Hawaii Initial School Counselor Certification
AKA: Provisional License
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This pathway is designed for individuals seeking their first-time school counselor certification. The Provisional School Counselor Certification is a non-renewable credential with a validity period of three (3) years. Eligibility for this certification requires individuals to possess a master’s degree in school counseling from a regionally accredited institution or its equivalent.
Candidates have several options for fulfilling the certification requirements. Follow the information below to learn how you can satisfy these requirements.
To qualify for school counselor certification in Hawaii, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution within the United States or its equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Additionally, they must have successfully completed a state-approved school counselor education program.
Learn more about master’s programs in school counseling.
Tips:
To attain certification as a school counselor in Hawaii, it is necessary to achieve a score of 156 or higher on the Professional School Counselor Exam, identified by the ETS Test Code 5421. For additional details regarding this examination or to enroll for a testing session, please visit the Praxis website.
ETS discontinued paper-delivered testing, but Praxis tests will continue for ADA accommodations. Scores are reportable for 10 years. Scores are sent to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board if tested in Hawaii. Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests and Praxis Subject Assessments may be required for educator preparation programs. Dual programs may require tests in both content areas.
Educators in Hawaii seeking licensure or permits are subjected to a rigorous suitability review, which evaluates their character and conduct. To facilitate this evaluation, applicants are required to respond to a set of Professional Fitness Questions. Any deliberate falsification or misrepresentation can lead to the rejection of a license, certificate, or permit application.
Licensed educators are obligated to promptly disclose any infractions to the board within 30 days. This includes instances of termination, resignations executed under duress of termination, as well as any felony or misdemeanor convictions. This stringent disclosure policy is implemented to uphold the integrity and efficiency of their professional responsibilities.
Social Security Number Requirement – Starting April 1, 2022, HTSB mandates applicants to disclose their Social Security Number and submit a readable card before issuance or renewal of licenses, permits, or certificates, or their application will be considered incomplete.
To initiate the application process for a Hawaii School Counselor license, you must complete your profile and application on the Department of Education website.
Ensure the submission of your documents are in PDF, Word, or JPG/JPEG format through the Documents tab in your HTSB online account. The information on your valid government-issued photo identification must align with the profile details on your HTSB account and all submitted documents. In the event it becomes necessary, additional documentation may be requested for evaluation.
Initiate your application by completing the online profile and application available on the official Department of Education website.
Document Requirements:
Ensure the submission of official transcripts from all attended colleges/universities, covering transfer credits leading to the conferred degree.
Submission Options:
Submit your application online through the Department of Education website. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional paper application, send a your application to the State of Hawaii Department of Education, Office of Human Resources, Teacher Recruitment Unit, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu HI 96804.
For additional assistance regarding the school counselor license, please reach out to the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at 808-586-2600 between 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM (HST). You can also contact a specialist via email at htsb@hawaii.gov.
During HTSB’s peak application period, the processing of your application may extend up to six (6) weeks, particularly if licensing specialists await supporting documentation from relevant agencies, schools, or organizations.