What's Here? - Table of Contents
The Kansas Department of Education facilitates the certification process for school specialists from out-of-state through two (2) distinct avenues:
The first option, the Initial Out-of-State School Specialist (see the application process here), necessitates a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25, completion of an approved program, possession of a valid out-of-state school counselor license, accredited experience, one (1) year of teaching experience or eight (8) semester credit hours within the last six (6) years, and a passing score of 156 or above on the Professional School Counselor Exam. Utilizing the Kansas Licensure Application System (KLAS), applicants can submit their applications online.
Comprehensive background checks from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are mandatory, along with the submission of official transcripts, documentation of an approved program, out-of-state school counselor license, accredited experience, recency requirements, and the examination score. The application fee for out-of-state candidates is $70.
For those facing deficiencies in completing the required coursework, the provisional School Specialist certification offers flexibility, maintaining a similar application process but with a more comprehensive set of requirements (download the application here).
Requirements for Certification:
Application Process:
Background Checks:
Documentation:
Fees:
Mail your payment to the Teacher Licensure and Accreditation, KSDE, located at the Landon State Office Building, 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 106, Topeka, KS 66612-1212.
Requirements for Certification:
Application Process:
Background Checks:
Documentation:
Fees:
These avenues provide options for individuals coming from out-of-state to apply for school specialist certification in Kansas, with the initial application pathway requiring a more comprehensive set of requirements compared to the provisional application pathway, which offers some flexibility for applicants with deficiencies in meeting the requirements.
It is essential to note that the processing fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee the issuance of a license. Please be aware that KSDE has transitioned away from printing and mailing paper licenses.