Kansas Initial School Counselor Certification

AKA: Initial School Specialist License

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: December 5th, 2024

Initial Kansas School Counselor Certification – Initial School Counselor License

To become a school counselor in Kansas, one must navigate a rigorous certification process. This isn’t merely a bureaucratic hurdle, but a testament to the critical role school counselors play in shaping young lives. The initial step towards this esteemed profession is obtaining the Initial School Specialist License (see Kansas Admin Code’s specific license requirements). This certification is a badge of honor, a marker of both academic prowess and practical experience.

To earn this license, one must possess a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution. Beyond academic qualifications, candidates must complete additional field experiences, immersing themselves in real-world settings to hone their craft. The final hurdle is a state board-approved school counselor assessment, a rigorous test designed to evaluate their readiness to take on the challenges and rewards of the profession.

Education or Degree Requirements

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in school counseling from an accredited institution of higher education. All see all schools hosting school counseling degree programs in Kansas.

Additional requirements related to the applicants master’s program:

  • Graduate Degree Verification (Transcript): Applicants must provide an official transcript demonstrating the conferral of a graduate degree. The degree should be from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum GPA Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale in the coursework completed as part of the graduate school specialist program.

For those seeking a school counselor endorsement, additional requirements include either a currently valid initial teaching license or professional teaching license OR successful completion of additional field experiences during the approved program.

Tips:

  • Ensure that your graduate degree is from accredited institutions recognized by the state board.
  • Prepare thoroughly for the state board-approved school specialist assessment to demonstrate proficiency in your specialized area.

Experience Requirements

Applicants should carefully document and provide evidence of their relevant experience or coursework to meet this requirement during the application process. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that applicants have practical experience or additional academic training that complements their graduate education and prepares them for the responsibilities associated with the school counselor role.

  • Applicants must verify at least one (1) year of recent experience or at least eight (8) semester hours of recent credit. This experience could be in the form of relevant work experience or additional coursework related to the specialized study area.
  • The experience should be recent and relevant to the field of education or the specific school specialist area being pursued.

Testing Requirements

To qualify for this license, applicants must complete a content knowledge assessment.  The assessments are administered by the Educational Testing Services (ETS) as part of the ETS Praxis II Series for teaching or school specialist tests.

  • Applicants must pass the Professional School Counselor Exam (ETS Test Code 5421) with a score of 156 or greater.
  • For more information and to register for the exam, visit the Praxis website.

Exemptions from the tests are available for:

  • Experienced educators who meet specific experience and licensure requirements.
  • Applicants who have completed comparable out-of-state assessment(s) and have achieved licensure in another state.
  • Initial Kansas applicants who are National Board Certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
  • Applicants who were licensed or certified before May 1, 1986.

Background Checks

A background check is required for certification to ensure the safety and suitability of individuals seeking licensure, especially in professions involving education, such as teaching and school counseling. It helps identify any criminal history, ensuring that educators meet ethical and legal standards in their interactions with students and the community.

To meet the background check requirements for certification in Kansas, individuals must submit fingerprints through Live Scan (KSDE Code – 902KS1600) or using the Kansas Preformatted Card (FBI, FD 258). There is a $50 fingerprint processing fee associated with the background check.

Here’s a brief overview of the requirements for each method:

1. Live Scan Fingerprinting (in Kansas):

  • Schedule an appointment with a local law enforcement agency using Live Scan.
  • Bring a picture ID, a printed copy of KBI LiveScan instructions, and payment for any agency fees.
  • Complete personal information during the appointment and provide the KSDE Code – 902KS1600.
  • After the appointment, log into the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS) to pay the $50 fee and complete the process.

2. Fingerprinting (in Kansas without Live Scan):

  • Schedule an appointment with a local law enforcement agency or fingerprint entity.
  • Bring a blank fingerprint card (if requested from KSDE), picture ID, Background Waiver Form, and payment for any agency fees.
  • Complete personal information during the appointment, and submit the completed card, $50 background fee, and Background Waiver Form to KSDE by mail at KSDE; Attention: Teacher Licensure, 900 SW Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612-1212.

3. Fingerprinting (outside Kansas):

  • Schedule an appointment with a local law enforcement agency or fingerprint entity.
  • Bring a blank fingerprint card (if requested from KSDE), picture ID, Background Waiver Form, and payment for any agency fees.
  • Complete personal information during the appointment, and submit the completed card, $50 background fee, and Background Waiver Form to KSDE by mail at Attention: Teacher Licensure, 900 SW Jackson, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612-1212.

It’s essential to separate the $50 background fee from the license application fee and follow specific instructions to ensure a smooth process. The fees cover the cost of the background check conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

You may submit materials for criminal background checks to the Kansas State Department of Education at KSDE, Attention: Teacher Licensure, 900 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 102, Topeka, KS 66612-1212. For inquiries related to licensure, you can contact the Licensure Operator at TLALicense@ksde.org or call (785) 296-2288.

Application Process

Applicants will need to adhere to the specified guidelines (see application instructions here) and provide accurate information in the online application forms, ensuring completeness and attention to detail for a smooth and efficient processing of your application.

1. Access the Application Form:

2. Create a User Name and Password:

  • Register a username and password for the current application process. Click on the register button to display the KSDE User Registration Form. Follow the steps to complete the registration process.

3. Log in and Access the Application Form:

  • Log in with the username and password you created to see the KSDE Web Applications” link and click on the License Application” menu option to access the application form you need.

4. Fill in the Form and Submit:

  • Fill in and submit the form with the required information.

5. Application Fees & Payment:

  • The application fee for the school specialist license is $60. Payment can be made via personal check, cashiers check, money order, electronic check, or credit card.

6. Complete Application Materials:

  • Provide additional materials such as official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, score report from ETS for the Professional School Counselor Exam, and the application fee.

7. Submit Your Application:

Additional Assistance:

  • For technical support or assistance with the application process, contact the KLAS helpline at (785) 296-7935 or email helpdesk@ksde.org.
  • For assistance with the School Counselor license application, contact the Kansas Department of Education at (785) 296-2280 and ask to speak with a specialist.