Alternative Pathways to School Counselor Certification – Class G License & Class B License
Class G License
The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (IBE) grants a Class G license to individuals undergoing a school counseling practicum or internship in an approved program to obtain a professional school counselor endorsement. This license is valid for one (1) year and necessitates proof of a bachelor’s degree, admission and enrollment in a school counseling program, completion of at least 75% of required coursework and competencies, along with the written documentation of meeting the specified requirements. The license is submitted to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners along with the licensure application form.
Duration & Renewability
- Valid for one (1) year.
- Nonrenewable.
Education or Degree Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree verification.
- Admission and enrollment in a school counseling program.
- Completion of at least 75% of the coursework and competencies required before the practicum or internship.
Experience Requirements
- Completion of a school counseling practicum or internship in an approved program.
Application Process
- Verify baccalaureate degree.
- Obtain verification from the institution confirming admission and enrollment in a school counseling program.
- Verify completion of at least 75% of required coursework and competencies for practicum or internship.
- Obtain written documentation of requirements from the institution and submit it with the licensure application form to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
Class B License
A Class B license, valid for two (2) years and not renewable, may be issued to individuals pursuing an additional professional service endorsement if they have fulfilled at least two-thirds of the requirements or half of the content requirements in a state-designated shortage area. A school district administrator can submit a written request for an exception to the minimum content requirements, supported by documented need and benefit to the instructional program. The board will assess the request and issue a written decision either approving or denying it. This license expires on June 30th of the fiscal year in which it was issued, plus one (1) additional year.
Duration & Renewability:
- Valid for two (2) years.
- Nonrenewable.
- Expires on June 30th of the fiscal year in which it was issued plus one (1) year.
Education or Degree Requirements
- Possession of a valid professional service license and one or more professional service endorsements.
- Completion of at least two-thirds of the requirements for the sought endorsement or one-half of the content requirements in a state-designated shortage area.
Experience Requirements
- Completion of a school counseling practicum or internship in an approved program.
Application Process
- Submit a written request for a Class B license based on endorsement in progress or an exception to minimum content requirements (if applicable).
- The school district administrator files the written request with the board.
- The board reviews the request and provides a written decision approving or denying it.