Colorado Alternative School Counseling Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 9th, 2024

Alternative Pathways to Colorado School Counselor Certification

Alternative licensure options are available in Colorado for individuals who have not completed a standard school counselor degree program but have been hired by a school district and are actively pursuing their school counselor education. These paths are designed to meet the specific needs of professionals at various stages of their employment, allowing them to gain the certifications required to work as school counselors.

Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) for School Counselors

  • Typical Applicants – This pathway is designed for professional counselors who have completed a CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited counseling degree program and are in the process of completing their school counseling education requirements.
  • License Duration and Renewal – The specific duration of the license is valid for one year during which the individual must complete the necessary school counseling education requirements. Once completed, they can apply for the standard school counseling license.
  • Application Process – Professionals in this category should follow the application process outlined by the CDE for individuals transitioning from professional counseling to school counseling. This process involves submitting transcripts, proof of completion of a CACREP-accredited counseling program, and documentation of progress in meeting school counseling education requirements. More details can be found on the CDE website.

To apply for a CDE license, you need valid government-issued identification, official transcripts, proof of enrollment in a special education program, verification forms from your university and school district, confirmation of test registration or participation in a required practicum, prior work experience, and self-disclosures related to criminal history, disciplinary actions, or licensure issues. Create a licensure account on COOL and submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) within 30 days. The status of your background checks will be visible in your COOL account and application(s).

Special Services Intern (SSI) for School Counselors

  • Typical Applicants – The Special Services Intern pathway is designed for individuals who have been hired by a school district as school counselors but have not completed the required school counselor degree program.
  • License Duration and Renewal – The Special Services Intern license is typically valid for three years. It is not renewable, and individuals must transition to a standard school counseling license upon completion of their education program.
  • Application Process – Individuals applying for the Special Services Intern license should follow the guidelines provided by the CDE. This includes submitting transcripts, verification of employment, and other required documentation. More information can be found on the CDE website.

The application for a Special Services Internship Requires valid government-issued identification, official transcripts, a verification form from your school district, prior work experience, and self-disclosures related to criminal history, disciplinary actions, or licensure issues. To apply, create a licensure account in COOL, submit fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and ensure a current background check. If fingerprints have lapsed or not been submitted within 30 days, submit a new set. Complete the Special Services Intern Authorization application.

These alternative pathways to licensure in Colorado offer flexibility for individuals at different stages in their careers who are committed to becoming school counselors. By providing specific guidelines for each pathway, the state ensures that professionals have a clear roadmap to follow as they work towards meeting the necessary education and training requirements for licensure.