Alabama Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) for School Counselors

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: June 3rd, 2024

The Interim Employment Certificate (IEC) is designed for individuals who have been unconditionally admitted to a state-approved educator preparation program at an Alabama college or university. This certificate serves as a bridge for those seeking employment in the same area as their program before completing the full requirements. The IEC can be requested by an employing Alabama county/city superintendent or eligible nonpublic/private school administrator. The requirements must be met before application submission. See the Alabama Educator Certification Overview to learn more.

The IEC is valid for one scholastic year. The certificate can be renewed, and an individual can hold a maximum of three alternative certificates within a four-year window.

Education or Degree Requirements

Unconditional admission to a state-approved educator preparation program is the initial step to pursuing certification. Successful completion of specific courses within the program is mandatory for each certificate. These courses are tailored to equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge for their roles. Credit requirements escalate with each subsequent certificate, reflecting a progression in the depth of educational preparation. See School Counseling Master’s Degree Programs.

To attain the first certificate, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Fulfill the unconditional admission requirements outlined in the current Educator Preparation Chapter. This ensures that candidates have met the foundational standards set by the state for entering the preparation program.
  • Secure an appropriate assignment and mentor. This step is crucial for providing aspiring educators with practical guidance and support as they embark on their journey.

For the second certificate, candidates are required to:

  • Accumulate credits from at least three courses specified in the State-approved program. This implies a deeper engagement with the program, indicating a more comprehensive understanding of the content.
  • Obtain an appropriate assignment and mentor for continued guidance and support in their evolving roles.

Candidates pursuing the third certificate must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Earn credits from at least four additional courses prescribed in the State-approved program. This advanced coursework ensures a heightened level of expertise and specialization, preparing them for more complex challenges in their roles.
  • Secure an appropriate assignment and mentor, reinforcing the importance of ongoing mentorship throughout their career, especially as they take on more responsibilities.

Experience Requirements

To qualify for a school counseling position in Alabama, candidates must hold a Class B or Class A Professional Educator Certificate that should be in a teaching discipline or instructional support, one year of classroom experience, and complete a practicum experience in an approved program. A 600-hour internship in an elementary or secondary school environment is also required, focusing on direct student engagement and school counseling activities. This comprehensive training ensures preparedness for the role.

  • Practicum Experience – Approved school counseling programs must incorporate a practicum with at least 100 hours. This practicum should include 40 supervised hours of group and individual counseling. Counseling experiences should span pre-K through 12th-grade students.
  • Internship Requirement – A 600-hour internship is mandatory for aspiring school counselors. The internship must take place in an elementary or secondary environment. Involves a minimum of 240 hours of direct work with students, specifically engaging in school counseling-related activities.

Testing Requirements

These requirements collectively outline the process for attaining initial certification in school counseling in Alabama, emphasizing the significance of fulfilling the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP) criteria, completing a Class A Program, and understanding the test date and score adjustments implemented after September 1, 2023. More information on these adjustments is available in Educator Assessment Policies Manuals A and B.

  • Successful attainment of initial certification in school counseling is required. Prospective candidates must fulfill the Praxis requirement(s) within the framework of the AECAP.

Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program – This includes several components: Praxis Subject Assessments, Principles of Learning and Teaching, edTPA® Educative Teacher Performance Assessment, and Foundations of Reading. The AECAP is the standardized assessment program adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. Individuals must successfully fulfill the AECAP criteria to obtain certification.

The imperative for AECAP follows the satisfactory conclusion of a Class A Program. Completion of a Class A Program is a crucial step in the comprehensive process of becoming certified in the field of school counseling.

Test adjustments and score increases are effective for exams taken and applications received after September 1, 2023. The test date score may or may not be regarded as “passing.”

Background Checks

Background checks are likely required to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals working in educational settings. All applicants for school counseling licensure in Alabama must be fingerprinted as part of the background check procedure. Background checks are conducted by the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation (ASBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of this process.

  • Applicants (both in and out of state) who require a criminal history background check must register for one by visiting AIMs.

The fee must be paid by cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) or through the ALSDE educator certification online payment system.

Applicants who have not been cleared by both agencies through the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) Educator Certification Section will be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check. You can find information at https://www.alabamaachieves.org/teacher-center/teacher-certification/ about how to finish the background review procedure.

  • Please call 334-694-4557 if you have any questions about our criminal history background check process or contact bgr@alsde.edu.

Applicants can check the status of their criminal history results at the ALSDE. If your results have not been found or you have queries regarding your status, please wait 10 business days from the date of your fingerprint submission before contacting us.

Application Process

For those wishing to obtain their first Interim Employment Certificate (IEC), this application must be filled out and sent directly to the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) Educator Certification Section (5215 Gordon Persons Building Alabama State Department of Education Teacher Certification Phone: (334) 694-4557 Post Office Box 302101 Montgomery, AL 36130-2101) by the employing county/city superintendent or administrator of a qualified nonpublic or private school. Applicants must be accepted without conditions and enrolled full-time in a school counseling program certified by CACREP or an educator preparation program authorized by the state of Alabama.

The application fee will increase to $38.00 on August 1, 2023.  The fee must be paid in cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) or with a major credit card using the ALSDE Educator Certification Online Payment System.

The application packet must be accompanied by a cashier’s check, money order, or a copy of the receipt proving the confirmation number for the online payment.  Personal checks and cash will not be accepted.