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West Virginia School Counselor Certification Renewal
Renewing your School Counselor certification in West Virginia or transitioning from a Conditional Certificate necessitates adhering to specific requirements and following a structured application process. To maintain your certification, you must accumulate at least two years of relevant experience, including one year within a West Virginia school district, complete six credits of accredited coursework during the renewal period, and continuously engage in professional development. Demonstrating proficiency through performance evaluations is also essential.
Specific Requirements for Certification Renewal
1. Experience Requirement:
- You must have at least two years of experience in the field, with at least one year in a West Virginia school district.
2. Coursework Requirement:
- During the renewal period, you must complete six credits of approved, accredited coursework.
3. Professional Development:
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay updated with current practices and methodologies in school counseling.
4. Performance Evaluation:
- Show proficiency in your role often demonstrated through performance evaluations and recommendations.
Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents:
- Official transcripts showing the completion of six credits of approved coursework.
- Performance evaluations and recommendations from your employing school district.
- Completed renewal forms as specified by the WVDE.
2. Submit Application:
- Submit your application and supporting documents through the West Virginia Electronic Application Processing System.
- Ensure all documents have original signatures where required.
3. Application Review:
- Your application will first be reviewed by your county board of education and/or the institution of higher education (if applicable).
- After the initial review, you will be notified to pay all applicable fees.
4. Final Approval:
- Once the payment is processed, your application is sent to the WVDE for final approval.
- You will be notified upon the successful renewal of your certification.
Fees
- Fees must be paid through the identified online methods as outlined by the WVDE. All processing fees are non-refundable, and cash is not accepted.
Upgrading from the Conditional Certificate
If you hold a Conditional Certificate, you can upgrade to a professional certificate by meeting the following requirements:
1. Experience:
- Gain the necessary experience, often specified as at least two years in the field, with at least one year in a West Virginia school district.
2. Educational Requirements:
- Complete the required coursework or additional education as specified by the WVDE.
3. Performance Evaluation:
- Demonstrate proficiency in your role through performance evaluations and recommendations.
4. Application Process:
- Follow the same application process as for the renewal of a standard certificate, ensuring all additional requirements specific to upgrading from a Conditional Certificate are met.
General Notes for All Applications
- Processing Time:
- Up to 90 days due to the large volume of applications.
- Tracking:
- Applicants can track their application progress and review or print their certificate electronically using the Certification Check Website.
By following these detailed steps and meeting the outlined requirements, you can successfully renew your School Counselor Certification or upgrade from a Conditional Certificate in West Virginia.