What's Here? - Table of Contents
The Professional School Counselor Certificate is a program designed for individuals seeking to become certified school counselors (see CT regulations on educator certification). It requires 30 months of successful service under a provisional educator certificate, interim educator certificate, or provisional teaching certificate, and 45 semester hours of graduate credit in counseling and related areas. The program focuses on strengthening skills in psychology, sociology, and special education.
The certificate is renewable and can be renewed online or through a paper-based ED 179 application. Applicants must submit documentation online or through a paper-based application, and the renewal process follows a similar timeline, requiring individuals to plan well in advance to ensure a smooth and timely renewal.
Before applying for the professional educator certificate for school counseling, candidates need to have practical experience in an educational setting, demonstrating their effectiveness as educators for a minimum of 30 months.
To qualify for the professional educator certificate, candidates must have a solid academic background, earning 45 semester hours of graduate credit in counseling and related fields. This coursework should cover essential areas required for the initial educator certificate. The additional semester hours of graduate credit should focus on enhancing skills and knowledge pertinent to the provisional educator certificate, including coursework in disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and special education.
The renewal process can be initiated online through the CECS portal or by submitting a paper-based ED 179 application.
Renewal is a straightforward process, offering flexibility in application submission. Applicants can choose between the convenience of online submission through the CECS portal or traditional paper-based application using the ED 179 form.
Unlike many certifications, renewing the professional educator certificate for school counseling is cost-free, and there is no need to provide documentation of professional development in the form of Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Allow approximately 2-3 months for processing after submitting the renewal application. To streamline the renewal process, applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting applications early is advisable to secure a timely renewal.
To avoid any disruptions in their roles as certified school counselors, individuals are strongly encouraged to plan for renewal well before their certificates expire. Proactive planning ensures a seamless transition and continued certification status.
These requirements and processes aim to maintain the quality and standards of certified school counselors while offering a manageable and efficient certification and renewal system.