Florida Initial School Counselor Certification

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 17th, 2024

Initial Florida School Counselor Certification

There are two main types of certification available to school counselors in Florida:

Temporary Certificate

  • Purpose: The Florida Temporary Certificate is issued after the individual is employed in a Florida school, his/her fingerprints have been cleared and possess a valid Official Statement of Status of Eligibility. This certificate is for applicants who have not fully completed the requirement of demonstrating mastery of Professional Preparation and Education Competence.
  • Duration: Valid for a limited period, often five years.
  • Renewal: Non-renewable.

Professional Certificate

  • Purpose: The highest level of certification for school counselors in Florida, signifying a higher level of expertise and commitment to the profession.
  • Duration: Valid for five years and renewable.
  • Benefits: May offer more career opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater professional recognition.

Key Differences:

  • Requirements: Professional certificates often require more extensive qualifications and coursework.
  • Professional Status: A professional certificate generally indicates a higher level of expertise and commitment to the profession.

Note: The specific requirements for temporary and professional school counselor certification in Florida may vary, so it’s essential to consult the Florida Department of Education’s guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Education or Degree Requirements

Aspiring school counselors must meet specific education criteria to qualify for a non-renewable Temporary or Professional Certification for School Counseling (Grades PK-12) in Florida. There are two plans outlined in Rule 6A-4.0181:

Plan One:

  • A master’s or higher degree in guidance and counseling or school counseling (see Master’s programs in School Counseling).
  • The degree should include at least 600 clock hours of supervised internship serving school-aged students in a prekindergarten, elementary, or secondary school setting.

Plan Two:

  • A master’s or higher degree in guidance and counseling or school counseling (see Master’s programs in School Counseling).
  • The degree should include at least 600 clock hours of supervised internship with school-aged children and their families.
  • At least nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit in specific areas:
    • Student appraisal and evaluation methods in prekindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools.
    • College and career planning for prekindergarten, elementary, and secondary school students.
    • Principles, philosophy, organization, and administration of a comprehensive school counseling program.
    • Consultation skills and techniques for conferring with groups such as agencies, teachers, and parents.

Applicants using Plan Two need verification from the employing school district confirmation that a school counselor with a state-issued professional certificate will act as the applicant’s mentor during the first two (2) years of employment as a school counselor.

Experience Requirements

For both Plan One and Plan Two, the common requirement is a minimum of 600 clock hours of supervised internship. Plan Two applicants need to secure a mentor (a school counselor with a state-issued professional certificate) during their first two (2) years of employment as a school counselor.

Tips:

  • Actively seek internships or practicum experiences that provide a diverse range of counseling opportunities with school-aged students.
  • Establish a good working relationship with your mentor, as they will play a crucial role in your initial years as a school counselor.

Testing Requirements

The testing requirements for Florida educator certification, specifically for School Counseling PK–12 (018), are as follows:

  • Exam NameSchool Counseling PK–12 (018)
  • Format – Computer-based test (CBT) with approximately 80 multiple-choice questions
  • Testing Time – 2 hours and 30 minutes (additional time for registration)
  • Passing Score – A scaled score of at least 200
  • Test Fee – $150
  • Test Dates – By appointment, year-round
  • Test Sites – CBT sites are located throughout Florida and nationwide.

The total appointment time will be longer than the testing time shown, and any breaks taken are considered part of the available testing time. Pass/non-pass status is typically provided immediately after testing, and all score reports are released within 4 weeks of testing.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification in Florida to ensure that individuals seeking certification do not have disqualifying criminal offenses. This helps maintain the integrity and safety of the educational system by screening applicants for any potential risks.

Requirements for Background Check:

  • Fingerprinting – Every person seeking certification must undergo fingerprinting. This involves submitting fingerprints to both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for statewide checks and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for federal criminal records checks.
  • Screening for Criminal Offenses – The results of the background check are used to screen for any criminal offense records. If an applicant has a disqualifying offense, it may impact their eligibility for certification.

Situational Requirements:

  • Employees of Public Schools – Employees of traditional and charter public schools typically have fingerprints taken through the school district’s personnel office for employment. Results are forwarded to Educator Certification. Clear results lead to certificate issuance within 30 days.
  • Employees of Nonpublic Schools – Individuals with a Statement of Status of Eligibility (SOE) in an approved nonpublic school must follow specific fingerprint processing instructions. The school administrator submits a request to issue the certificate after cleared records are received.
  • Individuals Not Seeking Florida Employment – For those not seeking immediate employment, such as U.S. citizens eligible for a Professional Certificate, fingerprinting is required before certificate issuance. However, if processed before Florida employment, reprocessing may be necessary, and a second fee may apply.

Application Process

To apply for a School Counselor Certificate in Florida, prospective candidates must follow a comprehensive application process outlined by the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE). This includes a completed application form, processing fee, official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities, and copies of active and expired certifications.

Candidates have the flexibility to choose between paper and online application submissions.

Once submitted, specialists at the Bureau of Educator Certification review the materials to determine eligibility for a Florida certificate. If eligible, an Official Statement of Eligibility (SOE) is issued, valid for three years, and outlining specific requirements for full state certification.

The application fee is $75 and can be paid online or through the U.S. Postal Service.

The FLDOE application portal accepts VISA, MasterCard debit, or credit cards only. If submitting through the U.S. Postal Service, cashier’s checks, personal checks, or money orders may be included.

For assistance with the application, contact the Educator Certification department at the FLDOE. You can reach an automated inquiry service at 800-445-6739, email inquiries, or schedule an appointment to meet with a specialist in person. The office is located on the second floor of the Turlington Building in Tallahassee during regular office hours.