Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors
Florida provides a reciprocity option for school counselors seeking certification. Individuals holding a valid or certified school counseling credential from another state or U.S. territory can pursue certification in Florida. The application process involves submitting copies of both the front and back of the endorsing documents along with details of counseling experience.
The certification fee for reciprocity is $75, payable when submitting the complete application packet through the Department of Education application portal on the FLDOE website.
Route 1: Valid Standard Certificate from a State Other than Florida
Certification Requirements:
- The certificate must be a valid standard educator’s certificate from the state of origin.
- It should be comparable to a Florida Professional Certificate.
- The certificate must be issued in a subject comparable to a Florida certification subject.
- The training level required for certification in the state of origin should be the same or higher than that in Florida.
- The certificate must be currently valid (not expired or revoked).
Application Process:
- Initiate the “Steps to Certification” through this link.
- Apply for a Florida Professional Certificate in the same subject as indicated on the valid out-of-state certificate.
- Provide documentation confirming the validity of the out-of-state certificate.
Route 2: Certificate Issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
Certification Requirements:
- The NBPTS certificate must be currently valid.
- The Florida certificate will reflect the Florida subject considered comparable to the NBPTS subject.
Application Process:
- Begin the “Steps to Certification” through this link.
- Apply for a Florida Professional Certificate, specifying the Florida subject comparable to the NBPTS subject.
- Provide documentation confirming the validity of the NBPTS certificate.
Additional Resources:
A list of Florida certification subjects and a chart comparing Florida subjects to NBPTS certification areas are available to help determine the relevant Florida subject.
Explore the “Certificate Types and Requirements” section for detailed information on qualifications and options for eligibility.
If additional help is needed to complete the reciprocity certification application, individuals can contact the Bureau of Education Certification office during regular business hours at 850-245-9796 or submit a contact form.