Hawaii School Counselor Certification by Reciprocity

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: September 24th, 2024

Certification Reciprocity Process for School Counselors

School counselor license reciprocity is governed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreements. These agreements allow school counselors to use qualifying education and experience in one state for licensure in another, known as licensure by endorsement. Provisional or temporary licensure may be available for non-full licensure applicants.

Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) honors reciprocity for jurisdictional approved preparation programs leading to licensure, licenses, and verifiable relevant experience in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

To apply for reciprocity licensure, applicants must possess a valid unrevoked provisional or equivalent teaching license from another state issued for the first time on or after July 1, 2006. To apply for licensure, applicants must create their profile and apply through the Department of Education website.

Applicants will need to provide official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, proof of passing scores for the Professional School Counseling exam (ETS 5421), or proof of passing scores from an equivalent exam approved from the licensing state, and a copy of their current, valid license. As of February 2020, there is no application fee for the standard school counselor license.

Application Process

To apply for reciprocity licensure in Hawaii as an out-of-state candidate with a valid license, follow these steps:

  • Complete your profile and application on the Department of Education website.
  • Include official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, covering transfer credits that contributed to your earned degree.
  • Submit proof of a passing score on the Professional School Counseling exam (ETS 5421) or equivalent scores from a recognized licensing state.
  • Provide a copy of your current, valid license.
  • Ensure that your school counselor preparation program, which should involve a supervised internship/practicum, is verifiable and approved by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board.

Verification of Completion of an Educator Preparation Program:

  1. Out-of-State Programs: HTSB accepts programs leading to licensure in other states, territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CMNI). If completing an out-of-state licensure program, submit HTSB Form LA3009. Access the fillable PDF or eSign form here.
  2. Non-U.S. Programs: Non-U.S. preparation programs verified as professional educator licensure programs may be accepted. Verification must be done by a NACES evaluator, listed on the NACES Members page.

There is no application fee for the standard school counselor license as of February 2020.

For additional assistance with your reciprocity license application, reach out to a specialist at htsb@hawaii.gov or call the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at 808-586-2600. Licensure representatives are available between 7:45 AM and 4:30 PM (HST).