Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors
If you’re seeking a District of Columbia educator credential and already possess an active full credential or license from another US state or territory, you may be eligible for certification through reciprocity. Reciprocity can only be applied during your initial application. Subsequent D.C. educator credentials will be based on satisfying District-of-Columbia-specific requirements.
Avenue 1: Pathways for Credential Holders from Another State
If you’ve completed an approved program or coursework sequence required in another state for a standard or professional credential, you may qualify. You must also provide passing scores for comparable licensing exams from the issuing state. If scores aren’t available, passing scores for the prescribed D.C. exams are required. The exams vary based on the credential type. Documentation includes your active out-of-state credential, FBI Identity History Summary Check, official transcripts, and test scores.
Requirements for Certification:
Approved Program or Coursework:
- Completion of an approved program or coursework required in the other state to obtain a standard or professional credential.
Licensing Exams:
- Provide passing scores for comparable licensing exams necessary to obtain the credential in another US state or territory.
Passing Scores for D.C. Exams:
- If unable to provide passing scores for comparable exams from another state, passing scores for the prescribed District of Columbia exams are required.
Required Exams by Credential Type:
- School service providers and school principal credentials: Subject content exam(s) in the specialty area (see specific exam requirements).
Application Process:
Required Documents:
- Copy of active standard or professional educator credential(s) from another state.
- Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency.
- Official transcripts from institutions where degrees and coursework for the credential were earned.
- Test scores for exams passed in the state where the credential is held or D.C. exams are required.
Additional Documentation for Alternative Programs:
- If completed an alternative educator preparation program, submit a Program Completion Verification Form signed by the certification officer.
Avenue 2: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Pathway
For those with active NBPTS certification in a subject and grade level comparable to the D.C. credential sought, D.C. educator credentialing exams are not needed. Required documents include NBPTS credential, active out-of-state credential, FBI Identity History Summary Check, official transcripts, and foreign credential evaluation report if applicable.
Requirements for Certification:
Active NBPTS Certification:
- Hold an active national certification from NBPTS in a subject area and grade level comparable to the D.C. credential sought.
Active Full Educator Credential:
- Â Possess an active full educator credential(s) held in another state.
Application Process:
Required Documents:
- Copy of active NBPTS credential.
- Copy of active full educator credential(s) from another state.
- Identity History Summary Check (IHSC) issued by the FBI or an approved FBI channeler agency.
- Official transcripts from institution(s) where degrees and coursework for the credential were earned.
Common Reminders for Applying via Avenue 1 or 2:
- Collect all required documents.
- Contact institutions or agencies to send official copies to you or directly to OSSE.
- If documents are physical, scan them as complete PDF files. Ensure the OSSE licensure system accepts only complete PDF files, not “JPG,” “tiff,” or “PNG” files.
- Upload scanned documents to your online application.
- Submit your application with the non-refundable $50 processing fee for each credential area. Incomplete applications will be rejected.
For more information, visit the OSSE website. If you have questions, contact OSSE at OSSE.ECIS@dc.gov.