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Pathways to Initial School Counselor Certification
If you have never worked as a school counselor before, there are two basic ways to get started in Colorado. The first option requires applicants to have finished their master’s degree program, but the second does not.
The second pathway provides temporary licensure to those who are enrolled in a school counselor degree program but have not completed, or have completed a CACREP degree program in counseling (other than school counseling,) and are completing a specific program to meet the school counselor’s initial license requirements.
Initial Special Services License (Standard Pathway)
- Typical Applicants – Individuals who have completed a master’s degree program in school counseling.
Temporary Educator Eligibility and Special Services Intern (Alternative Pathway)
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Typical Applicants –
- Individuals who are enrolled in a school counselor degree program but have not yet completed it.
- Individuals who have completed a CACREP degree program in counseling (not school counseling) and are completing a specific program to meet school counseling initial license requirements.
- See Alternative School Counseling Certification in Colorado for detailed information on this pathway.
Standard Pathway Initial School Counselor Certification
This route is intended for new school counselors. Individuals who have finished a master’s degree program in school counseling are typical applicants. The Initial Special Services License is usually good for three years, with a $90 application fee. The license is renewable. Renewal requirements may include completing professional development or continuing education courses, attending relevant workshops or conferences, and maybe showing good performance as a school counselor. It is critical to confirm the most recent renewal criteria with the Colorado Department of Education.
Education or Degree Requirements
To become a first-time school counselor in Colorado, individuals must meet the following education requirements:
- Obtain a Master’s or higher degree in School Counseling from an institution accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Tips:
- Ensure your chosen institution holds accreditation from CACREP for your degree to meet licensure requirements.
- If your master’s program is not CACREP-accredited, initiate the equivalency evaluation process promptly through CCE-Global.
Experience Requirements
You will need to complete a minimum of:
- 100-clock-hour practicum.
- 600-clock-hour internship with multiple grade levels of students under the supervision of a licensed school counselor.
Tips:
- Seek diverse experiences during your internship to work with various student populations.
- Engage actively in the practicum to gain hands-on experience and enhance your counseling skills.
Testing Requirements
The Praxis Professional School Counselor exam, also known as the Praxis 5422 exam, is meant to assess aspiring school counselors’ abilities, knowledge, and general proficiency. This examination, also known as the Praxis II School Counseling exam, is one of the Praxis Subject Assessments required by Colorado states for licensure and certification.
Although anyone can take this computer-based exam, it is designed for people who have completed field training. This Praxis test is required in Colorado as part of the certification process for becoming a school counselor for grades K-12.
Those who pass this Praxis 5422 exam demonstrate their grasp of requirements based on the American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model. The exam is comprised of 120 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 156.
Tips:
- Prepare thoroughly for the PRAXIS exam using available study materials.
- Confirm the specific exam code and requirements applicable during your testing window.
Background Checks
A background check is required to ensure the suitability of individuals working with students. The Colorado State Board of Education (CDE) mandates that applicants submit a complete set of fingerprints (see CDE fingerprinting process) to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before applying.
This is mandatory if the applicant holds no other valid CDE-issued credential, has physically relocated from Colorado for more than a year, or has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor after obtaining a credential.
The My Profile section of the COOL account indicates if the applicant has fulfilled this requirement.
- Requirements – Complete a comprehensive background check, including checks for criminal history and potentially other relevant factors.
- Fees – Payments for background checks must be made in US Dollars and sent to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at the Biometric Identification and Records Unit. Fees vary and court orders to seal arrests cost $20.00.
Tips:
- Be proactive in addressing any potential concerns in your background to avoid delays in the licensure process.
- Keep documentation of any required background check information for future reference.
- Important: If an initial application is not filed within 30 days of CDE receiving an individual’s background checks, the individual will be required to submit another set of fingerprints for licensure.
Application Process
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requires applicants to submit a completed online application for a Colorado School Counselor certification.
The application should include information about all colleges and universities attended, official transcripts, a completed Approved Program Verification Form, proof of a completed and passed content exam, and details of employment history for at least five years before the application date. All special service provider experience should be included, even if more than five years before the application date.
Copies of active and expired special service provider licenses must be included with the application. Self-disclosure documents related to criminal, employment, and licensure history are required. The application fee is $90 for in-state and $110 for out-of-state. For more information, contact the Educator Talent department at the CDE or call (303) 866-6628.
The application must be submitted online, and the Educator Talent department can be contacted for assistance. The Educator Talent – Licensing Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm, and 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. The CDE website provides a checklist and instructions for applying.
To keep organized, you may want to explore the CDE checklist for this certification.