Indiana Initial School Counselor Certification

Original School Services Certification (Initial Practitioner License)

The Initial Practitioner License is the most common pathway under Indiana’s broad professional category of School Services. This pathway allows for initial licensure renewal twice, contingent upon the license holder not accumulating two (2) years of full-time teaching.

The application process is facilitated online through the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) on the Indiana DOE website, with associated fees for eligibility determination and license issuance.

Follow below to learn about the specific requirements for this certification:

Education or Degree Requirements

To meet the education or degree requirements for Indiana School Counselor Certification, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

Master’s Degree or Higher:

• Obtain a master’s degree in school counseling.
• Ensure that the degree is earned from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Verify the accreditation status of the institution before enrolling in the program. Find all schools offering school counseling programs in Indiana.

Tip: Research and choose a reputable and accredited institution offering a comprehensive school counseling program. Check for program reviews, faculty qualifications, and alumni testimonials to ensure a quality educational experience.

Completed Coursework in School Service Standards:

The Master’s degree must include completed coursework in school service standards. School service standards typically cover various aspects of counseling in an educational setting, including academic, career, and personal/social development.

Tip: When selecting courses within the school counseling program, focus on those that align with Indiana’s school service standards. Consult with academic advisors to ensure your coursework meets the specific requirements.

Beyond academic qualifications, some additional courses are also required, including obtaining CPR and AED certification with a CPR Card and completing Suicide Prevention Training. These additional certifications ensure that prospective school counselors are equipped with essential skills to address emergencies and contribute to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

CPR and AED Course with CPR Card:

Indiana’s initial teaching license requires applicants to have completed training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, removal of foreign bodies, and the Heimlich Maneuver. Starting July 1, 2011, an automated external defibrillator (AED) must be used, and a valid certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association is required.

• Current Indiana educators must show proof of valid CPR/AED/Heimlich certification.
• Out-of-state applicants can upload a promissory note to complete CPR/AED/Heimlich certification within one (1) year of receiving an Indiana license.

Suicide Prevention Training:

• An educator license applicant must demonstrate successful completion of education and training on child suicide prevention and recognizing signs of a student considering suicide.
• The training should be completed at least two (2) hours every three (3) school years (see specifics of the training programs here).

The training must demonstrate effectiveness and be recommended by the Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council. It is required for all teachers in Indiana’s schools including school counselors.

Experience Requirements

The specific experience requirements involve completing five (5) years of experience as a School Counselor in an entity listed in 515 IAC 1-5-1(a) after receiving the Proficient Practitioner License.

Testing Requirements

Indiana educators can take Praxis tests (see Praxis prep materials) to demonstrate their knowledge of content, pedagogy, and instructional skills. To qualify for licensure, candidates must establish an account in the online License Verification and Information System (LVIS), complete an approved licensure program, and complete applicable licensure tests.

• Score reporting is automatic if tested in Indiana at a test center or using the Praxis test at-home solution, and if not, the Indiana Department of Education must be selected as a score recipient (see specific certification requirements and overview for this Praxis exam).
• To request additional score reports, the Indiana Department of Education must be selected with each additional score report request.

Background Checks

A background check is mandatory for school counselor certification to ensure student safety and well-being (see Indiana Department of Education’s overview of background checks). These checks assess a candidate’s criminal history and identify potential disqualifying factors. Educational authorities aim to maintain a secure and supportive school environment, promoting trust and confidence in the school counseling staff. This measure aligns with the commitment to prioritize student safety and welfare in the educational system.

As of July 1, 2016, school employers are mandated to conduct expanded criminal history (see Frequently Asked Questions for the background check process) and expanded child protection index (ECPI) checks for new employees. This applies to school corporations, charter schools, and non-public schools with one or more employees. The timelines for obtaining these checks will change from prior legislation.

• Applicants with direct, ongoing contact with children must obtain an ECH check within 30 days and an ECPI check within 60 days.

The 2015 General Assembly expanded the definition of an “expanded criminal history check” to include a background check by a consumer reporting agency, a search of all associated names, and records maintained by all counties in Indiana and other states.

• The check is provided by IdentoGO, a private company. School administrators should contact their ECH vendor to confirm if their services include the required ECPI check. As of July 1, 2017, schools must require updated ECH and ECPI checks every five (5) years.

Application Process

Submitting applications for a new School Services License is facilitated through the Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS) (see application instructions here).

• To initiate the application process, log in to your LVIS account and navigate to the School Services section.

Choose between Indiana or out-of-state programs, and proceed to add a recommended institution entry, ensuring to save the information. Subsequently, your Indiana school counselor license application will be handled by a licensing advisor from the designated institution. Answer the provided questions and upload the requisite documentation, including official transcripts from all educational institutions attended, encompassing transfer credits leading to an earned degree. Additionally, include a copy of your CPR and Heimlich maneuver certification, as well as a copy of your suicide prevention training certificate before finalizing and submitting the application.

If any materials are found to be missing, it is necessary to promptly pay for their inclusion. Complete the billing information, thoroughly review the application summary, and confirm adherence to the refund policy before applying. If the need arises to interrupt the application process, it can be saved for later retrieval.

• To monitor the status or revisit the application, access the “Application Status” feature within your LVIS account.
• The initial charge for determining eligibility for evaluation is $35, in addition to a processing fee (see licensing application fees here).

Upon successful examination, the license issuance charge amounts to $35, accompanied by a processing fee. All associated costs are nonrefundable. An automated email notification will be sent when the license issuance fee becomes due.

For detailed guidance on creating an online profile, applying, and providing the necessary supporting documentation through the portal, refer to the Licensing Advisor Manual available for download. For further assistance, please contact the licensing department at the Indiana Department of Education via phone at 317-232-9010 or email at licensinghelp@doe.in.gov.