Georgia School Counselor Certification Renewal

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 18th, 2024

Certification Renewal Process for Georgia School Counselors

The Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) has established clear guidelines for the renewal of the Standard Professional Certificate for school counselors.

Initial Certification Period:

  • The initial Standard Professional certificate for Georgia School Counselors is valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal requirements must be met within this time frame.

Renewal Requirements:

To renew your certification, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Criminal Record Check: A criminal record check is mandatory for renewal. The employing Local Unit of Authority (LUA) is responsible for ensuring this check is completed.
  • Professional Development: Engage in professional learning activities by participating in your LUA’s professional learning community. Document your participation with your supervisor’s verification.

Renewal Certification Fee:  Pay a $20 renewal certification fee.

Exemptions from Professional Learning Requirements

Certain individuals may be exempt from meeting professional learning requirements. These include:

  • Holders of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification in a relevant field.
  • Individuals certified in specific service fields (Speech and Language Pathology, Audiology, School Psychology, School Counseling, and School Social Work) who meet optional requirements associated with GaPSC-accepted state or national credentials.

Educators employed by a Georgia LUA must meet professional learning requirements unless exempted. Exemptions include NBPTS certification and specific service fields’ optional requirements.

For educators not employed in Georgia, renewal requirements must have been completed within the five years preceding the renewal application. This can include college coursework, Professional Learning Units (PLUs), Continuing Education Units (CEUs), BFTS-approved training, or successful educator experience in another state.

Renewal Cycle:

Georgia certificates typically have a validity period from July 1 to June 30. Renewal applications can be submitted from December 1 of the preceding calendar year to June 30 of the calendar year in which the certificate expires.

Renewal Application Process

Renewal applications for individuals employed by a Georgia LUA must be submitted electronically by the LUA. Those not employed by a Georgia LUA can apply according to the outlined procedures on the GaPSC website.

For those whose most recent renewable certification expired between June 30, 2011, and June 30, 2017, renewal credit is not required for reinstatement.

Retired Georgia Educators not wishing to meet renewal requirements may apply for a Retired Educator Certificate as outlined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.44.