Certification Renewal Process for School Counselors
The Kansas Licensure Application System (see KLAS application process information) requires applicants to renew their Initial School Specialist License within five (5) years of its issuance. If the license was issued more than five (5) years ago, verification of the last license or renewal requirements is required. The application process involves registering a username and password on the KLAS website, accessing the “2.KLAS-Use only for Forms 2, 3a, 8, 20 or 21” menu option, and submitting the form.
Upgrading an Initial School Specialist License requires one (1) year of accredited experience in an endorsement area. For Professional School Specialist License renewal, applicants living in the state must earn 120 professional development points, 60 points for retired individuals, and 80 points for retired individuals.
Other renewal options include completing a program, verifying three (3) years of accredited experience, or achieving National Board Certification. Application processing time is 6-8 weeks.
Renewal of Initial School Specialist License
Requirements:
- If within five (5) years of the issuance of the initial license (2-Year), submit application Form 20 and processing fee.
- If the last initial license (2-Year) was issued more than five (5) years ago or renewal requirements were not verified, submit verification of one of the following:
- Passing scores for the appropriate content assessment(s).
- Eight (8) semester hours of recent credit related to endorsement(s) on the initial license.
- One (1) year of recent accredited experience in your initial endorsement(s) area.
- Completion of professional development points awarded by a Kansas local professional development council (160 points, including at least 80 points for college credit) or (120 points with an advanced degree).
- If completing a program to add a new endorsement during this license period, renew on eight (8) of the semester credit hours completed.
Application Process:
- Register a username and password on the Kansas Licensure Application System website.
- Log in and access the “2.KLAS-Use only for Forms 2, 3a, 8, 20 or 21” menu option.
- Fill in the form and submit it.
- See specific requirements on the KS Dept of Education website.
Upgrading an Initial School Specialist License to a Professional School Specialist License
Requirements:
- Completion of one (1) year of accredited experience in an endorsement area under the initial license.
- If upgrading an initial teaching license, follow the mentoring program requirements specified on the valid license.
Application Process:
- Register a username and password on the Kansas Licensure Application System website.
- Log in and access the “2.KLAS-Use only for Forms 2, 3a, 8, 20 or 21” menu option.
- Fill in the form and submit it.
- See specific requirements on the KS Dept of Education website.
Renewal of Professional School Specialist License
Requirements:
Applicants Living in State:
- If the applicant holds a graduate degree:
- Earn 120 professional development points awarded by a Kansas local professional development council under an approved individual development plan.
- If retired, earn 60 professional development points.
- If the applicant does not hold a graduate degree:
- Earn 160 professional development points, including at least 80 points for college credit.
- If retired, earn 80 professional development points, including at least 40 points for college credit.
- Other renewal options include completing a program, verifying three (3) years of accredited experience, or achieving National Board Certification.
Applicants Living Out of State:
a. Kansas License Currently Valid:
- Follow the same renewal pathways as applicants living in-state.
b. Kansas License Expired:
- Work through the Licensure Review Committee as your professional development council to earn points.
- Complete a form to file an individual development plan with the Licensure Review Committee. Contact Licensure at (785) 296-2288 for more information.
- Alternatively, reinstate your Kansas license as a professional license if you have been employed out-of-state in a state-accredited school system under a valid license or certificate for at least three (3) of the last six (6) years and you have achieved a professional-level license in that state.
Application Process:
Additional Information:
- Application processing time is 6-8 weeks.
- Fingerprint cards and a $50 fee are required for background clearance.
- Always review license requirements before applying or renewing.
- Monitor the progress of your application using the Educator License Lookup.