
  • Include both blue fingerprint cards with your application packet.
  • Submit the fingerprint cards to the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB), which will forward them to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) for processing.
  • If any negative information is returned, the application packet is forwarded to the Executive Director for review and final determination.

Supporting Documentation and Fees:

  • Be completely forthcoming on your application and submit any supporting documentation for any items that may be flagged by DCI.
  • The fees ($50) for the background check may vary. Check the latest fee structure on the Wyoming Department of Education website or contact them directly for the most accurate information.

Application Process

The application process for obtaining the Initial Wyoming School Counselor Certification involves several important steps to ensure a smooth and successful submission.

  1. Download and Print Application or Complete Online:
    • Paper Application: Download the Initial Certification application at the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) website.
    • Online Application: Check if there is an option for online submission on the PTSB website. Look for the certification section for updates.
  2. Official Transcripts:
    • Obtain official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.
    • Ensure transcripts are sent to your home address and included in your application packet.
    • Verify that your specific degree is listed on the transcripts.
  3. Constitution Proficiency:
    • Demonstrate proficiency in the U.S. and Wyoming State Constitutions through coursework or exams.
    • Include verified results with your application.
  4. Complete the Application:
    • Fill out the application form carefully and completely.
    • Be honest and provide all necessary documentation to avoid delays.
  5. Contact PTSB:
    • Regularly communicate with the PTSB to ensure all requirements are met.
    • Contact them at (307) 777-7291 for assistance.
  6. Mail Application (If completing a paper application):
    • Send the completed application and all required documents to the Professional Teaching Standards Board, 1920 Thomes Avenue, Suite 400, Cheyenne, WY 82002.

Fees:

  • The fees ($175) may vary, so check the latest information on the PTSB website or contact them directly.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process for your Initial School Counselor Certification in Wyoming.

Adding School Counselor Endorsement

To add a School Counselor endorsement (see Adding Endorsements Overview), to your Wyoming Educator License, follow these steps: Enroll in and complete an accredited School Counseling Preparation Program from a regionally accredited institution, ensuring it includes a practicum at the preK-12 levels. Obtain an Institutional Recommendation for licensure from your institution. Submit this recommendation along with your application packet to the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). If you apply for the endorsement simultaneously with your Initial, Reinstatement, or Renewal license, no additional fee is required; otherwise, a $75 fee applies (see fee schedule).

Be sure to check the PTSB’s website for specific testing requirements. Note that the Demonstration of Competency route is not applicable for adding a School Counselor endorsement. If you are uncertain about meeting the requirements, consider using the PTSB’s Pre-Evaluation service for further guidance. This pathway, via Institutional Recommendation, is advisable for broader acceptance across states.

Institutional Recommendation:

  • Complete an approved educator preparation program in the desired field from a regionally accredited institution.
  • If adding an endorsement at a new grade level, the program must include student teaching or a practicum at that level.
  • Endorsements obtained this way are accepted in all states.

Application Process:

  • For simultaneous initial, reinstatement, or renewal applications, complete Section IV Additional Endorsements with documentation.
  • For adding endorsements separately, complete the entire Add Endorsement application packet.
  • Fees for adding endorsements vary, with no additional cost if done during initial, reinstatement, or renewal applications; otherwise, it’s $75 per endorsement.