Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors
The Standard School Counselor Certification is renewable every five (5) years between January and June of the renewal year, while Advanced Certifications require renewal every ten (10) years.
Those using the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) route for Advanced Licensure must also renew their National Board Certification. Renewal instructions are sent via email in January to the address listed in the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board account.
Renewal materials include an online renewal application to be submitted online at the Department of Education website, verification of experience (download here), and verification of satisfying the Hawaii School Counselor Performance Standards that can be downloaded here (find Certification Renewal Guides here).
License and Permit Renewal Requirements (Hawaii Administrative Code):
- Licensees and permittees must renew their licenses or permits by or before the expiration date of the current licensure or permit period.
- Renewals involve the submission of a completed renewal application, payment of applicable fees, and adherence to renewal requirements, which may be completed through an online renewal system.
- Teaching licenses may be renewed by the board based on meeting specific renewal criteria.
- Licensees with a “Teacher Leader” designation must verify continued experience as defined by the board, or the designation will be removed upon license renewal.
- Failure to timely renew, pay fees, or meet renewal requirements results in automatic forfeiture of the license or permit, prohibiting engagement in the teaching profession.
- A forfeited license or permit can be restored within two (2) years by providing proof of compliance with renewal requirements and payment of all fees.
- Failure to timely restore a forfeited license leads to automatic termination, requiring the individual to apply for a new license and meet current application requirements.
Additional Information and Assistance:
- To renew a Standard and Advanced License, applicants should initiate the process by January 1st of the expiration year.
- Processing times, particularly during peak application periods, may extend up to six (6) weeks.
- Renewal documentation should be submitted online in PDF, Word, or JPG/JPEG format through the HTSB online account.
- Valid government-issued photo identification must match profile details on the HTSB account and submitted documents.
- Additional documentation may be requested if deemed necessary.
For renewal application inquiries, logging into the HTSB account and using the Contact HTSB tab is recommended. Questions about renewal applications can be directed to the licensure department through the HTSB online account.