Alaska Advanced Special Services Certificate

AKA: National Board Certified School Counselor

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: August 5th, 2024

Advanced Special Services (Type C) Certification

Applicants for the Advanced Special Services Certificate must hold a current Regular (5-year) Type C Special Services certificate, current National Certification, and have completed four obligatory trainings within the last five years. National school counselor certification means certification in school counseling earned by meeting the standards set out by a nationally recognized education governing body approved by the commissioner. You can learn more here about The National Certified School Counselor.

The Advanced Special Services (Type C) certificate is intended for experienced school counselors seeking to develop their careers in Alaska. It is valid for the duration of the National Certification validity period and is renewable. Candidates must meet tough requirements, such as a higher level of education, substantial experience, and ongoing professional growth.

The department issues an advanced special services certificate (Advanced Type C) to applicants who qualify for a special services certificate (Type C) under 4 AAC 12.360, earn national certification, and submit a completed application form, a copy of the national certification for each area, and a fingerprint card.

  • If the applicant has not passed a criminal background check, they must submit a fingerprint card, a name-based criminal history background check, and the fee for the criminal background check. The certificate is valid only for each area of national certification and the term of the applicable national certification. Click here to learn how to perform your criminal history background check.

Renewal of Advanced Special Services (Type C) Certificate

To renew, applicants must complete six renewal credits and four mandatory training within the previous five years.

Renewal credits can be earned from accredited universities, pre-approved non-academic credit, or continuing education units. If the certificate expires, a 12-month reinstatement period is entered. Those holding a renewable certificate must apply for an Initial or Reemployment certificate and meet current requirements. The application process includes answering questions, providing written explanations of incidents, and maintaining a record of training.

  • An advanced special services certificate may be renewed without paying a renewal fee by submitting a copy of a new or renewed national certification for the area for which advanced special services certification is sought.

It is not required to teach in the state and may be held instead of a regular special services certificate. The holder of an advanced special services certificate whose regular special services certificate expires before the corresponding advanced special services certificate may reinstate the expired certificate upon submission of a completed application for renewal, a transcript showing six semester hours of credit, the fee for initial issuance of a regular certificate, and proof of current employment that requires a teacher certificate in a public school of the state.